top of page
Search

Applying for Superannuation When You Leave Australia and the Tax Implications

  • Mitchell Bell
  • 7 days ago
  • 4 min read

If you've worked in Australia on a temporary visa, you may have accumulated superannuation contributions from your employer. Upon leaving Australia, you might be eligible to claim this superannuation as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP). Here's a comprehensive guide on how to apply for your superannuation after departing Australia.

At Bell Accounting WA we do not process the DASP, but we are happy to provide guidance and assist where possible.

 


Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a DASP, you must meet the following conditions:

  • You accumulated superannuation while working in Australia on a temporary resident visa

  • You have left Australia, and your visa has expired or been cancelled  

  • You are not an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia.

It's important to note that while you can't submit a DASP application until after you've left Australia and your visa has ceased, it's advisable to gather all necessary information and start the application process before departing.

 


Locating Your Superannuation

If you've worked for multiple employers, you may have more than one superannuation account with different super funds. To locate your super:

  • DASP Online Application System: Use the DASP online application system to search for your super accounts. Providing your Tax File Number (TFN) can help in locating your accounts.

  • ATO Online Services: Access the ATO's online services through your MyGov account to view your superannuation details.

  • Contact Your Employer: Before applying, confirm with your employer that all super contributions have been paid into your fund.

 

 

Application Methods

 

1. Online Application

The DASP online application system is a free and convenient way to apply for your superannuation. Here’s how:

  • Start Your Application: Begin your application while still in Australia to gather all necessary information.

  • Submit After Departure: You can only submit your application after you've left Australia and your visa has ceased.

  • Automatic Immigration Status Check: The system will automatically confirm your immigration status with the Department of Home Affairs.

  • No Certification Needed: Generally, you don't need to apply for a Certification of Immigration Status unless directed by your super fund.

 

2. Paper Application

If you prefer a paper application:

Note that your super fund may charge a fee for processing paper applications, and they will require certified copies of your identification documents.

If you have the option, the online application is preferable.


 

How the DASP is Taxed?

 

A final DASP tax will be withheld from your payment when it is made. The tax rate depends on various factors, including whether you held a working holiday maker visa. The DASP payment summary provided to you will detail the amount of tax withheld.

Different tax rates apply:

Payment component

DASP ordinary tax rate (for non-WHM)

DASP WHM tax rate

Tax-free component

Nil

Nil

Taxable component – taxed element

35%

65%

Taxable component – untaxed element

45%

65%

 

DASP withdrawals are not included on your tax return, this is a separate lodgement.

 

What if I have held both a WHM and Non-WHM Visa?

If you have a balance held with a superannuation fund that includes payments for a WHM visa the entire fund will be taxed at the 65% tax rate.

The super fund cannot and will not treat the two separately even if the vast majority was received on a non WHM visa.

This cannot be reversed and once the contributions have been made it is too late.

 

What to do if I am moving to or from a WHM Visa?

If you setup separate super funds where:

  • One contains contributions made while you held a Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa, and

  • Another contains contributions made while you held a different (non-WHM) visa,

then each super account will be taxed separately based on the visa under which the contributions were made. This can avoid you paying the 65% tax rate on non-WHM contributions.

Caution: We at Bell Accounting WA do not calculate the tax on the DASP, we are going off guidance we have received in person or online from the ATO. For certainty in your answer I would suggest contacting your superannuation fund or the ATO.

 

I have more than one Superannuation Account, should I combine them?

Combining superannuation funds is done to have them all in one place and avoid paying extra fees and insurance that is not necessary.

Per the guidance above I would only consider consolidating your accounts the correct move if you have made all superannuation contributions while on the same visa, otherwise combing them would result in the 65% tax rate for all funds.

If you are becoming an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident and lose the ability to withdraw superannuation funds then combining them would have no impact.



If you have any further questions about the DASP or would like assistance, please feel free to reach out to Mitchell Bell at mitchell@bellaccountingwa.com.au

 
 
 

Comentarios

bottom of page