. The ever changing landscape - Visa, Tax & Health insurance update March 2017 . Disclaimer Our comments and information contained in this presentation are generic in nature and are not purported to represent advice that can be relied upon. You should seek your own advice for your own circumstances. The author or any other persons involved in the preparation or distribution of this presentation expressly disclaim all and any contractual, tortious or other form of liability to any person in respect of this presentation and any consequences arising from its use by any person in reliance in whole or any part of the contents of this presentation. The comments contains in the presentation shall not in any way constitute a recommendation as to whether you should invest in any product discussed in the presentation. strictly confidential 2 . New website • ww.skillsforhire.com.au strictly confidential 3 . Visa update Amanda Tinner Visa Executive . Business travellers Definition of business visitor activity: • • • • Making a general business or employment enquiry Investigating, negotiating, entering into or reviewing a business contract An activity carried out as part of an official govt to govt visit Participation in a conference, trade fair or seminar in Australia unless the person is being paid by an organiser for participation But strictly confidential 5 . Business travellers Part of the definition states that business visitor activity does not include any of the following activities: • An activity that is, or includes, undertaking work for, or suppling services to, an organisation or other person based in Australia • An activity that it, or includes, the sale of goods or services directly to the general public strictly confidential 6 . Business travellers In general, activities that are not permitted are: • engaging in employment in Australia • Performing highly specialised work even if there is a contractual arrangement • Making direct sales or supplying services to the public • Providing training, system development and/or post sales implementation/support/maintenance • Delivering a presentation at a conference as part of a pre-negotiated contract that provides a material benefit to the visitor such as a professional motivational speaker strictly confidential 7 . Business travellers • Retail activities – making direct sales of goods or services to the public. This includes selling goods at a trade fair • Domestic staff such as a Nanny • An artist selling paintings that are being promoted at a local gallery • An overseas lawyer participating in contract negotiations and providing unrelated legal advice to a client – the first part is considered a business visitor activity, the second part is work. strictly confidential 8 . Business travellers Subclass 400 For persons seeking short-term entry to: • Undertake non-ongoing highly specialised work OR • Participate in non-ongoing cultural or social activities at the invitation of or organisation operating in Australia • 3month or 6 month stay . Period of stay starts from day of first arrival • Cost of $275 strictly confidential 9 . Business travellers Subclass 600 – 3,6,12 month stay – Apply onshore – Cost $135 to $340 Subclass 601 (ETA) – 3 month stay – Cost of $20 – Apply offshore The 3 visa classes depend on your passport. Some nationals are eligible to apply for more than one visa class Subclass 651 – 3 month stay – Apply offshore – No cost strictly confidential 10 . Business travellers strictly confidential 11 . Business travellers What should be in a Business Travellers Policy ? • • • • • • • Store on an app or intranet Define business – give examples. Links to the application online Document checklist, average processing time Define work for the subclass 400 – give specific examples Document checklist and sample invitation letter One page each for business and subclass 400 Sample of travel diary strictly confidential 12 . Business travel Berry Treffers RDMT Consultants Pty Ltd . Case study . Case study Have you ever wondered why your expatriates are so disgruntled when it comes to health insurance? • When on 4 September 2009 the obligation for medical expenses, incurred in Australia during their assignment, was transferred from the company to the individual many companies ceased providing cover under corporate health plans and left it to the individuals to arrange. • For those individuals (or families), who do not have access to a corporate plan, most go on line to purchase health insurance for their Australian assignment and purchase the most basic(cheapest) policy on line. • Once arrived they discover the real cost of basic health insurance in Australia for overseas visitors on 457 Visas and then frustration and noise starts. This is due to a number of factors but the very main factor is communication of policy benefits. strictly confidential 15 . Case study 1 Have you ever wondered why your expatriates are so disgruntled when it comes to health insurance? • It is very difficult for a