NZ biggies living in Australia.

What's the deal with tax here?

I've been told that, even if you're on a Salary and not freelance/contract worker you can still get a big tax return.

I'm on a Salary, what kind of things can i claim for?

Also someone said if it's your first year living here you can claim for more things, anyone know of this?

# When I lived there there was a tax free threshold, your 1st 8k or so was tax free. ie you pay it via PAYE but you get it back

# I also became "an Australian for taxation purposes"...not sure on details and I didnt like being referred to as Australian in any capacity.. but my accountant told me to do this

# Get an accountant. ~ $80 fees was returned in spades

Thanks Maestro.

Yes i think that tax free threshold is still around, although i just assumed it was automatically deducted off the amount of tax that comes out of my pay cheque, but thats really good to know that i have been paying it and i will get it back, as that will be quite a good payout!

So you became an Australian Citizen?

I will get an accountant, i actually thought they would be a lot more expensive than that?

Nah, it's more like residency. But more taxy.

Ah ok thanks, i'll look into that.

If you moved overseas part way through the tax year, do a tax return for NZ too, because you might get some back because you only worked part of the tax year.

Thanks for the tup!

and if you still have bank accounts and the like gaining interest in NZ, AND are away from NZ for 325 days in 12 months, make sure you let the relevant authorities know that you're now a non-resident - much lower tax rate

I do indeed, so i'll do that. Thanks mate.