Dear Sir/Madam,
We have been trying to work out if me and my partner can live overseas for periods of 12 months (then come back to australia for 6mnths, and go back overseas for 12 months, and repeat regularly) and maintain Australian tax resident status. We would rent out our property in Australia and maintain our assets here. I have a sister in Australia and mom and sister in overseas (in the country we intend to travel to), and my partner has her dad and brother in Australia. We would retire and not work. We would stay in my own apartment while overseas and travel around europe every 3-4 months for 1-2 weeks (which is the main reason of moving overseas).
I should add that both my partner and I are Australian citizens. My partner has been living her whole life in Australia and I have been living in Australia for the last 15 years. We would also keep active Australian bank accounts, superannuation, Medicare enrollment, and voter registration.
Can we still be considered Australian residents for tax purposes? Do I need a private ATO ruling to determine this before we leave Australia?
Thanks a lot!