Compulsory HECS Repayments by Expats

Update – 9th May 2017: Please note that the Australian government handed down it’s 2017 Australian Federal budget today, with proposals to reduce the HELP debt repayment thresholds. It is expected that this will catch significantly more expats in the HELP debt repayment loop, than was originally proposed in 2015 when the government introduced measures requiring expats to repay their HELP debts from 1st July 2017.

In the 2015 Federal Budget the Australian Government brought in measures requiring expat Australians (who are living overseas and earning above the HELP debt repayment threshold) to repay their HELP debts.

Under this budget measure, a new minimum repayment threshold of $42,000 will be established with a 1% repayment rate. Currently, the minimum repayment threshold for the 2017/18 year is $55,874 with a repayment rate of 4%.

A maximum threshold of $119,882 with a 10% repayment rate will also be introduced. Currently, the maximum repayment threshold for the 2017/18 year is $103,766 with a repayment rate of 8%.

To learn more about these and other 2017 budget measures proposed, take a look at our recent blog post 2017 Australian Federal Budget – Expats the Clear Losers.

Source: Budget Paper No 2, p 83.

Original article below

Compulsory HECS Repayments by Expats

For 26 years, Australians who moved overseas could avoid paying off their university debts. However, as of July 1, 2017 that will no longer be the case. All Australian university graduates living overseas will have to make compulsory HECS repayments to after they have generated worldwide income above the minimum repayment threshold (AUD $54,869 for 2016/17).

New legislation

Then Education Minister Christopher Pyne made the drastic changes in May 2015 to ensure all expats make compulsory HECS debt repayments, just as non-expats are required to. In turn, that would see the Australian government save around $150 million over the next 10 years and these changes will ensure the sustainability of Australian universities. Any Australian resident living overseas for more than six months and earning over the minimum threshold of $54,126, will be required to make compulsory payments to their HECS fees.

Will these changes affect me?

The new legislation only applies to expats who earn more than the threshold. As of January 1 2016, anyone who is intending of living overseas must register with the Australian Taxation Office via MyGov prior to leaving. If you are planning on living overseas for a period of six months or more, you must let the government know. The new legislation has been one of the biggest shake ups to the budget in a long time, and the opposition has thrown its support behind the new rules, saying that its the only way to tackle an unfair issue. If you are not certain about your HECS fees, talk to a tax expert today.

We can help

As expats, we understand the stress that is involved in moving to a new country. Living and working overseas is a luxury few can only ever dream of. Our team have all lived overseas and can advise you on all tax related issues. As chartered accountants, we can help you with your finance issues and concerns. We understand that these new rules should be the last of your worries as you make the move abroad.

If you have moved to a new country and would like to know more about our taxation services, contact us at Expat Tax Services today. Our knowledge of both Australian and international taxation will put your mind at ease.

Shane Macfarlane CA
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