Hello fellow travelers!!!
Was just curious if anyone could inform me the best way to do my tax return for when I leave Australia.
Which one is the easiest??? The fastest??? Etc. And is it confusing???
Depends on if you want the best way, or the easiest way?
Best way - file the tax return yourself
Easiest way - use a company such as taxback.com (or other - can't remember others off the top of my head right now)
Such a company would take a chunk out of any refund you might get.
You should be able to do the filing yourself, but I know a lot of backpackers just prefer to get someone else to do it rather than looking into all the rules/regulations. The main thing you'll need are all your employment slips from all the employers you've had while travelling (provided you haven't worked 'under the table', in that case you shouldn't file anything).
Personally, if I was using an account, I'd try and find one that did it on a fixed fee basis rather than getting a percentage of my return. Not sure how many of them do that though?!
Well I have seen some sites that just do a straight fee and they also say that if you don't get any money back then you don't get charged. Most of the sites that I have seen are a fixed fee. For anyone who has does this, how quickly did you get your money back???
Also has anyone claimed their tax back by doing it themselves? I don't like the idea of giving someone money to do it when I could easily do it myself! Is it easier or does it decrease your chances on getting most of your tax back?
Hi there,
Anyone knows if there's tax return for NZ too?
Thanks!
I always do my tax online (E-tax) and I've completed it from overseas before. All you need is your group certificate (issued at the end of the financial year - 30th June)
http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/pathway.asp?pc=001/002/014
It's straight forward and you normally get your refund within 14 days direct into an Australian bank account (or cheque if you prefer)
The only downside is that you would have to wait until the end of the financial year and follow up with your employer to get your group certificate.
There are a million and one tax accountants targeted at travelers but unless you know someone that has used a particular firm and had success, I wouldn't bother. The other thing your return will most likely be simple (i.e not claiming any complicated deductions or government bonuses etc) so you should easily be able to do it yourself.
The online software gives you an estimation of how much you can expect to be returned to you or God forbid, the amount you owe. This estimate has always been accurate for me plus if you do owe money you can not submit it and then remember to claim those deductions that had slipped your mind the first time round.
Don't forget you can also claim back your superannuation but I hear it's easier to cross Bass Strait in a kayak ( I've never tried as even though I don't live there, I am a citizen and they are kindly saving it for my retirement - thanks guys)
Best of luck!
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