I thought it would be good to go back to back on episodes talking about tax because at this juncture there are many Australians trying to get home for Christmas with Covid who have packed up their lives and haven’t considered some tax consequences.

This episode is mainly about what I have been banging on now for 19 years about making sure clients get their Australian tax returns filed every year while they are away if they have Australian property as an investment (meaning it has a tenant in it paying rent). 

In my journey I have come across many clients who have been charged some pretty hefty tax returns fees and I really don’t think it needs to be that high.  Frankly I think some accountants are gouging non-resident Australians abroad because they can…or they live in a city like Hong Kong where the rent for office space is high and that is reflected in the fee.  

I’ve seen one accountant charge $2,000 AUD for a single residential property tax return!  That’s not for advice…that is simply lodging a tax return when most items the client already had ready.

Darren has shown my clients and myself how simple and low cost annual tax return per property can be and at $300 AUD per property per financial year, I challenge anyone to find me a qualified accountant who can complete and lodge a simple joint tax return for an Australian residential property by a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA).

Listen to the podcast to find out how he does it and what are the items you need to be aware of in your Australian non-resident tax return each year for good lodging practice and to ensure you build up the correct amount of carry forward tax losses while you are away.

We answer the question on Australian shares and why Australian shares can be tax free growth while you are away but be careful if you leave Australia and have existing shares.

Darren’s accounting practice proves that personal attention and sticking to the Small to Medium Business market is rewarding.  If you need an accountant to help you file an Australian tax return as an expat…or even if you are back in Australia and need an accountant to help with your annual filing, Darren is in Perth but services ALL of Australia and does it from a much lower cost city that shows up in your final bill.  Go to  www.hyattpartners.com.au