Expat Tax Tip #7

Don’t Overlook Tax on Pensions & Retirement Accounts

Many expats are surprised to learn that pensions, superannuation, and retirement accounts can be taxable in both your host country and your home country. This often depends on how double tax treaties allocate taxing rights.

For example:

• An Australian expat retiring in Canada may find their superannuation taxed differently depending on whether the treaty gives taxing rights to Australia or Canada.
• A Canadian working in Australia with an RRSP needs to be careful about reporting rules and whether contributions remain tax-deferred.

📘 Want to avoid getting caught off guard? Check out my Australia Expat Tax Guide or my Canada Expat Tax Guide.

🔗 External resource for depth: OECD – Pensions and Taxation

The bottom line: retirement savings are one of the trickiest parts of expat tax planning. Don’t assume they’ll be taxed the same way as at home — check the treaty, or risk double taxation.