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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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: 1012608223696

Ruling

Subject: A deceased estate

Question

Where the administration of the deceased estate is not completed is the trustee assessed on all the income derived in that year?

Answer:

Yes

This ruling applies for the following period:

Year ended 30 June 2013

Year ended 30 June 2014

The scheme commenced on:

On or after 1 July 2012

Relevant facts

The deceased passed away.

The administration of the estate is not yet complete.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 section 101A

Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 section 95(1)

Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 section 99

Reasons for decision

Taxation Ruling IT 2622 deals with the issue of who is presently entitled to the income of the deceased estate during the stages of administration of the deceased estates.

During the period of administration in which no beneficiary will generally be presently entitled, the trustee of the estate will be taxed under section 99 of the ITAA 1936 for up to three tax years on any trust income derived. The trust income would normally be in the form of interest, rent, dividends, or net business income from the trustee's utilisation of the trust assets that have devolved on trustee following the taxpayer's death.

In this case, the estate has not yet been fully administered. Therefore it is the trustee and not the beneficiaries who are taxable on the net income of the trust estate.


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