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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication. It should not be regarded as indicative of the ATO's current views. The law may have changed since original publication, and views in the edited version may also be affected by subsequent precedents and new approaches to the application of the law.

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Edited version of your private ruling

Authorisation Number: 1012224520065

Ruling

Subject: Interest expense

Question

Are you entitled to a deduction for interest and bank fees charged to your investment loans?

Answer

Yes.

This ruling applies for the following periods:

Year ended 30 June 2011

Year ended 30 June 2012

The scheme commences on:

1 July 2010

Relevant facts and circumstances

You have investment loans with a financial institution.

You are part of a class against an organisation.

You have ceased making repayments to your investment loans.

Interest and bank fees are still being charged to these accounts.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 8-1.

Reasons for decision

Section 8-1 of the ITAA 1997 allows a deduction for losses or outgoings incurred in earning assessable income. No deduction is allowable where the loss or outgoing is of a capital, private or domestic nature.

Interest on loans and bank fees are generally deductible where the borrowed funds have been used to earn assessable income.

Taxation Ruling TR 97/7 explains the meaning of 'incurred' for the purposes of section 8-1 of the ITAA 1997. It sets out general rules, settled by case law, that assist in most cases in determining whether and when a loss or outgoing has been incurred. The key principles are:

Whether there is a presently existing pecuniary liability in a year of income requires consideration of the facts of each case, having regard to the source of the liability.

In your case, you have investment loans. You have ceased making repayments to these loans as you are part of a class action against the organisation. Interest and bank fees are still being charged to your accounts.

Having regards to your full circumstances and the above principles, it is considered that the interest and bank fees have been incurred for the purposes of section 8-1 of the ITAA 1997. Therefore, you are entitled to a deduction for interest and bank fees charged to your investment loans.


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