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Edited version of your written advice

Authorisation Number: 1012768476026

Ruling

Subject: Capital gains tax

Question

Will the Commissioner exercise his discretion under subsection 118-195(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) and allow an extension of time to the two year period?

Answer

Yes.

This ruling applies for the following period

Year ending 30 June 2015

The scheme commences on

1 July 2014

Relevant facts and circumstances

The deceased and their spouse acquired a property prior to 1985.

The deceased's spouse died prior to 1985 and the deceased became the sole owner of the property.

The property has always been the family home of the deceased and has never been used to produce income.

The deceased died in the 2011-12 financial year.

The Will provided for the executors to sell the property, pay the expenses of the estate and distribute the funds to the beneficiaries.

The Will did not give any person a right to occupy the dwelling.

Probate was granted in the 2012-13 financial year.

The property was sold at auction in the 2014-15 financial year.

Finalising the estate and selling the property within the 2 year period was stalled due to the issues in acquiring vacant possession of the house to put it on the market.

Relevant legislative provisions

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

Reasons for decision

Subsection 118-195(1) of the ITAA 1997 allows a trustee of a deceased estate to disregard a capital gain or loss if:

The Explanatory Memorandum (EM) to the Tax Laws Amendment (2011 Measures No.9) Act 2012 provides a non-exhaustive list of situations in which the Commissioner would be expected to exercise the discretion. This includes where:

In this case, the sale of the property was delayed due to the issues in acquiring vacant possession of the house to put it on the market. Having considered the circumstances, the Commissioner will exercise his discretion and extend the 2 year time period.


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