Who we help
Migrants & new arrivals
Building a life in a new country is hard enough without deciphering the tax system. SAMAF was built by migrants, for migrants — practical help, fair prices, 15 languages.
A firm that understands the journey
Our team represents Europe, Asia and Africa, and most of us have personally navigated visas, first jobs, first tax returns and first businesses in Australia. We built the firm we wished existed when we arrived — one that truly understands the migrant and refugee experience.
How we help new arrivals
- Getting set up — TFN, ABN, superannuation choices and record-keeping from day one
- Tax residency done right — the rules are about your circumstances, not just your visa, and getting them wrong is expensive
- First (and every) tax return — including foreign income, and multi-year catch-ups
- Starting a business — structures, GST, payroll and cloud bookkeeping, explained simply
- Community support — subsidised services for migrant organisations and community groups
Part of the community, not just serving it
You'll find SAMAF at the Refugee World Cup, Football Without Borders, the CDU Free Tax Clinic and community organisations across the Territory. Giving back isn't a side project — it's why the firm exists.
New arrival FAQs
I've just arrived in Australia — what tax things do I need to set up first?
A tax file number (TFN) is first, before your first payday if possible. From there it depends on your plans: an ABN if you'll work for yourself, private health considerations, and understanding how your visa affects your tax residency. We offer a plain-language "new arrival" session covering exactly your situation.
How does my overseas income get taxed?
It depends on your tax residency. Australian tax residents are generally taxed on worldwide income (with credits for foreign tax paid, and treaty rules in some cases), while non-residents are taxed only on Australian-sourced income. Residency is about your circumstances, not just your visa — we assess it properly rather than guessing.
Can you help me start a business in Australia?
Yes — that's one of our favourite jobs. We advise on structure (sole trader, company, trust), register your ABN and GST, set up cloud bookkeeping, and explain your obligations as an employer if you take on staff. Then we stay with you as your accountant as the business grows.
Do you offer subsidised services for community organisations?
We offer subsidised services to migrant community organisations as part of our purpose. If you run a community association or not-for-profit supporting migrants or refugees, talk to us about what we can do.
Start on the right foot
Free first consultation, in the language that suits you — in person or online.