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Thin capitalisation

Last updated 31 August 2006

The thin capitalisation provisions apply to entities (including individuals) to reduce certain deductions (called 'debt deductions') for costs incurred in obtaining and servicing debt finance where the debt applicable to Australian operations exceeds the limits set out in Division 820 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997).

Do the thin capitalisation provisions apply to you?

The thin capitalisation rules will apply to you if you are:

  • an Australian resident and you, or any of your associate entities, are an Australian controller of a foreign entity or carry on business overseas at or through a permanent establishment, or
  • a foreign resident and you carry on business in Australia at or through a permanent establishment or otherwise have Australian income-producing assets.

The thin capitalisation rules will not apply to you if:

  • your debt deductions (combined with the debt deductions of your associate entities) do not exceed $250,000 in the income year, or
  • you are an Australian resident and the combined value of your and your associates' Australian assets is not less than 90% of the value of your and your associates' total assets.
  • the thin capitalisation rules apply to you, you must complete the Thin capitalisation schedule 2006 (NAT 6458-6.2006). The amount of any debt deductions you can claim may be reduced by these rules. For more information, see the Thin capitalisation: guide (NAT 4461).

Complete the Thin capitalisation schedule 2006 (NAT 6458-6.2006) and post it to:

Australian Taxation Office
PO Box 1365
ALBURY NSW 2640

QC18499