person from another country, when they are advised to go on-line to seek DIBP complying health insurance, to understand the intricacies and terminology of the Australian health system, especially when English is not the first language. • This is complicated by the health insurers providing the insurance but who are prevented by legislation, from providing advice, except for the provision of a policy benefit statement (PBS). • Regretfully most Australian citizens do not understand our Australian health system, and its intricacies, so what chance that 457 Visa holders understand how the Australian health system operates. strictly confidential 16 . Case study What advice do expatriates receive when they log on to the recommended DIBP website? • Very little and what there is, is confusing. – The 457 Visa holder logs onto a health fund and are advised that this policy is a DIBP compliant policy. – The health funds uses such terminology that even the most basic table seems to provide very comprehensive cover and this policy reimburses hospital and medical expenses @ 100% of the MBS. – Sounds good to the 457 Visa holder as 100% ticks all their boxes. – Except the term (MBS) is Australian terminology, unknown in any other country, and in Australia 100% of MBS for hospital and medical expenses does not mean 100% of actual cost. strictly confidential 17 . Case study So what is the problem and why do your employees complain? • The major complaints: 1. 2. 3. Without fail - Out-of-Pocket expenses; Medical Gaps; and Ambulance costs. • Medical Gaps – In-patient and out-patient – Most basic policies are cheap for a reason as they provide very limited benefits. – Mostly benefits are restricted to hospital in-patient cover only and this can create substantial out-of-pocket expenses depending on the basic policy selected. – Most basic policies do not cover out-patient medical expenses unless these expenses relate to an in-patient hospital procedure. strictly confidential 18 . Case study So what is the problem and why do your employees complain? • Medical Gaps – In-patient and out-patient – Most basic policies are cheap for a reason as they provide very limited benefits. – Mostly benefits are restricted to hospital in-patient cover only and this can create substantial out-of-pocket expenses depending on the basic policy selected. – Most basic policies do not cover out-patient medical expenses unless these expenses relate to an in-patient hospital procedure. strictly confidential 19 . Case study Example 1 Example 2 Hospital In-patient services • A policy may state the following: • Most policies separate the costs for accommodation and medical treatment. • I00% of cost for: – Public and private hospital in-patient benefits covered @ 100% of costs in a shared ward. – No private room. • This means there is no out-ofpocket expense on discharge. • These policies are rare and the premium reflects this. – Accommodation for overnight or same day stays ,Operating theatre, intensive care and labour ward fees. – pharmaceuticals provided as part of the in-hospital treatment – Private room where available. • Followed by: – Medical Costs - Fees charged by doctor, surgeon, anaesthetist or other specialists – Expenses reimbursed up to 100% of the strictly confidential Medicare scheduled fee (MBS fee) 20 . Case study So what is the problem and why do your employees complain? • Inpatient (in hospital) medical services – In Australia the Federal Government sets the fees that should be charged for medical services. This schedule is known as Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). – Fees charged by a doctor, surgeon, anaesthetist or other specialist for any treatment people have. – If a policy states that you are covered for the cost of in-patient medical services up to 100% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) fee what does that really mean? – For example, if the MBS fee for a procedure is set at $1,500 and the doctor charges $2,500, then this policy will pay $1,500 (100% of the MBS fee) and the employee will be required to pay the remaining $1,000. • However, admittance to a hospital may never happen but they will go to a doctor or specialists, dentist, optician etc. Then what happens? strictly confidential 21 . Case study So what is the problem and why do your employees complain? • Except for bulk billing clinics no doctor charges an MBS fee for a consultation strictly confidential 22 . Case study So what is the problem and why do your employees complain? • These are out-of-pocket for non RHCA employees – RHCA employees can claim from Medicare strictly confidential 23 . Case study What do these policies cost? • In addition to Medicare levy of 2% - refundable for Non RHCA employees strictly confidential 24 . Case study • Ambulance costs – South Australia Gazetted cost Provision of revival team $ 3,039 Emergency call out 934 Non emergency call out 208 Treatment transport (flat rate) 208 Plus per km rate 5.40 strictly confidential 25 . Case study