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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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

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: 1012435926293

Ruling

Subject: Capital gains tax - deceased estate - disposal of main residence

Question:

Is the capital gain made on the disposal of the deceased's main residence disregarded?

Answer:

Yes.

This ruling applies for the following period

Year ended 30 June 2012

The scheme commenced on

1 July 2011

Relevant facts

Prior to 20 September 1985, the deceased purchased a property (the property).

The property was the deceased's main residence.

The deceased passed away early last year.

The deceased was a resident in a nursing home for a number of years prior to their death.

The property was never rented or occupied by anyone during their absence.

The property was disposed of mid year.

Assumptions

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 104-10

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 128-15

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 118-110

Reasons for decision

Capital gains tax (CGT) event A1 happens if you dispose of a CGT asset, the time of the event is when you enter into the contract for its disposal or if there is no contract when the change of ownership occurs.

CGT event A1 occurred when you disposed of the property.

When a person dies, a capital gain or capital loss from a CGT event happening to a CGT asset owned by the deceased, just before death, is generally disregarded.

Where the asset devolves to the trustee or executor or passes to a beneficiary of the deceased estate, the executor or beneficiary is taken to have acquired the asset on the day the person died.

You are taken to have acquired the property on the deceased's date of death.

If the deceased acquired a property before 20 September 1985, any capital gain or capital loss is disregarded if you dispose of your ownership interest within two years of the deceased's date of death.

In your case, you disposed of the property within two years of the deceased's death.

Therefore any capital gain made on its disposal is disregarded.