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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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

Authorisation Number: 1012768888899

Ruling

Subject: GST and collection agency fees

Question

Is the yearly collection agency fee not the provision of consideration pursuant to subsection 9-17(3) of the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act (GST Act)?

Answer

The yearly collection agency fee is not the provision of consideration pursuant to subsection 9-17(3) of the GST Act.

Relevant facts and circumstances

You are a government entity registered for goods and services tax with effect from 1 July 2000.

Relevant legislative provisions

A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 Section 9-5

A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 Subsection 9-17(3)

Reasons for decision

Subsection 9-17(3) of the GST Act provides that a payment is not the provision of consideration if:

We accept that both entities are government related entities for the purposes of applying subsection 9-17(3) of the GST Act.

The second requirement is to consider whether the payments in question are covered by an appropriation under an Australian law.

The third requirement of subsection 9-17(3) of the GST Act to consider (referred to as the non-commercial test) is whether the collection agency fee is calculated on the basis that the sum of:

It is considered that you satisfy this requirement. As all the requirements of subsection 9-17(3) of the GST Act are satisfied in relation to the collection agency fees those fees are not the provision of consideration.


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