Other issues that disgruntle your employees? • Employees from RHCA countries & the Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) – Under Australian taxation law, anyone who holds a Medicare Card (or who is entitled to hold a Medicare Card) and does not have “appropriate” Private Health Insurance is liable to pay a 1% to 1.5% Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS). – The MLS is s calculated on income from all sources, including exempt income earned overseas, not only taxable income in Australia. strictly confidential 26 . Case study Other issues that disgruntle your employees? • What is “Appropriate” Insurance? – “Appropriate “insurance is private patient hospital cover which is issued by an Australian registered health fund to Australian citizens and Permanent residents. • Private patient hospital cover does not include: – Travel insurance. – Cover provided by an overseas or unregistered fund (expatriate or Overseas visitors policies), or – Ancillary cover (commonly known as Extras) strictly confidential 27 . • What is Migration Protect? – Migration Protect (MP) is a tailored insurance policy cover ing eligible candidates who migrate to Australia. – It covers: • Leisure travel ‐ whilst in transit and up to three months in Australi a • Capital benefits ‐ compensation for injury, death or disablement, and Repatriation cover. • Return travel on either temporary or permanent basis. strictly confidential 28 . • What is Migration Protect? – Who is eligible to apply for Migration Protect ? • Travellers on or applying for the following visa classes: • Working Holiday, 457, and sponsored or nominated visa classes. strictly confidential 29 . Case study Example 1 - Illness of family member in home country – Steve and Connie Jones migrated from the UK to Australia after Steve managed to land his dream marketing role. The left both Steve’s and Connie’s elderly parents in London. – Six months in Connie’s mother is diagnosed with Leukaemia and requires care 24/7. – Connie needs to return home urgently to arrange full time care for her mother. Policy coverage – The policy will reimburse Steve and Connie for the cost of Connie’s return journey back to London to organise care for her mother. strictly confidential 30 . Case study Example 2- Unemployment as a result of employer insolvency. • • • • John Jacobs is sponsored on a 457 Visa 3 months into his role the company experiences a significant down turn in business and John is retrenched. John wants to stay in Australia however he knows that positions for Quality Assurance Managers are few. He might have transferable skills to work as an engineer in Australia but he would need to consult a specialist in this field to know for sure. He is also mindful that his 457 Visa condition and restrictions give him 60 days to leave Australia and he needs to see someone about this as well. strictly confidential 31 . Case study Example 2- Unemployment as a result of employer insolvency. Policy Coverage a. b. c. d. e. The policy will reimburse John for the cost of a skills assessment consultation to determine if his qualification can allow him to work as an Engineer and if there is a need for this profession within Australia. The policy will reimburse the cost of migration agent consulting fees to review his visa and amend/extend where necessary for John to remain eligible to continue working in Australia The policy will also reimburse the cost for a recruitment agent to put together his CV and assist him to find a new position. If there is a position but John has to relocate to another state or territory, the policy will contribute towards the cost of relocation. Should he need to return to home country the policy will contribute towards the cost of relocation including cat and/or dog strictly confidential 32 . Who are we? RDMT Consultants Pty Ltd is a boutique styled broking house and consulting company which, in partnership with Health Insurance Consultants Australia (HICA), specialise in providing medical insurance for Australian citizens, international non-residents on 400 series Visas working, studying or travelling in Australia and international expatriate health insurance for Australian expatriates on international assignment. This partnership means that we can develop solutions across a range of complex and dynamic health risks both domestic and international. strictly confidential 33 . Tax update Michael van Schaik LZR Partners . Challenges facing employers • The line between Business Travellers & Short Term Assignments is becoming blurred. • Wide range of different nationalities of employees being sent on short term assignments. • Significant percentage of employees are unaccompanied. • Identification of short term assignees. • Policies need to be reviewed as many were formulated years ago. • Avoiding taxation problems. • Complying with immigration regulations in multiple jurisdictions. strictly confidential 35 . Employment structures • Many companies adopt a so-called home country