Category: Finances for Expats

Do You Owe Tax on Money You Transfer to Australia?

Many expats transfer large sums of money to Australia when they move. Is that money going to be taxed after it’s transferred? What about customs?

What US Expats Need to Know About Filing Their Tax Return When Living Abroad

As a US expat living abroad, your taxes just got more complicated. Not filing your taxes correctly can result in some very large fines. Here’s what you need to know.

How Your Australian Superannuation Is Going to Affect Your US Tax Return

When filing your US tax return, you’ll need to know if your Australian superannuation is an employee benefit trust or a foreign grantor trust. Not sure what either of those are? Find out here.

What US Expats Living in Australia Need to Know About FATCA

What is FATCA and how it affects your tax return. This post covers Filing Thresholds Values, Physical Presence Test, and Bona Fide Residence Test.

How to Open Your Bank Account in Australia Before You Leave Home

You can open your bank account in Australia from overseas, up to 12 months before you move. Here’s what you need to know plus a special offer for SMG readers ONLY.

Get 2% of Your Income Back By Claiming a Medicare Levy Exemption

Your employer automatically deducts for medicare from your taxable income, even if you’re NOT eligible for medicare in Australia. Get this money back!

H&R Block Answers FAQs from Expats Filing Tax Return in Australia

SMG readers wrote in with their questions about filing a tax return in Australia as an expat. Questions range from transferring money to tax deductions.

Expat’s Guide to Currency Exchange and Transferring Money Overseas

What you need to know before you start transferring money to Australia plus recommended forex brokers and transfer services that we use personally.

An Expat’s Guide to Paying Taxes in Australia

Are you a resident in Australia for tax purposes? Tax tables, how to file your taxes online, and a list of due dates you need to know.

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Transferring Money to Australia

Transferring money to Australia is one of the biggest issues you’ll have as an expat. Here are five mistakes to avoid when transferring foreign currency to Australia.

Furnishing Your First Apartment in Sydney on a Budget

Moving to Australia is expensive, but the cost doesn’t end when you arrive. Here’s where to shop on a budget to furnish your first apartment.

What US Expats Living in Australia Need to Know About FBAR

All US expats living abroad need to know what FBAR is, what the financial thresholds for filing an FBAR are, and if they need to file one every year.

Getting to Know Your Australian Superannuation

You’ll soon find out a major benefit to working in Sydney is your Australian Superannuation. This posts explains what a superannuation is, how to choose a superannuation fund and how it affects your visa.

Australian Banks You Can Open an Account with Months Before You Move

Yes, you can open your bank account and have money transferred to that account, months before you move. You don’t even need to have your visa approved yet.

Special Offer for Sydney Moving Guide Readers

This offer is for Sydney Moving Guide readers only. When moving to Australia, that first money transfer is usually the largest. Please take advantage of this exclusive offer and ask about locking in your rate of exchange.

How to Get Your Australian Tax File Number

Everyone moving to Australia needs to get a Tax File Number (TFN). There are three conditions you must meet to apply for your TFN online.

What is an Australian Superannuation?

You’re going to love Australia’s Superannuation. For one, it’s a 9.5% employer compulsory contribution. And you can cash it out when you move back home.