Overview of Tax Obligations for Australian Expats Living in Bali

A common mistake of Australians in Bali when they first consider moving to the island is that they are exempt from taxes in Indonesia, and confused about the deadline.

Cekindo has come up with this simple guide to help you understand your tax requirements, and things all Australians should keep in mind when living in Bali.

Difference between Personal and Corporate Income Taxes

For corporate income tax, a foreign company with a permanent establishment in Indonesia is subject to a tax rate of 25%.

For an Australian expat’s personal income tax, the tax resident’s rate is between 5% and 30%. There is a 20% withholding tax on income received in Indonesia for non-tax residents.

Learn more about the differences: Corporate tax and personal income tax in Indonesia

Corporate Income Tax for Australian Expats in Bali

Corporate income tax is collected from companies run by Australian expat as well.

The amount of corporate tax is based on the business activity during one business year. Corporate tax is demanding, and it depends a lot on periodic accounting and tax reporting  for tax compliance.

It is worth noting that corporate income tax is calculated based on accounting principles modified by certain tax adjustments. For business expenditures, tax deductions are allowed.

Due to its complex nature, it is highly advisable to outsource your accounting to a third party to handle corporate tax issues.

Personal Income Tax for Australians in Bali

Tax Residents

Australian expats who are considered Indonesian tax residents must pay personal income tax on all earned income, including income generated overseas, or worldwide income.

To be considered as a tax resident in Bali, an Australian individual must be present in Indonesia for no less than  183 days during a 12-month period, regardless of their types of visa. Bear in mind that the 12-month period is not the calendar year.

Non-Tax Residents

Australian expats who are not tax residents are only taxed on their income generated in Indonesia. Non-tax residents stay in Indonesia for less than 183 days during a year.

Personal Income Tax Exemption

For some Australian expats, although they are present in Indonesia for more than 183 days in 12 months, are exempted from personal income tax due to their special legal status. According to Indonesian Income Tax Law, these exemptions are

a) Foreign diplomatic and consular personnel

b) Civilian employees and military personnel of foreign armed service

c) Representatives of international organization  specified from time to time by the Minister of Finance

Other Tax Obligations for Australians in Bali

In addition to personal and corporate taxes, you are required to pay contributions for social security schemes in Indonesia as an Australian expat.

These contributions include manpower scheme (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan) and the healthcare scheme (BPJS Kesehatan), compulsory for both citizens and expats in Indonesia, who work in Indonesia for at least 6 months.

The proof of these contributions is required for the renewal of your work permit in Bali

Learn more in our article Work Permit in Indonesia from A to Z.

Tax ID for Australians in Bali

First of all, Australian expats considered as tax residents will have to register as a taxpayer with receipt of a tax number – Nomor Pokok Wajib Pajak  (NPWP).

On the same note, you must also cancel your NPWP if you leave Indonesia permanently. It is not worthy to take NPWP lightly because you are subject to a penalty of 20% without an NPWP.

Deadline for Tax Submission

The deadline for Australian expat’s personal income tax submission is on 31st March. For corporate, the tax submission must be lodged within four months after the end of the taxable year.

Both tax submissions are done at the tax office where expats are registered.

Contact Cekindo or fill in the form below to get more details regarding the tax obligations for Australian expats living in Bali. However, our scope of services is much broader, we can also assist you with taxes in Semarang and Jakarta.