Disclaimer This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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: 1012422402515
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: Purchase of a motor vehicle
Question
As a disabled veteran, am I eligible to purchase a new car from a motor vehicle dealer GST-free?
Answer
Yes, you are eligible to purchase a new car from a motor vehicle dealer GST-free.
Relevant facts and circumstances
You are an eligible veteran with a disability for GST purposes. You have served in the Defence Force.
You are not registered for the goods and services tax (GST).
You do not have a tax file number (TFN) because you are not in an income tax paying situation.
You receive a totally and permanently incapacitated (TPI) pension under the Veteran's Entitlements Act 1986.
You have a TPI Gold Card issued to you by the Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA).
You purchased a new car from an out of State motor car dealer in the relevant year and you use the car for personal transportation and intend to do so for at least X years more.
The price you paid for the vehicle is under the luxury car tax threshold.
The vehicle was not registered in the State in which you bought it.
You tendered a duly completed and signed declaration (Declaration for an exemption of GST on car or car parts - disabled veterans (Form NAT 3418)) to the car dealer to obtain the vehicle GST-free.
The dealer was vague about the process of obtaining an exemption for the GST and other taxes as the vehicle was not being registered in the State in which it was bought.
Therefore, the dealer did not supply the vehicle GST-free and advised you to apply to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regarding this matter.
The dealer issued you with a 21 day permit to drive your car back to the State in which you reside.
You took the car interstate and registered the vehicle with the relevant authorities in your home State.
Relevant legislative provisions
A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (GST Act) Section 38-505.
Reasons for decision
Under subsection 38-505 of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (GST Act), the supply of a car is GST-free when supplied to an individual who has served in the Defence Force or in any other armed force of Her Majesty, and as a result of that service:
§ has lost a leg or both arms; or
§ has had a leg, or both arms, rendered permanently and completely useless; or
§ is a veteran to whom section 24 of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 applies and receives a pension under Part II of that Act; and
§ intends to use the car in his or her personal transportation during all of the 'Subdivision 38-P period'.
§ The GST Act defines the Subdivision 38-P period as the period starting when the person acquires the car and ending at the earliest of: the end of two years after the acquisition;
§ the time when the car is no longer reasonably capable of being used for the purpose for which cars of that kind are ordinarily used; or
§ a time that the Commissioner of Taxation considers to be appropriate in special circumstances.
In this case, you have served in the Defence Force and you are an eligible veteran receiving a TPI pension from the Department of Veterans' Affairs. You have informed us that you intend to use the new car for X years or more for your personal transportation. Therefore, you are eligible to purchase a car from a dealer GST-free.
Please note that where you buy, or register, the vehicle in Australia does not alter your eligibility to purchase the car GST-free. Also, as the price of the car is less than the luxury car tax threshold, you are eligible for the full exemption from GST on the purchase.
To obtain the GST exemption, you must complete the ATO form titled, "Declaration for an exemption of GST in a car or car parts - disabled veterans" (NAT 3418) and present this declaration to your motor vehicle supplier.
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).