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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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: 1012274534288

Ruling

Subject: Rental property interest

Question:

Are you entitled to a deduction for rental property interest?

Answer:

Yes.

This ruling applies for the following period

Year ended 30 June 2013

Year ended 30 June 2014

Year ended 30 June 2015

Year ended 30 June 2016

The scheme commenced on

1 July 2011

Relevant facts

You and your spouse currently own a principle place of residence which is not under finance.

You intend purchasing your spouse's share of the property and then move out and use the property as an investment property.

You will obtain a valuation from three separate real estate agents and take the median.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 8-1

Reasons for decision

Section 8-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 allows a deduction for all losses and outgoings to the extent to which they are incurred in gaining or producing assessable income except where the outgoings are of a capital, private or domestic nature.

Taxation Ruling TR 95/25 provides that the deductibility of interest on borrowed funds is determined by the use of the borrowed money. The use test, established in FC of T v. Munro (1926) 38 CLR 153, is the basic test for the deductibility of interest and looks at the application of the borrowed funds as the main criterion.

Where a borrowing is used to acquire an income producing asset or relates to an income producing activity, the interest on this borrowing is considered to be incurred in the course of producing assessable income.

You intend buying your spouse's share of your principle place of residence which currently does not have a mortgage and then move out and rent the property. To pay for your spouse's share you intend taking out a loan.

As the funds will be used to purchase your spouse's share of a property used as an investment property, you are entitled to claim a deduction for the interest incurred on the loan.


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