Source
r/AusFinance•
Space1Monkey

Foreign income as a consultant

I am a software developer, I have a contract with a UK company (remote work) and I don't include GST on my invoices. On the tax assessment I declare all of my income as Foreign. Last tax year it was fine for ATO, but my questions are:

  1. Can I keep doing that?
  2. Do I need an accountant?

Posted Jul 29, 2021, 7:16 AM UTC

26
thedugong•

Broadly, a supply of a service is GST-free if the recipient of the service is outside Australia and the use of the service is outside Australia.

https://www.ato.gov.au/business/international-tax-for-business/australians-doing-business-overseas/exports-and-gst/

FWIW, I contract to an OS company as well. My account says it's legit. Also legit to claim back GST on expenses here even if you sole income is exported services apparently.

2
Space1MonkeyOP•

Thanks, are you doing it as a sole-trader?

1
thedugong•

No. Pty Ltd.

1
CountQuackersThe3rd•

Really curious - how did you land a remote gig in the UK?

1
Space1MonkeyOP•

I worked for a big company in UK, when I told them I want to move to Australia, they allowed me to keep working remotely for them.

2
CountQuackersThe3rd•

Makes sense, thanks man

1