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Home>Australia>About Heinz Australia>Student Life>Living Concerns>Taxes

Taxes

Goods and services tax (GST)

Most goods and services are subject to a 10% consumption tax. Prices listed in shops for goods will be inclusive of tax.

Paying Income Tax in Australia

International students are treated the same as Australian residents when it comes to paying tax. Once you have been in Australia for more than six months you are considered a “resident for tax purposes” (note: this does not mean residency in terms of the Department of Immigration – only for taxation purposes). If you open a bank account in Australia that earns interest (see Banking above), or if you plan to work in Australia, you will need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN). A TFN is a unique number issued to a person by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Every adult in Australia is required to have a TFN. In order to obtain an TFN you must complete a TFN application form. Application forms are available on campus from the Manager, International Students and Financial Aid, from post offices or from the ATO (Waymouth Street, Adelaide).

You will need to give information (with proof) such as:

• Your name and date of birth
• Current Australian address (a bill, bank statement or accommodation lease agreement will show this)
• Date of arrival in Australia
• Proof of identity (documents to be examined by the Tax Officer)

“Proof of identity” documents include:

• Your passport
• Original birth certificate
• Overseas or Australian drivers license or
• Your Carnegie Mellon University student ID card

Submitting an Income Tax Return

Currently in Australia if you earn more than AU$6,000 in a fiscal (financial) year (1 July – 30 June), any additional income beyond AU$6,000 will be subject to income tax. This means a percentage of your salary will be withheld. Anyone in this situation will need to complete and submit an Income Tax Return to the ATO. Note that stipends paid under the AusAID scholarship schemes are tax-free and not subject to this requirement.

If you have any concerns you should visit the ATO Web site. Go to the “doing your tax” link then “tax returns” for all the necessary information.