The Australian government requires people who buy residential property from non-tax residents to withhold 15% of the purchase price and pay it to the ATO. This applies to all real estate contracts signed on or after 1 January 2025,

If you are selling your property, you must provide apply for a ATO Foreign resident capital gains withholding clearance certificate from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Every individual or company named on the title must provide a separate certificate.

Apply online at the ATO’s website and send us a copy of your certificate as soon as possible. It may take several weeks to issue, so don’t delay.

If you don’t provide a clearance certificate or are not considered an Australian resident for tax purposes, the buyer must withhold 15% of the purchase price and remit it to the ATO.