model that attempts to maintain a ‘common law’ employment relationship with the home country employer and loan or ‘second’ the employee to the foreign affiliate. • This allows the employee to continue their relationship with the home country employer for continuity and consistency of benefits while providing a link to the host country employer for PAYG withholding and reporting, assignment related benefits. strictly confidential 36 . Employment structures • How do different employment structures affect the entity and reduce risk? – Employment relationships should be clearly documented to support the employer relationship, the entity benefiting from the services and the process by which intercompany charges should be facilitated. • Location for resolution of employment disputes • Structure of employment contracts – choice of law • Termination – It will also be necessary to consider potential permanent establishment (PE) issues in each location strictly confidential 37 . Frequent business travellers • Many companies employ individuals who are resident in one country, but who travel frequently to other jurisdictions to conduct business activities: – Business may incorrectly assume that if an individual spends less than a specified number of days in a particular tax jurisdiction (usually 183), there are no tax consequences resulting from the individuals activities. – This is often not the case since the frequent business traveller may not be resident in a treaty partner country that contains favourable thresholds for incurring tax. – Depending on the structure of the assignment, an individual may not be eligible to use the treaty. strictly confidential 38 . Frequent business travellers • Employers are becoming increasingly concerned about the potentially adverse tax consequences caused by these travellers. – Countries are expanding their audit activities due to their need for revenue to fund fiscal deficits. – Audits related to PE, employer withholding and reporting are becoming more frequent and aggressive. Tax authorities may inquire about company personnel and their in-country presence. – A significant challenge is that the business may not be aware that frequent business travellers are present . – Employers need to consider establishing a systems to document and understand travel patterns and exposures. strictly confidential 39 . ATO data matching program • • The ATO has advised that it will acquire names and details of visa holders, their sponsors, and migration agents for the financial years from 2013/14 to 2016/17 from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Similar programs have been run by the ATO over the last 5 years. What they are seeking: • • • • • • • • • • • address history for visa applicants and sponsors contact history for visa applicants and sponsors all visa grants visa grant status by point in time migration agents (visa application preparer who assisted or facilitated the processing of the visa) address history for migration agents contact history for migration agents all international travel movements undertaken by visa holders (arrivals and departures) sponsor details (457 visa) education providers (educational institution where the student visa holder intends to undertake their study) visa subclass name. strictly confidential 40 . Frequent business travellers • • • • Unlike the 457 visa, the Temporary Work - Short Stay Activity (subclass 400) visa is applied for individually and is not an employer sponsored visa. ‘Highly specialised work’ stream: – This stream allows individuals to apply where they hold highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience that can assist Australian business and cannot reasonably be found in the Australian labour market Short term: – Usually granted for stays of up to 3 weeks, but the maximum length is up to 6 months after the first entry. – A longer stay will generally only be granted in exceptional circumstances where it is demonstrated that an applicant is required in Australia for longer than 3 months. Non-ongoing position – is usually considered to be one where the duties will be finalized in no longer than 6 months. strictly confidential 41 . Frequent business travellers • Companies should review the activities of employees who travel across borders on business to determine whether there is any tax exposure at either the individual or corporate level. • A Double Tax Treaty may provide relief from personal income tax for short term business travel under the dependent personal services article. • However, to claim such relief, most treaties tie personal income tax liability to whether the corporate employing entity has a PE in the host jurisdiction, a conclusion only the corporate tax department is likely going to know. strictly confidential 42 . Short term assignments • Employment income and ESS income is generally taxable in Australia if the services are performed in Australia irrespective of the individual’s tax resident status • Only exception is via Double Tax Agreement (DTA) strictly confidential 43 . Double Tax Agreements • Caution - even though 2 DTAs may look identical, the words of specific articles will often differ in a material way • TR 2001/13 - interpretation of DTAs • Tie breaker rules - DTAs generally contain key "tie-breaker" rules for resolving conflicts caused by taxpayers having dual residence status 1. permanent home; 2. place of habitual abode; or 3. personal and economic relations strictly confidential 44 . Double Tax Agreements Dependent personal services article • Remuneration derived by a resident of a Contracting State in respect of an employment exercised in the other Contracting State shall be taxable only in the first-mentioned State if: 1. 