The Commissioner has released Practical Compliance Guideline (PCG) 2019/5 to outline:
1. a safe harbour compliance approach in relation to a sale of property acquired from a deceased estate outside of the two year period; and
2. the factors the Commissioner will consider when deciding whether to exercise the discretion to extend the two year period.
In August's Monthly Tax Update, Frank Hinoporos, CTA, (Hall & Wilcox Lawyers) looks at the key issues for advisers related to this PCG.
Pursuant to section 118-195 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, where an ownership interest in a principal place of residence passes to an individual beneficiary or trustee of the deceased’s estate within two years of the deceased’s death, any capital gain or loss made on the disposal of the property is disregarded.
Taxpayers must satisfy all five of the conditions specified in the PCG if they wish to have the capital gain or loss disregarded.
The PCG provides a ‘safe harbour’ which, if it applies, means that the taxpayer does not need to apply to the Commissioner in order for the Commissioner to exercise its discretion to disregard capital gains and losses.
It also takes a look at some issues with Div 7A and unpaid present entitlements under sub-trust arrangements, as well as CGT and changes to the main residence exemptions for foreign resident.