Australia expat guide online!

What are income taxes like in Australia...really?
I've heard "47%", but about deductions, exemptions for the little kids at home and all?
Also, what do you actually get for the tax dollars taken? Is college/university paid for?
Does the public health care system actually work? Is Private Healthcare expensive?
Sorry...I know, way too many questions for one post...

Hi edeckard,

did you have a look to the Australia guide?

edekard,

I went online and read through the ATO (australian tax office) webpage and found the same info you quote.... 47%.  However we've been told that temporary residednts (foreigners with 103 years residency) pay a lower rate.  I've not been able to verify as of yet.  Please post info on this as you find it.

47! wow thats amazingly high.

WAAAiiitt.

I just read thatthe structure of the tax is progressive (as ofc I thouught) and from 0 to 6k there is no tax on income, and then the scale goes up from 12 percent to 45 percent.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_tax_in_Australia

We consulted with a tax pro in Australia referred to him by the company that offered husband a job.  Applying credits for being expat (can't remember the name of the credit) our effective tax rate drops to about 25%.  Do-able.

we only pay about 25% tax on our income I think anything over $85,000 goes to a higher rate but no where near 45%. Alot of tax benefits here compared to NZ:D