Did you know that Australian residents are subject to taxation on their global income,? Certain mechanisms exist to mitigate double taxation on income earned abroad in Australia, such as foreign tax offsets or exemptions outlined in tax treaties between Australia and other nations.

However, failure to declare income from foreign sources in your Australian tax return can lead to serious consequences. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) retains the authority to amend assessments for up to four years following the issue date if foreign income is omitted. In cases where the ATO suspects fraud or evasion due to unreported income from overseas, there are no limitations on the amendment period. Furthermore, if tax returns are not submitted, the ATO reserves the right to issue default assessments based on the undisclosed income.

The risk of the ATO uncovering undisclosed income from foreign sources is substantial, particularly with its increased access to information exchanges with foreign tax administrations and data from Australian financial institutions through AUSTRAC.

When the ATO amends assessments or issues default assessments for unreported income earned abroad, significant penalties may be imposed, including fines of up to 90% of the tax owed, in addition to statutory interest charges. However, voluntarily disclosing unreported foreign income before an audit or providing substantial assistance during an audit can lead to considerable reductions in these penalties, provided effective communication and cooperation with the ATO are maintained.

For Australian residents with investments overseas, seeking professional advice to understand their tax obligations concerning income from foreign sources is crucial. Proactively engaging with the ATO upon discovering unreported foreign income is advisable to secure the best possible outcome.

It’s essential to bear in mind that making a voluntary disclosure regarding income is always a wise decision, regardless of when it occurs. By ensuring compliance with taxation laws and regulations, individuals can avoid potential legal issues and financial penalties associated with undeclared income earned abroad.