In this episode of Behind the Advice Australia, we unpack managing your tax and finances as an Australian Expat in Canada. 

Whether you're planning a move to Canada, already settled there, or preparing to return home to Australia, this episode aims to help you navigate the complexities of cross-border finances with confidence.

We’re joined by Jonathan Bell, a CPA and Chartered Accountant at Phillip & Company LLP in Ontario, who specialises in supporting individuals and businesses through the complexities of cross-border tax. With a substantial cohort of Australian clients, Jonathan offers practical insights drawn directly from real expat experiences.

In this episode, we break down:

 Key differences between the Canadian and Australian tax systems, including federal vs. provincial taxes and mismatched tax year timelines.

How tax residency is determined with a chat on qualifying as a Canadian tax resident and the Australia-Canada tax treaty. 

Managing Australian-based assets from Canada, including taxation of rental income, shares, ETFs, and the complexities of selling property while abroad.

How Canada treats Australian superannuation, including how withdrawals are taxed in Canada. 

Cross-border tax and financial planning strategies with a dive into RRSPs and TFSAs, contribution rules, tax treatment, and how they fit into an expat’s broader financial plan.

Returning home to Australia with a discussion on what you need to know about deemed dispositions, the 60-month rule, and avoiding unexpected exit taxes.

If you're an Australian expat in Canada, this episode is packed with insights to help you make informed financial decisions at every stage of your journey.

To learn more about how Runway Wealth Management can assist you on your Expat journey, be sure to check out our website here: 

https://www.runwaywealth.com/

If you’re planning a move to Canada or are already settled there, be sure to connect with Jonathan at Phillip & Company LLP for your cross-border tax needs:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.phillipca.com/

General Advice Disclaimer 

The information contained herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal advice. You should not act on any recommendation without considering your personal needs, circumstances, and objectives. We recommend you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.

Welcome to the November edition of The Runway Report Newsletter, our monthly market and economic update prepared specifically for Australian Expats. Each month, we provide informed commentary on the latest developments in financial markets, economic trends, and policy changes that may impact Australians living and investing abroad.

In this month’s edition, we discuss:

📊 A Note from the Director – Maintaining a steady, disciplined approach through evolving market conditions remains the most effective strategy for achieving long-term financial objectives.

🌏 Expat Insight – The Australian Government has announced proposed changes to the taxation of superannuation balances exceeding certain thresholds. We outline the implications of these adjustments for Australian expats and high-net-worth investors.

💹 Market Movements – Australian equities reached record highs in October before closing the month with a modest 0.4% gain in the S&P/ASX 200. In contrast, Japan’s Nikkei 225 delivered a strong performance, rising 16.6% over the same period.

🏦 Economic Update – Stronger-than-expected inflation data prompted the Reserve Bank of Australia to maintain the cash rate at 3.6% in November, reducing the likelihood of a rate cut in December.

The Runway Report Newsletter is designed to keep Australian Expats informed about the latest financial developments and support sound decision-making in a global context.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel for regular updates and professional insights tailored to the needs of Australian expatriates.

To learn more about how Runway Wealth Management can assist you on your Expat journey, be sure to check out our website here: https://www.runwaywealth.com/

In this episode of Behind the Advice Australia, we tackle one of the biggest financial challenges facing Australian expats - repatriation.

Returning home isn't just about booking flights and packing your belongings. Determining residency rules, understanding capital gains tax, managing foreign pensions and assets are a critical part of an Expat’s repatriation that can have serious tax implications if not properly planned. 

Our guest on this episode is Tara Buchanan, an experienced Tax Accountant and Managing Director at Worldwide Advisory, who specialises in working with Australian Expats. Tara brings deep insight into the common mistakes expats make when returning to Australia and the proactive steps that you can take for a smoother transition home. 

In this episode, we cover: 

• When and how the ATO considers you a tax resident again
• Timing strategies around your return date 
• How overseas assets, including shares and property are treated upon return
• The concept of "deemed acquisition" and resetting your cost base
• Tax treatment of foreign pensions like 401(k)s, CPFs, and MPFs
• How to re-engage with superannuation once you're back
• Practical timelines and planning tips to make your return smoother and more tax-efficient

This episode is packed with must-know tips. It’s never too soon to start thinking strategically about how a return to Australia can impact your financial position. 

