What to do with Aussie government accounts before moving to the UK
🇦🇺 Aussies moving abroad, there are some things you need to do for the government before you go.
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If you're an Aussie moving to London there are a bunch of things you need to do to let the Australian government services know that you won't be home for a while. It's significantly harder to access and make changes to these accounts when you're abroad as they often require verification methods like texts to an Aussie phone number (which you may no longer have) and there can be fines for things like failing to vote, so it's a good idea to update all before you jet off.
MyGov
The Australian government's key platform for accessing services won't be as important when living overseas, but still needs to be organised before moving to London. The platform is vital to make sure you have access to all services and that you're receiving any important government communications. There isn't too much you need to do here other that make sure all your information is correct.
Update your details
Make sure to log into your MyGov account and update your personal details, including your contact address and information. This ensures you continue receiving important communications while you’re overseas.
Logging in to MyGov requires a text to a nominated Australian phone number which is difficult to do while living overseas. If you haven't made plans to keep your Australian number, before moving abroad, within the settings section change your nominated phone number to a trusted family member. This will make it easier to access MyGov when living abroad and when you return to Australia.
Link and manage services
Review all your linked services, such as Medicare, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and Centrelink. Make sure they’re up to date and check if there are any outstanding actions you need to complete before you leave. If you're using other Australian government services and haven't linked them yet, now is a good time to do so.
Set up mail forwarding
Arrange for mail forwarding through Australia Post so that any physical documents sent to your Australian address are either redirected to a trusted family member's address or your address in London (if you know where you will be living). This will help make sure any important mail is received even when you’re away.
Medicare
When you're living in the UK you'll have access to the National Health Service (NHS) so you won't have to worry about Medicare for any medical services while you're away. Medicare information is important though, especially letting the healthcare system know your new details.
Check your medicare card
You won't need your Medicare card to access healthcare services overseas so it's best to take a photo of it and leave it in a safe place. Before you leave for the UK, make sure your Medicare card is valid and as you may need it for any medical services before your departure.
Submit claims
If you have any outstanding medical claims, submit them and resolve any pending issues. This ensures you receive any reimbursements or benefits you’re entitled to before you leave.
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Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
There are only two things certain in life; death and taxes. Even when you're living on the other side of the world you still need to let the ATO know about your taxes and submit an anual tax return. The ATO has categories for acknowledging Aussie's live overseas and will be paying taxes abroad.
Update your details
If you plan on living overseas for more than 1 year, you need to notify the ATO know either before or within 7 days of your departure from Australia. Submit your overseas travel notification through ATO online services via myGov or through a registered tax agent. Update your contact details, including mobile, international residential, postal, and email addresses. You only need to lodge another notification if you return to Australia or if your residency status changes and meets the notification criteria again.
Repayments for Australian government loans
If you have a HELP/HECS, VET, TSL or any government loans, you will still need to lodge a tax return and make contributions even while living abroad. The amount you have to pay is calculated based on your foreign income which is reported during your tax return.
Reporting worldwide income
Your worldwide income includes your repayment income and any non-resident foreign sourced income. You can report your worldwide income online using ATO services through myGov, or via an Australian registered tax agent. The reporting deadline for the Australian income year (1 July to 30 June) is 31 October. Timely lodging is crucial to avoid late penalties, even if immediate payment is not possible. Tax agents can lodge after the 31 October deadline depending on individual circumstances.
After reporting your worldwide income, you will receive a notice indicating how much you owe or will be refunded, and the due date for payment. Your loan will continue to be indexed annually until fully paid. Making voluntary payments from overseas at any time can reduce your balance, though it will not affect compulsory repayment or overseas levy obligations.
Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)
In Australia, if you're registered to vote in elections, you must do so under the compulsory voting rules. Even if you're living overseas and you're registered to vote, you must vote in federal, state or local elections or face a fine. By contacting the AEC before moving to the UK, you can assign yourself as an overseas voter where the rules will be more relaxed.
Register as an overseas voter
To alert the AEC that you're no longer living in Australia and wish to register as an eligible overseas voter while you're in the UK, register as an overseas voter. This keeps you on the electoral roll and allows you to vote by mail or from an overseas polling place.
Voting from the UK
When election time comes you'll be able to vote in state and federal elections. Voters will be able to vote via postal vote or from the Australian High Commission. You can do this whether or not you've changed your status to being an overseas voter. However, you won't be able to vote in local elections from Australia House so it's best to register as an overseas voter.
Centrelink
If you're receiving any benefits from Centrelink (eg. Youth Allowance) then you'll need to make sure you've updated your circumstances because as soon as you leave Australia, any payments will stop. Because Centrelink is an income support and social services provider within Australia only, Aussie citizens aren't eligible to claim any benefits when living outside the country. Should you need support from Centrelink's services in the future you will need to reapply.
Notify of your move
If you receive any benefits from Centrelink, notify them of your move and update your details. You can do this through the MyGov portal or by visiting a centre. This is so that Centrelink's records can be updated and your payments appropriately stopped.
Review payments and obligations
If you're overseas and claim any benefits from Centrelink, you will be required to pay them back and potentially face a penalty. This can easily be avoided by making sure you speak to Centrelink and update your circumstances before you leave Australia.
