The significant changes to section 23AG which have effect from 1 July 2009 are currently impacting many Australians working overseas and their employers. The changes affect not only the taxation of income but also liability to PAYG withholding and fringe benefits tax, among other issues. It will also be necessary for affected employers and employees to have an increased focus on Double Tax Agreements and the tests of residency.
This also touched on recent discussions between interested parties, ATO and Treasury regarding the practicalities of some of the measures and the potential for additional concessions to be granted prior to the end of the FBT year.
This event was aimed at anyone who has clients or staff working overseas who were previously exempt from income tax under section 23AG as they will need to understand the implications of the new measures. Practitioners in this area also benefitted from being updated on the latest information emanating from the ATO and Treasury, as the end of the FBT year approaches.