Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) – ATO Form

Who Can Claim DASP?

To claim DASP, you must meet a few critical criteria. First, you must ensure that your temporary visa, such as subclass 417 (Working Holiday) or subclass 462 (Work and Holiday), is no longer active. Once your visa has expired or been cancelled and you’ve permanently left Australia, you can apply for your superannuation payout.

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can proceed by submitting a DASP application to your super fund, along with the required certified documents like your passport and visa. It’s also important to note that you cannot claim DASP while still in Australia or if your visa is still valid, as the scheme is designed for individuals who no longer have any ties to the Australian super system through residency or visa status.

How to Apply for DASP

The foremost thing one must do when filling in the DASP is gather the required documents.

• Certified Passport Copy: A certified copy of the page showing your photo, identification details, and any departure stamps.
• Certified Visa Copy: Provide a certified copy of your expired temporary resident visa or evidence of visa cancellation (if applicable).
• Certificate of Immigration Status: If necessary, lodge Form 1194 with the Department of Home Affairs to confirm that your temporary visa has been cancelled.

Once you have gathered all the necessary information, you may start filling in the form.

Section A: Temporary Resident’s Details

The first section of the form requires you to provide your basic personal information.

1. Australian Tax File Number (TFN): This is optional but will help expedite the process.
2. Name: Provide your full name as it appears on your passport, including any name changes (supported by official documentation like a marriage certificate, if applicable).
3. Date of Birth: Use the format DD/MM/YYYY.
4. Last Address in Australia: This can be your last address or the address shown on your latest superannuation statement.
5. Contact Details: Include your phone number and email address so you can receive any updates on your application.

Section B: Superannuation Fund Details

Here, you must provide details of the superannuation fund where your contributions have been made.

1. Superannuation Fund Name: The official name of the fund.
2. Australian Business Number (ABN): This may be listed on your superannuation statements or retrieved from the fund’s website.
3. Member Account Number: Found on your superannuation statements. This helps the fund identify your account.

You must submit a separate application form for each fund ​if you have multiple superannuation accounts.

Section C: Employer Details

If your employer contributed to your super account, you must provide their details:

1. Employer’s Business Name: Name of the employer that contributed to your super fund.
2. Australian Business Number (ABN): This information is on your employment records or payslips.
3. Employer’s Business Address: Include the suburb, postcode, state/territory, and country.
4. Period of Employment: Specify the dates (DD/MM/YYYY) you worked for this employer.

After this, you’ll need to verify your immigration status.

Section D: Supporting Documentation and Visa Information

To process your DASP application, you must add supporting documents and visa information.

1. Visa Details: List all visas you’ve held while working in Australia, starting with the most recent, including bridging visas.
2. Visa Status Verification: You must provide either a certified copy of your visa or a Certificate of Immigration Status from the Department of Home Affairs confirming that your visa is no longer in effect.

Note: If you claim less than $5,000, alternative documentation, such as certified copies of your passport, may suffice.

Section E: Payment Options

You have two main payment options.

1. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to an Australian Bank Account: Provide your BSB code, account number, and full name.
2. International Money Transfer (IMT) to an overseas financial institution: Provide details including Bank Code, IBAN, and the required currency.

Ensure you contact your super fund to confirm whether EFT or IMT is available and if any fees apply for currency conversion.

Lodging Your DASP Application

Lodging your Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) application involves submitting the completed form and supporting documents to your superannuation fund. You can submit the form online through the ATO DASP portal or by paper submission. Ensure all required documents, such as certified copies of your passport and visa, are included to avoid delays. 

If your balance is over $5,000, you need a Certificate of Immigration Status from the Department of Home Affairs.

After applying, your payment will typically be processed within 28 days, although it may take longer if additional information is required. You can choose between Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), international money transfer (IMT), or a cheque for payment, but check with your super fund as not all offer IMT options. 

Once your DASP form is completed and signed, submit it with certified copies of your passport, visa, and other supporting documents to your superannuation fund. You do not send this application to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or the Department of Home Affairs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Filling in a form comes with its share of challenges and pitfalls.

• Incomplete or Incorrect Information: Double-check all details (e.g., personal, employer, super fund) for accuracy.
• Uncertified Documents: Submit certified copies of your passport, visa, and other required documents.
• One Application for Multiple Super Funds: Submit a separate DASP application for each superannuation account.
• Submitting to the Wrong Authority: Send the form to your super fund, not the ATO or Department of Home Affairs.
• Miscalculating Payment and Fees: Account for taxes and fees that will be deducted from your DASP payment.
• Submitting Too Early or Late: Only apply after you’ve left Australia and your visa has expired or been cancelled.
• Overlooking Tax Implications in Your Home Country: Consider tax treaties that may affect your DASP payment. If your home country taxes the DASP amount and Australia has already withheld tax, you may be able to claim a Foreign Income Tax Offset to reduce double taxation.
• Not Following Up: Track your application and follow up if you don’t receive confirmation within 28 days.
• Exceeding Contribution Caps: Ensure your contributions don’t exceed annual caps to avoid extra tax liabilities.
• Outdated Contact Information: Keep your email and postal address updated with your super fund.

Once these common pitfalls are avoided, you can smoothly sail with your DASP form.

What Happens After You Submit the Form?

Once submitted, the superannuation fund will process your application, which usually takes up to 28 days. Once approved, your payment will be processed via EFT or IMT, depending on your selected payment method.

If there are any issues, such as incomplete or missing documentation, the superannuation fund will contact you for clarification. You can track the status of your application by contacting your super fund directly​.

Leave the Hassle to Us!

The Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) allows temporary residents who have worked and accumulated super in Australia to claim their superannuation once they leave the country and their visa expires. By following the correct application process—whether through your super fund or the ATO—you can efficiently reclaim your super contributions. 

Ensuring your application is complete and accurate, along with choosing the appropriate payment method, will prevent unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth experience. Whether you are submitting your form online or via mail, it is important to provide all certified documents and follow up on the progress of your claim.

If you’re unsure about any part of the DASP process, Odin Tax is always here to help. Odin Tax specialises in providing expert tax advice and solutions for individuals and businesses, particularly those navigating complex tax situations like superannuation claims, expat taxes, and non-resident tax matters.