Expat Taxes - Australian Expat Accountants & Tax Advisors

14/05/2026

Big tax changes are coming for Australian expats.

And yes, we realise that sentence has all the sparkle of a wet tax invoice.

But this one matters.

The 2026 Federal Budget includes proposed changes that could affect Australian expats with property, investments, trusts, temporary residency issues, or plans to return home.

In plain English, the key things to watch are:

From 1 July 2027, the 50% CGT discount is proposed to be replaced with an inflation-based discount and a 30% minimum tax on capital gains.

Negative gearing is proposed to be restricted to new build residential properties from 1 July 2027.

Discretionary trusts are expected to face a 30% minimum tax from 1 July 2028.

Temporary residents, returning expats and foreign residents may all be affected differently, because Australia’s tax rules enjoy making simple life decisions feel like a board game designed by lawyers.

The big message?

Do not wait until you are halfway through selling a property, returning to Australia, restructuring a trust, or packing the dog into quarantine before asking, “Hang on, is there a tax issue here?”

There probably is.

We’ve written a practical guide for Australian expats that explains what is changing, what is not changing, and where the traps may sit.

No fluff. No panic. Just the stuff expats need to know before the rules change.

Read the full guide here:

Right. If you’re an Aussie expat with a rental property back home, shares, crypto, or any other asset you bought hoping it would one day be worth more than you paid for it, last night’s…

16/02/2026

Tax Alert for Aussie Expats: Changes to 50% CGT Discount Loom

If you're an Australian expat with an investment property back home, the May 2026 Budget could significantly impact your tax position, if media reports are accurate.

Various media outlets including the Australian Financial review have reported that the government is considering making changes to the 50% capital gains tax discount for non-residents. In the worst-case scenario, the discount could be removed entirely, whilst more optimistic scenario's suggest a reduction in the tax-free CGT discount from 50% to 40%, 33% or perhaps 25%.

What we know: ✓ Analysis by the Parliamentary Budget Office estimates that he CGT discount (in it's current form) will drain the budget by over $245 billion over 10 years ✓ Current rules already reduce discounts for post-2012 purchases ✓ Grandfathering and timing details are critical ✓ Final policy is expected in the May Budget

What you should do: → Review your property portfolio → Consider timing of any planned sales → Watch for grandfathering provisions → Seek professional advice before May

We're tracking Treasury consultations closely and will update our clients as policy develops. Read our full analysis here:

The Government may reduce the 50% CGT discount in the May 2026 Budget. Here is what is on the table, who is most exposed, and what Australian expats should do now…

13/02/2026

Urgent Public Service Announcment for Australian expats with Victorian property.

Vacant Residential Land Tax is hitting Australian expats hard. Learn about rates, exemptions, the stacking effect & 7 strategies to manage this. Notification Deadline: 15 Feb 2026.

If your VIC property sat empty for 6+ months in 2025, you need to tell the SRO - even if you think you're exempt.

The VRLT notification deadline is this Saturday 15 February 2026.

Big changes most people missed:

✅ VRLT now covers ALL of Victoria (not just Melbourne)
✅ Rates go up to 3% of property value
✅ This tax stacks on top of land tax + absentee surcharge (3 separate taxes before capital gains tax is even considered)!

We've put together a quick guide with everything you need to know 👇
https://www.expattaxes.com.au/vacant-residential-land-tax-victoria/

06/12/2024

For nearly two decades, Expat Taxes Australia has proudly supported Australian expats navigating the complexities of living and working overseas. With approximately 18 years of industry experience and clients spanning 115 countries, our team is well-equipped to handle the unique tax and financial needs of Australians abroad.

We’re also passionate about giving back to the community and are thrilled to continue our long-term support for Australian football in Asia—especially the Vietnam Swans and AFL Asia. This year’s Asia Cup, taking place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, will showcase local talent from across the region (no Australians on the field!), reflecting the truly international spirit of the competition.

Looking for reliable tax advice or wealth creation strategies tailored to your life overseas? Visit our website for a wealth of valuable insights, tips, and resources designed to help Australian expats thrive financially—no matter where in the world they call home.

Visit www.expattaxes.com.au and discover how Expat Taxes Australia can help you stay on top of your finances while enjoying life abroad!

30/10/2024

In a recent Sky News Australia broadcast a couple of hours ago (see below), Australia's Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, announced Australia’s latest inflation data—a drop to 2.8%, marking the lowest rate in over four years. But what are the potential AUD exchange rate impacts of today's news? This post-COVID milestone is a positive sign, with inflation now in the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) target range of 2-3%....

In a recent Sky News Australia broadcast a couple of hours ago (see below), Australia’s Federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, announced Australia’s latest inflation data—a drop to 2.8%, marking the lowest rate in over four years…