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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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

Authorisation Number: 1051370997855

Date of advice: 11 May 2018

Ruling

Subject: The Commissioner’s discretion for non-commercial losses

Question

Will the Commissioner exercise the discretion in paragraph 35-55(1)(b) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) to allow you to include any losses from your primary production business activity in your calculation of taxable income for the 20XX to 20XX financial years?

Answer

Yes.

Having regard to your full circumstances, it is accepted that it is in the nature of the business activity that has prevented you making a tax profit. It is also accepted that you will make a tax profit within the commercially viable period for your industry. Consequently the Commissioner will exercise his discretion in the 20XX to 20XX financial years. Further information about non-commercial losses generally can be found on our website ato.gov.au by entering Quick Code QC33774 into the search bar at the top right of the page.

This ruling applies for the following periods:

Year ended 30 June 20XX

Year ended 30 June 20XX

The scheme commences on:

1 July 20XX

Relevant facts and circumstances

You satisfy the <$250,000 income requirement set out in subsection 35-10(2E) of the ITAA 1997.

You carry on a business.

The business is primarily concerned with primary production.

You commenced business operations in the 20XX financial year.

You have provided profit and loss statements that show in the 20XX financial year that you have produced $XXXX in assessable income and incurred $XXXX of deductible expenses.

You project that for the 20XX financial year your cattle activity will produce $XXXX in assessable income and incurred $XXXX of deductible expenses.

You project that for the 20XX financial year your cattle activity will produce $XXXX in assessable income and incurred $XXXX of deductible expenses.

You intend to make a tax profit and satisfy the $20,000 assessable income test in the 20XX financial year.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 35-10

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

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 35-30

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 35-55