The Expat’s Guide to Australian Superannuation plus CGT, Taxation & Planning Ahead with Amber Dawson (Part 2)

Taxbytes for Expats

This is the second part of a two-part conversation with Amber Dawson - make sure to listen to Part 1 for the full background on our initial chat and intro to Amber.

In this second part of my chat with Amber Dawson, senior financial advisor at Ally Wealth Management in Perth, we’re talking about superannuation: what it is, how it works, and why it’s one of the most tax-efficient ways to build long-term wealth for expats living and working in Australia.

We unpack the tax benefits of super contributions, what happens when you leave Australia, and why trying to cash out early could cost you dearly. Amber shares practical tips for anyone navigating financial decisions between Ireland and Australia, from capital gains on Aussie property to the challenges of moving pensions across borders. We also talk about common mistakes expats make, the emotional side of relocation, and the power of planning your financial future BEFORE life makes the decision for you.

If you’re an Irish expat in Australia, a returning Irish repat, or just trying to make sense of your super and investments when living elsewhere, you’ll find what you need here.

Main Topics discussed in this Episode:

1. Superannuation Basics & Tax Benefits: Amber explains how superannuation works in Australia, including its tax-advantaged structure and why it's a key tool for long-term wealth building.
2. Accessing Super When Leaving Australia: We explore what happens to your super if you leave Australia, including the potential tax pitfalls of early withdrawals and why patience often pays off.
3. Transferring Pensions Across Borders: Amber and I discuss the complexities of moving pension funds between Australia and other jurisdictions, particularly the limited options for transferring super out of Australia.
4. Financial Planning for Expats & Repatriation: Whether you're planning to leave Australia or return, we highlight the importance of future-proofing your financial decisions based on your goals—even when life doesn’t go to plan.
5. Common Mistakes Expats Make: From poorly timed property sales to misaligned financial products, Amber shares real-world examples of avoidable mistakes and the value of seeking advice early.

Your special offer from Amber Dawson & Ally Wealth:

Book a meeting with Amber to start your personalised Strategy Paper: https://calendly.com/ally-wealth-amber/introductory-meeting-online.

Amber’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-dawson/

More info for Expats on Ally Wealth’s Website: https://allywealth.com.au/blog/

*****

If you loved this episode or have a similar story, we'd love to hear from you! You can get in touch with us directly at [email protected] or leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Taxbytes for Expats is brought to you by ExpatTaxes.ie. If you're considering moving to or from Ireland and would like support with your taxes, book a consultation today: https://expattaxes.ie/services-and-pricing/.

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out ExpatTaxes.ie to get your Tax sorted!

Special Offer from our Trusted Partner, Currencies Direct

This episode is brought to you by Currencies Direct, our trusted currency exchange partner when transferring currency to or from Ireland. Use the link below and quote "Expat Taxes" when registering with Currencies Direct to receive a €50 One4All or Amazon voucher when you transfer €5000 or more in your first six months with Currencies Direct.

Click here for Currencies Direct Special Offer