To learn more about how Runway Wealth Management can assist you on your Expat journey, be sure to check out our website here: www.runwaywealth.com. 

Buying property in Australia while living abroad can feel like navigating a maze, but it doesn’t have to be.

In this episode, I’m joined by Joe Perrone, Partner at Ortus Financial and an experienced finance broker, to demystify the lending process for Australian expats. We explore how lending policies differ for expats, what challenges you’re likely to face, and what banks look at when assessing your overseas income and situation.

Joe breaks down key topics such as:

• Which lenders are expat-friendly (and which aren’t)
• Why the lending process is different, and often longer, for expats
• How living in places like Dubai or Singapore can impact your loan application
• Whether you’ll pay higher interest rates or have access to features like offset accounts
• What foreign income discounting means for your borrowing capacity
• Why starting with a clear view of your borrowing power is essential

We also touch on broader market insights, including where interest rates and property prices might be heading over the next 12 months, and Joe shares his #1 piece of advice for expats looking to buy in Australia. If you're an Aussie living overseas and thinking about buying back home, this episode is a must-listen.

Mitchell Kelsey is joined by Tax Advisor Nathan Cosley from Costical Tax, to unpack the often confusing world of Australian taxes for expats. They dive into everything from determining your tax residency status to understanding obligations for non-residents, managing taxable income, and capital gains tax on property and shares. Plus, they break down the common mistakes expats make—and how to avoid them. Whether you're living overseas or planning a move, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you stay compliant and financially savvy.

You can reach out to Nathan to discuss your specific Australian expat tax position and opportunities to optimise at www.costicaltax.com. Specifically for those living in the UK, reach out to Nathan and the team at www.ukautax.com for integrated UK and Australian tax planning advice.

To learn more about how Runway Wealth Management can assist you on your Expat journey, be sure to check out our website here: www.runwaywealth.com.

Mitchell Kelsey sits down with Jacob Chester, Senior Associate at Crest Lawyers, where they dive into the often-overlooked world of estate planning for Australian Expats. Navigating multiple legal systems, conflicting tax jurisdictions, and international assets can make planning your estate more complex but also more essential.

Jacob Chester shares his journey into practising Wills and Estates law as an Australian solicitor, what drew him to this field, and why he considers estate planning to be one of the most important conversations you can have.

In this episode, we cover everything from the basics of Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Advanced Health Directives to the more complex strategies involving testamentary trusts and dealing with non-estate assets such as superannuation. You'll learn the importance of the different legal systems and how they interact, what documents are essential in both Australia and abroad, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Whether you're living overseas now or planning an international move, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you protect your assets, minimise tax, and secure your legacy - wherever life takes you.

The key topics this episode covers:

1. What is the difference between a Will, POA and AHD?

2. Do you need a Will in more than one country?

3. How does superannuation fit into your estate plan?

4. How do financial planning and estate planning go hand-in-hand when it comes to securing your financial future?

5. What is CGT event K3?

Tune in to make sure your estate planning affairs are in order.

In this episode of Behind the Advice, host Mitchell Kelsey sits down with Financial Advisor Adam Bolton to break down the dos and don’ts of investing in shares as an Australian expat. Whether you're living overseas or just thinking about taking the plunge, this episode is packed with insights on maximizing returns, minimizing risk, and making the most of expat tax benefits.

They cover:
 📈 The basics of share investing—where to start and what to watch out for
💰 Why diversification is key to a smart investment strategy
📊 The role of ETFs and market indices in building long-term wealth
🛑 How to handle market downturns (hint: don’t panic, there’s opportunity in the chaos)
🌏 Unique investment opportunities for Aussie expats

If you’re looking to make your money work smarter while living abroad, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now!

In the first episode of Behind the Advice, host Mitchell Kelsey kicks things off with buyer’s agent Hugh Lilly to unpack the complexities of the Australian property market. They explore the challenges Australian expats face when purchasing property, the benefits of working with a buyer’s agent, and key market trends. From tax implications to rent-vesting strategies, Hugh shares expert insights to help first-time buyers and investors make informed decisions. They also discuss auction tactics and where the market is headed, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies for expats looking to invest back home.