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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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: 1012303825363

Ruling

Subject: CGT - deceased estate

Question and answer

Can you disregard any capital gain or capital loss made on the sale of the property received under a will?

No.

This ruling applies for the following periods:

Year ended 30 June 2012

The scheme commenced on:

1 July 2011

Relevant facts and circumstances

The deceased died a number of years ago.

The property was used as the deceased main residence from the date they purchased it a number of years ago.

The estate has been fully administered.

The property needed some repairs carried out on it.

The property was sold more than 2 years after the deceased's death.

Relevant legislative provisions:

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Subsection 118-195(1).

Reasons for decision

Subsection 118-195(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) states that if you are an individual who owns a dwelling in a capacity as trustee of a deceased estate, then you are exempt from tax on any capital gain made on the disposal of the property acquired by the deceased after 20 September 1985 if: 

Your ownership interest ends within 2 years of the deceased's death (the Commissioner has discretion to extend this period in certain circumstances).

You have an ownership interest in a property if you have a legal interest in the property. This means that if you sell a property, your ownership interest continues until the date of settlement (rather than the date the contract of sale is signed).

The property was purchased by the deceased a number of years ago.

The property was the deceased's main residence.

The property needed repairs carried out on it.

The property was sold more than 2 years after the deceased died.

The discretion under Subsection 118-195(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 is not available to you as a delay in sale due to repairs being carried out on a property prior to placing it on the market is not a circumstance for which the Commissioner will exercise the discretion.

Any capital gain or loss made on the sale of the property will not be disregarded and must be included in your income tax return.


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