| Disclaimer This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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. You cannot rely on this record in your tax affairs. It is not binding and provides you with no protection (including from any underpaid tax, penalty or interest). In addition, this record is not an authority for the purposes of establishing a reasonably arguable position for you to apply to your own circumstances. For more information on the status of edited versions of private advice and reasons we publish them, see PS LA 2008/4. |
Edited version of your private ruling
Authorisation Number: 1012383261972
This edited version of your ruling will be published in the public register of private binding rulings after 28 days from the issue date of the ruling. The attached private rulings fact sheet has more information.
Please check this edited version to be sure that there are no details remaining that you think may allow you to be identified. If you have any concerns about this ruling you wish to discuss, you will find our contact details in the fact sheet.
Ruling
Subject: Trust resettlement
Question
Will the variations proposed to the Trust Deed trigger the happening of CGT event E1?
Answer:
No
This ruling applies for the following period
Year ended 30 June 2013
The scheme commenced on
1 July 2004
Relevant facts and circumstances
Pursuant to clause 3(3)(a)(ii) of the Trust Deed, the Trustee, with the consent of the Appointor, will by resolution or deed declare that the class of persons identified in clauses 3(1)(e) and (h) are no longer to be included as a beneficiary under the Trust Deed.
Relevant legislative provisions
Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 104-55.
Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 104-60
Reasons for decision
A trust resettlement will occur for income tax purposes where one trust estate has ended and another has replaced it. The effect of such a resettlement is that a disposal of the trust assets is deemed to occur. In consequence, capital gains could accrue to beneficiaries as a result of various CGT events.
Commissioner has recently released Taxation Determination TD 2012/D4 which was published as a result of a recent court case CoT v Clark [2011] FCAFC 5; 2011 ATC 20-236; (2011) 79 ATR 550 (Clark's case). Whilst the case of Clark's case dealt with whether changes in a continuing trust were sufficient to treat that trust as a different taxpayer for the purpose of applying relevant losses, TD 2012/D4 accepts that the principles set out in Clark's case have broader application.
TD 2012/D4 asserts that a valid amendment to a trust pursuant to an existing power will not result in termination of the trust and therefore will not result in CGT event E1 happening.
Following the direction set out in TD 2012/D4, as the amendments are allowed by the Trust Deed, CGT event E1 will not arise in relation to the changes proposed.