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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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: 1051639278882

Date of advice: 05 March 2020

Ruling

Subject: Special circumstances - drought

Question

Will the Commissioner exercise the discretion to allow you to include any losses from your mixed farming business in the calculation of your taxable income for the 2018-19 financial year?

Answer

Yes. Having considered your circumstances and the relevant factors the Commissioner has granted his discretion. It is accepted that your business activity was affected by special circumstances outside your control which prevented you from passing a test. Further information on non-commercial losses can be found by searching 'QC 33774' on ato.gov.au

This ruling applies for the following period:

Year ended 30 June 20XX

The scheme commences on:

1 July 20XX

Relevant facts and circumstances

You satisfy the less than $250,000 income requirement set out in subsection 35-10(2E) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

You have a mixed farming business activity, growing cereal crops in conjunction with a sheep farming activity and timber production.

In a normal year the planting of a crop A would commence from X resulting in harvest occurring in X of the same calendar year. The potential net sale value of the harvest being $X, for the 2018-19 financial year.

You have a rotational crop B. In a normal rainfall year you would commence sowing from X with the harvest occurring in X/X of the following calendar year. The potential net sale value of the harvest being $X, for the 2018-19 financial year.

You had stocking levels of X head of sheep in the 2018-19 financial year.

You earned $X from livestock sales in the 2018-19 financial year.

Your potential assessable income had drought not impacted your business activity would see you to meet the income requirements in the 2018-19 financial year.

However, due to drought your crops failed so your business activity did not produce assessable income of at least $20,000.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 subsection 35-10(1)

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 subsection 35-10(2)

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 subsection 35-10(2E)

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 paragraph 35-55(1)(a)


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