2. 3. the recipient is present in the other State for a period or periods not exceeding in the aggregate 183 days in any twelve month period period (or year of income for older treaties) commencing or ending in the income year of that other State, and the remuneration is paid by, or on behalf of, a person being an employer who is not a resident of the other State, and the remuneration is not borne by a permanent establishment or a fixed base which that employer has in the other State. • All 3 tests must be passed in order to get exemption strictly confidential 45 . ATO view on ‘employer’ • • • TR 2013/1 – ATO view on 'employer' for the purposes of the short-term visit exception in provisions of Australia's tax treaties. The ATO adopts a 'substance over form' approach. Under Australian common law, these factors are considered in determining whether an employment relationship exists in respect of particular arrangements. Key factors used in determining the employer: • • • • • • • • who exercises ultimate control over the worker who exercises day-to-day control over the worker Integration the terms of engagement who is responsible for payment of remuneration for the worker's services who bears the responsibility or risk for the results produced by the worker whether or not the contract is for the achievement of a specified result who provides or maintains the necessary equipment and resources strictly confidential 46 . Income tax & DTA’s Status Time Taxable in Australia Tax rates Non DTA location Less than 183 days Yes Foreign resident 183 days or longer Yes Tax resident rates Less than 183 days* No Non taxable 183 days or longer Yes Tax resident rates Less than 183 days Yes Foreign resident 183 days or longer Yes Tax resident rates DTA location – non resident employer DTA location – Australian employer * Always check the DTA wording strictly confidential 47 . Australian resident tax rates 2016-17 2017-18 Threshold Rate Threshold Rate $0 - $18,200 0% $0 - $18,200 0% $18,201 - $37,000 19.0% $18,201 - $37,000 19.0% $37,001 - $87,000 32.5% $37,001 - $87,000 32.5% $80,001 - $180,000 37.0% $87,001 - $180,000 37.0% $180,001 47.0% $180,001 45.0% * Plus Medicare levy of 2% strictly confidential 48 . Australian foreign resident tax rates 2016-17 2017-18 Threshold Rate Threshold Rate $0 - $87,000 32.5% $0 - $87,000 32.5% $80,001 - $180,000 37.0% $87,001 - $180,000 37.0% $180,001 47.0% $180,001 45.0% strictly confidential 49 . Business and holiday • Holiday before business meetings – Predominant purpose • One area of regular dispute between taxpayers and the ATO is in connection with overseas travelling expenses. – If a person is accompanied during business travel by a relative, the relative's expenses are not deductible • Self education expenses – TR 98/9 strictly confidential 50 . Travel allowance v LAFHA See MT 2030 strictly confidential 51 . Travel allowances • A Travel Allowance is paid because the employee is travelling in the course of performing their job. – The allowance is usually applicable for comparatively short-term periods (i.e. up to 21 days). strictly confidential 52 . Travel allowances • The substantiation exception from substantiation for workrelated expenses covered by an overseas travel allowance applies only to expenses for food, drink and incidentals. • The exception does not apply to accommodation costs. • See TR 2004/6 strictly confidential 53 . Travel allowances • Substantiation requirements – TR 2004/6 strictly confidential 54 . LAFHA summary If your employee Then the taxable value is Maintains a home in Australia at which they usually reside and it is available for their use at all times, Receives a LAFHA fringe benefit which relates to the first 12-month period at a particular work location, and Gives you the appropriate declaration about living away from home The amount of the LAFHA paid, minus: any exempt accommodation component, and any exempt food component. Works on a fly-in fly-out or drive-in drive-out basis Has residential accommodation at or near their usual place of employment, and Gives you the appropriate declaration about living away from home The amount of the LAFHA paid, minus: any exempt accommodation component, and any exempt food component. Does not fall into either of the above situations