Hi Guys

I wonder if any one can help me, or give me some pointers.

I arrived in Brisvegas a month ago, and am now doing the serious job searching.

I am a IT and Project Manager, (although I can also turn my hand to VB Development or usual support). But I am noticing a lot of the jobs are contract. This isnt really a problem for me as I think contracting about for a bit would be a good way of seeing the work culture of Brisbane up close.

But, and this is where I hope some one can help me, what sort of things do I need to have in place before I can accept any contracts (thats if any are offered of course) would I need a business number? What about taxes etc..

has anyone gone down this route? Any help or advice would be most gratefully accepted.

Thanks

Shane

Hi Shane,

My partner is contracting through an agency at the moment and they pay his supper annuation and PAYE for him so he did not require an ABN number, this is only required if you are going to contract with a company directly as a sole trader I believe. You will need a tax file number though to give to an agency if that's the route you are going to take you can apply for this online at www.ato.gov.uk, on this site you will also find guidelines on ABN's etc.

Good luck let us know how the contract market is going for IT staff as we are making the move from the Sunshine Coast to Brissie in June time.

Best of Luck
Lori

[QUOTE=Lori&Andy]Hi Shane,

My partner is contracting through an agency at the moment and they pay his supper annuation and PAYE for him so he did not require an ABN number, this is only required if you are going to contract with a company directly as a sole trader I believe. You will need a tax file number though to give to an agency if that's the route you are going to take you can apply for this online at www.ato.gov.uk, on this site you will also find guidelines on ABN's etc.

Good luck let us know how the contract market is going for IT staff as we are making the move from the Sunshine Coast to Brissie in June time.

Best of Luck
Lori[/QUOTE

Thanks Lori

I managed to get my tax number a couple of weeks ago so thats not a problem.

Most of the contracts appear to be through agencies so its good to know that they take care of the PAYE side of things, in the UK I had nightmares with agencies and PAYE dont fancy the same problems over here.

Think I will check out ABN's as well, just to open options


As for roles in Brissie, it all depents on what your partner does, loads of SAP roles and a few Java roles, but cant see many Management or Project Management roles...

Shane

In my experience most contracts are offered through an agency, so they will pay you and handle all the legalities.

You also have the option of being paid through a third-party, have a look at http://au.cxcglobal.com/

This can be a more tax-efficient way of being paid.

Good luck!

Cheers for that link! I'll be needing one of those companies when I get there.

I have been using a "composite" company here in the UK for years (Brooksons) and it's the best of 2 worlds - the convenience of PAYE through an agency but the financial benefit of being a Limited company for a fee of £21 a week.

that is: Brookson minimise my tax liabilityand pay my tax, NI, corporation tax and then pay me what's left each week (minmum wage plus dividends)

The difference between that and working purely Paye through an agent is about £80-100 a week extra in my pocket.

You do the maths!

Cadman