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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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

Authorisation Number: 1011867343403

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Ruling

Subject: Deductibility of payment

Question 1

Does section 8-1 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) permit a deduction to an entity for a specific payment (the Payment)?

Answer

Yes.

This ruling applies for the following period/s:

Income year ended 30 June 2012

Income year ended 30 June 2013

Income year ended 30 June 2014

The scheme commences on:

During the year ended 30 June 2012

Relevant facts and circumstances

An entity proposes to make the Payment.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 8-1

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Subsection 8-1(1)

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Subsection 8-1(2)

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Paragraph 8-1(2)(a)

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Paragraph 8-1(2)(b)

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Paragraph 8-1(2)(c)

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Paragraph 8-1(2)(d)

Does Part IVA apply to this ruling?

Part IVA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 is a general anti-avoidance rule that can apply in certain circumstances if you or another taxpayer obtains a tax benefit in connection with an arrangement and it can be concluded that the arrangement, or any part of it, was entered into or carried out by any person for the dominant purpose of enabling a tax benefit to be obtained. If Part IVA applies the tax benefit can be cancelled, for example, by disallowing a deduction that was otherwise allowable.

We have not fully considered the application of Part IVA to the arrangement you asked us to rule on, or to an associated or wider arrangement of which that arrangement is part.

If you want us to rule on whether Part IVA applies we will first need to obtain and consider all the facts about the arrangement which are relevant to determining whether Part IVA may apply.

For more information on Part IVA, go to our website www.ato.gov.au and enter 'part iva general' in the search box on the top right of the page, then select: Part IVA: the general anti-avoidance rule for income tax.

Reasons for decision

Detailed reasoning

It is considered that the Payment has the character of a loss or outgoing incurred in the course of gaining or producing assessable income or in carrying on a business for the purpose of gaining or producing assessable income.

The Payment is not considered to be a loss or outgoing of capital or of a capital nature. On the basis that paragraphs 8-1(2)(b) of the ITAA 1997 to paragraph 8-1(2)(d) of the ITAA 1997 have no application, the entity will be entitled to claim a deduction for the Payment pursuant to subsection 8-1(1) of the ITAA 1997.