Chapter 2: Key concepts of the FIF measures

Warning:

This information may not apply to the current year. Check the content carefully to ensure it is applicable to your circumstances.

End of attention

What is a foreign investment fund (FIF)?

A FIF is any foreign company or foreign trust. [subsection 481(1)]

A foreign company is a company that is not resident in Australia, according to the definition of a 'resident of Australia' in subsection 6(1) of the ITAA 1936 and the residency provisions of any relevant double taxation agreement. [subsection 481(2)]

A trust estate is a foreign trust if it:

• is not an Australian trust, a resident superannuation fund, a complying approved deposit fund or a pooled superannuation trust, and
• did not result from:
  • a will, a codicil or a court order that varied or modified a will or a codicil, or
  • intestacy or a court order that varied or modified the application of the law relating to the distribution of the estates of persons who die without leaving a will. [subsection 481(3)]