Glossary
Key terms for emigrating
ABN (Australian Business Number)
The Australian business number for self-employed and businesses. Free to apply for. Without an ABN, 47% no-ABN withholding tax is withheld on payments.
ATO (Australian Taxation Office)
The Australian tax office. Tax year runs from July 1 to June 30. Returns due by October 31 (or later via a tax agent). Many Australians use a tax agent.
Centrelink (Government Services)
The Australian government service for social benefits: unemployment, child benefit, care allowances. Access via myGov. Wait times are notoriously long.
Medicare (Australia)
The Australian public healthcare system. Covers GP visits, hospital care and medicines (via PBS). The Netherlands has an agreement with Australia — you can access Medicare with your EHIC.
myGov (Government Portal)
The central online portal for Australian government services: ATO, Medicare, Centrelink. Comparable to MijnOverheid.nl. Create an account as soon as you have a TFN.
PAYG (Pay As You Go)
The Australian payroll tax system: your employer withholds tax directly. As a self-employed person you pay PAYG instalments (quarterly prepayments).
PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme)
The Australian medicine subsidy program. Subsidizes medicine costs. With Medicare you pay maximum ~$31 per prescription (or ~$7.70 with concession card).
Skilled Visa (subclass 189/190/491)
The main visa categories for skilled migrants. 189 = independent, 190 = state-nominated, 491 = regional. Your occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List.
Stamp Duty (Transfer Tax)
The Australian transfer tax when purchasing property. Rates vary by state (3-7% of purchase price). Foreign buyers often pay an additional surcharge.
Superannuation (Super)
The Australian mandatory pension savings. Your employer deposits 11.5% of your salary into a super fund. You can choose your super fund. When leaving Australia you can (partially) claim your super back.
TFN (Tax File Number)
The Australian tax number. Essential for working (otherwise 47% tax is withheld), opening a bank account and superannuation. Apply at the ATO after arrival.