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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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

Authorisation Number: 1051441675973

Date of advice: 17 October 2018

Ruling

Subject: Genuine redundancy

Question

Is the correct tax-free component of the Redundancy Payment received $xx pursuant to section 83-170 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997)?

Answer

Yes.

This ruling applies for the following period:

Income year ending 30 June 20XX

The scheme commences on:

1 July 20XX

Relevant facts and circumstances

1.    The employee started working for the employer in 19XX.

2.    The employee was made redundant in 20XX.

3.    The employer used a start date of 19XX to adjust for the time that the employee was employed on a part-time basis.

4.    The calculation of the redundancy recognised over 15 years of service, however the tax-free portion of the redundancy payment was calculated using only 10 years of service.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 83-170

Reasons for decision

1.    The method for determining the tax-free treatment of a genuine redundancy payment is set out in subsection 83-170(3) of the ITAA 1997 which provides the following formula:

Base amount + (Service amount x Years of service)

5.    In this case, the tax-free component should be adjusted to reflect the correct number of years of service.


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