The amount of the fringe benefit strictly confidential 55 . Fringe benefits Fringe benefits provided whilst working overseas • Fringe benefits are non-assessable non-exempt income under Australian tax law, but potentially included as assessable income in the overseas jurisdiction. • Employee may be liable to foreign tax on LAFHA received. • BUT foreign tax paid with respect to LAFHA is not eligible for FITO purposes and therefore lost! strictly confidential 56 . Fringe benefits TD 2011/1 which sets out the ATO’s view that a non-resident entity: • is required to withhold PAYG amounts from salary and wages paid to an Australian resident employee for work performed overseas, if the non-resident entity has a sufficient connection with Australia, and • is subject to FBT in relation to benefits provided to that employee if there is a withholding obligation. • the non-resident entity will have a sufficient connection to Australia if it has a physical business presence in Australia. • Will have physical business presence in Australia if the non-resident carries on an enterprise or income producing activities (or part of such enterprise or activities) in Australia and has a physical presence in Australia. strictly confidential 57 . Fringe benefits Example from TD 2011/1: • • • Sheree is an Australian resident for tax purposes. She is employed as a project manager working in the Australian operations of a non-resident consultancy company. The company transfers her overseas for 5 months to work on a new consultancy project. The company continues to carry on business and maintains a physical presence in Australia. Sheree's wages are assessable income in Australia. The company has an obligation to withhold an amount for Australian tax purposes from the salary paid to her. Sheree is provided with a car while overseas and is reimbursed for some additional living expenses. As amounts must be withheld from her salary, her employer will have obligations under the FBTAA in respect of the benefits provided to her. Sheree is not required to include these in her Australian assessable income. strictly confidential 58 . Fringe benefits Example from TD 2011/1 – different result: • Lauren is an Australian resident for tax purposes. She works for an Australian subsidiary of an international hotel chain as an events manager. Under an incentive program for high performing staff, she is offered a 6 month overseas secondment with the group's global parent company. The parent company is a non-resident for tax purposes and does not carry on business in Australia. While on secondment she will be employed and paid by the parent company. • Her employer, being the non-resident parent company not carrying on business in Australia and with no physical presence in Australia, has no obligation to withhold Australian tax from the salary paid to her. As there is no obligation to withhold, no obligations under the FBTAA can arise to her non-resident employer in respect of any benefits provided to her. • Lauren will be required to include this employment income and the value of any benefits received from the non-resident employer in her Australian assessable income strictly confidential 59 . Superannuation Guarantee Minimum superannuation support required, unless: • persons who receive salary and wages but are "prescribed employees" for the purposes of the regulations under SGAA – Typically senior executives who would have qualified for thr former 413 visa • foreign employees who are paid for work done outside Australia (except to the extent that the salary or wages relate to employment covered by a certificate under s 15C in relation to an international social security agreement): and • resident employees who are employed by foreign resident employers and are paid for "work done outside Australia“. strictly confidential 60 . Backpacker tax • On 1 January 2017, tax rates changed for working holiday makers who are in Australia on a 417 or 462 visa. • If you employ a working holiday maker on a 417 or 462 visa: – You must register with the ATO so you can withhold the correct amount tax. – You should withhold 15% from every dollar earned up to $37,000 with foreign resident tax rates applying from $37,001. – If you don’t register you need to withhold at the foreign resident tax rate of 32.5% from the first dollar earned. • If you employed a working holiday maker before and after 1 January 2017, you need to issue two payment summaries for this financial year – one for income earned up to 31 December 2016; and – one for income earned from 1 January 2017 (using gross payments type H). strictly confidential 61 . Questions Karl . Contact details Michael van Schaik LZR Partners Phone: 0418 844 105 Email: [email protected] Amanda Tinner Visa Executive Phone : 0409 969 525 Email: [email protected] Berry Treffers RDMT Consultants & HICA Phone: 0434 485 331 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] strictly confidential 63
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