If you're an Australian living in the United States, the end of the Australian financial year (EOFYS ads ringing in your ears?) might not be top of mind—but it should be. While your U.S. tax obligations are important, you may still have ties to Australia that require attention as soon as possible. From investment properties to HECS debt, this time of year can have real consequences for your tax obligations and future financial plans.
Even if you don’t think you “earn income” in Australia anymore, you might be surprised to learn how many expats still need to submit something to the ATO—or risk fines and unexpected issues down the track.
Why EOFY Matters for Aussies AbroadEnd of financial year isn’t just for those living in Australia. If you have any lingering financial connections—like an old super fund, a property, shares, or a HECS/HELP debt—there’s likely something you should be checking, declaring, or filing. And if you're a non-resident for tax purposes? That doesn’t automatically mean you’re in the clear.Whether it's managing capital gains tax from a property sale or staying compliant with your worldwide income obligations, EOFY is a chance to reset, review, and get ahead before problems appear.
Common Traps for Expats
Here are just a few of the common traps we see expats fall into:
- Forgetting to declare Australian-sourced rental income
- Not updating residency status with the ATO
- Assuming you don’t need to lodge a return just because you’re abroad
- Missing the 10% withholding on property sales
- Not realizing your HECS debt is still accruing
The result? Late fees, interest, and unwanted mail from the ATO.
Want a Simple Checklist?
To help you get organized, we’ve teamed up with Odin Mortgage & Tax to put together an Australian Expat EOFY Checklist—a simple, no-jargon summary of what to check, what to file, and what not to forget before June 30.
It’s perfect for:
- Aussies in the U.S. with property, super, or investments
- Anyone who’s unsure if they still need to file with the ATO
- Those juggling U.S. and Australian financial years
- New arrivals in the US who might still have active tax status in Australia
Fill in the form below to get your copy of the checklist delivered straight to your inbox.
Download Australian's End of Financial Year: What You Must Not Forget as an Expat in America
Stay ahead of your obligations. Your future self will thank you.
