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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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

You cannot rely on this record in your tax affairs. It is not binding and provides you with no protection (including from any underpaid tax, penalty or interest). In addition, this record is not an authority for the purposes of establishing a reasonably arguable position for you to apply to your own circumstances. For more information on the status of edited versions of private advice and reasons we publish them, see PS LA 2008/4.

Edited version of your private ruling

Authorisation Number: 1012386508969

This edited version of your ruling will be published in the public register of private binding rulings after 28 days from the issue date of the ruling. The attached private rulings fact sheet has more information.

Please check this edited version to be sure that there are no details remaining that you think may allow you to be identified. If you have any concerns about this ruling you wish to discuss, you will find our contact details in the fact sheet.

Ruling

Subject: Surrender of investment policies

Question 1

Will you be required to include any money received in your income as a result of surrendering a number of investment policies in income tax return?

Answer

No.

Question 2

Are you entitled to include the loss you made on surrendering a number of investment policies in your income tax return?

Answer

No.

This ruling applies for the following periods:

Year ended 30 June 2012

The scheme commences on:

Prior to the year 2000

Relevant facts and circumstances

You took out an investment plan prior to the year 2000.

You paid a number of premiums.

You surrendered this policy and received a payment. You made a profit on this policy.

You also took out another policy with your spouse prior to the year 2000.

You paid a number of premiums.

You made a net loss on the policy. You shared this loss with your spouse.

You made a net loss.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 Section 26AH,

Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 Section 15-75 and

Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 Section 118-300.

Reasons for decision

Question 1

Summary

You will not be required to include money received as a result of surrendering your investments policies in your income for the relevant year.

Detailed reasoning

Generally, bonuses received are assessable under section 26AH of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936) however, reversionary bonuses on a policy of life assurance are not assessable. The bonuses on an endowment policy are considered to be reversionary bonuses as they are not actually paid out to the taxpayer but are reinvested to be part of the lump sum.

Reversionary bonuses are fully assessable under subsection 26AH(6) of the ITAA 1936 if the life assurance policy is cashed in during the first eight years of the eligible period, two thirds assessable if cashed in the ninth year and one third assessable if cashed in during the tenth year. This is the ten year period commencing on the date of the commencement of risk, being the period in respect of which the date of the first premium was paid. If the policy matures or is otherwise terminated after ten years, section 26AH of the ITAA 1936 excludes reversionary bonuses from being assessable.

In your case, as you and your spouse have held the policies for greater than ten years, the reversionary bonuses received on the surrender of your plans is not assessable.

Question 2

Summary

You are not entitled to claim the loss you incurred on the surrender of your investment policies.

Detailed reasoning

Generally, bonuses received are assessable under section 26AH of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936) however, reversionary bonuses on a policy of life assurance are not assessable. The bonuses on an endowment policy are considered to be reversionary bonuses as they are not actually paid out to the taxpayer but are reinvested to be part of the lump sum.

Reversionary bonuses are fully assessable under paragraph 26AH(6) of the ITAA 1936 if the life assurance policy is cashed in during the first eight years of the eligible period, two thirds assessable if cashed in the ninth year and one third assessable if cashed in during the tenth year. This is the ten year period commencing on the date of the commencement of risk, being the period in respect of which the date of the first premium was paid. If the policy matures or is otherwise terminated after ten years, section 26AH of the ITAA 1936 excludes reversionary bonuses from being assessable. Section 26AH of the ITAA 1936 is only applicable to reversionary bonuses received by the taxpayer and does not address a loss being incurred.

In your case, as you and your spouse have held the policies for greater than ten years and did not receive a bonus payment. As you have held the investment for greater than ten years and incurred a loss, the loss incurred on the surrender of your plans is not able to be claimed.


Copyright notice

© Australian Taxation Office for the Commonwealth of Australia

You are free to copy, adapt, modify, transmit and distribute material on this website as you wish (but not in any way that suggests the ATO or the Commonwealth endorses you or any of your services or products).