Is my income taxable if I only spend on average 3 months in a year in SA
By Alicia Human · Updated
I am almost 70 years old and receive four pensions from the Government Employers Pension Fund (GEPF). The pensions form 98% of my income, the other 2% is derived from annuities. I have two children, one lives is Australia and is an Australian citizen and the other lives in London and is a British Citizen. I spend most of my time visiting my children for six months periods and only spend about 3 months of a year in South Africa. Am I liable to pay personal income tax in these circumstances. I have applied to immigrate to Australia but this could still take a couple of years to materialize.
How many years have you been travelling like this?
For 9 years, I am a South African citizen
Unfortunately most laws around the world deem the pension earned to be taxed in the country that the employment which caused the pension was performed. You would need to be gone longer than 330 days to really withdraw as a tax resident and even then it can be argued the pension is deemed to be taxed in SA.
Very helpful, thank you
Only a pleasure!