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Recoupment of cost

Last updated 30 October 2005

Recoupment of an amount included in the cost of a depreciating asset may be included in assessable income. An amount is not an assessable recoupment if it is received for the sale of a depreciating asset for its market value.

Foreign currency gains and losses

If you purchase a depreciating asset in foreign currency, the first element of the asset's cost is converted to Australian currency at the exchange rate applicable when you begin to hold the asset, or when the obligation is satisfied, whichever occurs first. From 1 July 2003, if the foreign currency became due for payment within the 24-month period that began 12 months before the time when you began to hold the depreciating asset, any realised foreign currency gain or loss (referred to as a forex realisation gain or a forex realisation loss) can modify the asset's cost, opening adjustable value, or the opening balance of your low-value pool (as the case may be).

Similar consequences apply for second element of cost amounts involving foreign currency. However, the translation to Australian currency is made at the exchange rate applicable at the time you incurred the relevant expenditure and a 12-month rule instead of a 24-month rule applies. The 12-month rule requires that the foreign currency became due for payment within 12 months after the time you incurred the relevant expenditure.

Otherwise, that gain or loss is included in assessable income or allowed as a deduction, respectively.

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