Tax on Tax Free Pensions from Australia and Importing

Member since 24 December 2017

Stuart GaleNew member24 December 2017 04:01:16

Hi all,

I am 45 and been living in Thailand since 2004 on my Disability Pension (TPI) and Service Pension from DVA Australia. I have never been taxed on my Pensions as they are Tax Free. I have a marriage visa which is kept up to date each year and immigration know my income as part of the of the application procedure. From what i can tell, Thailand does not tax my pension and never has since i have been living here.

This brings me to my question, my friend back home has sent me 18KG of Coffee for me to hold for him! I know this will cost me in import tax.

But since he send me such a large amount of coffee, will this affect my Tax Free status i have been getting on transferring my pension here for 13 years?
This is also a one off sending of coffee from him.

Note: My pension is paid into an Australian bank and not taxed, then i transfer every 4 weeks to my Bangkok bank account in AUD the amount I need.
DVA send me a letter each year saying that I don't need to pay tax on my pension.

i have looked around and can seem to find the answer so hope someone here can help.

Kind regards and Merry Christmas
Stuart

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ROF1708 Member

Member since 25 September 2017

ROF1708Member24 December 2017 06:12:47

Hello Stuart,
As and ex Australian defence member with both Gold card and class "C" DFRDB disability pension. All the Thai government are interested in is you their visa requirements. Your TPI pension cannot be touched.
As to the 18 kg of coffee, if your friend is shipping it to you do not be surprised if you have to pay import tax on it. Then send your friend a "you owe me this amount" e-mail.

Stuart Gale New member

Member since 24 December 2017

Stuart GaleNew member24 December 2017 06:23:47

thanks mate,
yes, I am a gold card holder as well on the DFRDB scheme.
That takes a load of my mind mate, cheers.
i understand yeah, they will hit for import duty and my mate said he will cover that cost with a bit extra.

Anyway, may i ask where you served?

ROF1708 Member

Member since 25 September 2017

ROF1708Member24 December 2017 07:33:46

Hello Stuart,
I served in the RAN for 27 years, nearly all of my time was in Sydney

Stuart Gale New member

Member since 24 December 2017

Stuart GaleNew member24 December 2017 09:10:20

ROF1708 wrote:
Hello Stuart,
I served in the RAN for 27 years, nearly all of my time was in Sydney

Hi ROF,

I served in 1RAR and deployed to Somalia in 93, I got out 95 so didnt do a career stint like you mate

salute to your service

Terrymedlicott Contributor

Member since 24 July 2017

TerrymedlicottContributor24 December 2017 09:10:27

154

Have the coffee sent to your wife with a low value declared, your wife may pay a small amount of import duty and VAT, Perhaps zero if the value is low. You have no real cause for concern

Stuart Gale New member

Member since 24 December 2017

Stuart GaleNew member24 December 2017 09:12:55

Terrymedlicott wrote:
Have the coffee sent to your wife with a low value declared, your wife may pay a small amount of import duty and VAT, Perhaps zero if the value is low. You have no real cause for concern

Thanks Terry, good advice for the next shipment as this one is already arrived in Thailand and has been dispatched from customs so we will see the import duty tomorrow i guess

ROF1708 Member

Member since 25 September 2017

ROF1708Member24 December 2017 09:50:28

I was on HMAS JERVIS BAY which picked you guys, I remember chatting with some of the guys, a really good bunch of blokes. There was a blond woman got herself into a lot of trouble there.
If I remember we dropped you guys off in Townville if I remember correctly. I have a lot of photos back in Aust. from that trip. It was my first trip on a target, surface ship. As I mostly on submarines before that.
Merry Christmas to you and your family
The ROF stands Retired Old Fart

Stuart Gale New member

Member since 24 December 2017

Stuart GaleNew member24 December 2017 10:50:25

ROF1708 wrote:
I was on HMAS JERVIS BAY which picked you guys, I remember chatting with some of the guys, a really good bunch of blokes. There was a blond woman got herself into a lot of trouble there.
If I remember we dropped you guys off in Townville if I remember correctly. I have a lot of photos back in Aust. from that trip. It was my first trip on a target, surface ship. As I mostly on submarines before that.
Merry Christmas to you and your family
The ROF stands Retired Old Fart

Retired Old Fart,

If i remember correctly D-Coy 1RAR went over on ship, not sure who came back with you.
I recall some D-Coy blokes got in some trouble at Diego Garcia on the way.
Hmmm, Subs, i could never do that lol
Merry Christmas to you and your family
Stu