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Distributions to tax-exempt beneficiaries: anti-avoidance rules

Check the anti-avoidance rules in s100AA and 100AB preventing trustees from using tax-exempt entities to avoid tax.

Last updated 21 April 2016

This information is for trustees with tax-exempt beneficiaries who are presently entitled to trust income.

Specific anti-avoidance rules prevent trustees from using tax-exempt entities to avoid tax (sections 100AA and 100AB of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936).

Broadly, the anti-avoidance rules apply if a tax-exempt beneficiary is presently entitled to trust income for an income year and:

  • the trustee does not notify the beneficiary of their entitlement or pay the income within two months of the end of the year – this is the pay or notify rule, or
  • the beneficiary's entitlement exceeds a 'benchmark percentage' – this is the benchmark percentage rule.

If either of these rules apply, the tax-exempt beneficiary is treated as not being – and never having been – presently entitled to the affected share of trust income. This share of net income is instead assessed to the trustee.

QC48729