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This edited version has been archived due to the length of time since original publication.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: 1051570480202

Date of advice: 26 August 2016

Ruling

Subject: Investment bond and linked life assurance policy

Question 1

If you surrender the investment bond, will the proceeds be non-assessable income under section 26AH of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936) as the bond has been held for more than 10 years?

Answer

Yes.

The investment bond has a death benefit component and is therefore an eligible policy for the purposes of section 26AH of the ITAA 1936. As the surrender of the bond will occur after it has been held for over 10 years, no amount will be assessable under section 26AH of the ITAA 1936.

Question 2

If you surrender the investment bond will, will any capital gain be disregarded under section
> 118-300 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997)?

Answer

Yes

The investment bond has a death benefit component and is therefore a policy of insurance on the life of an individual for the purposes of section 118-300 of the ITAA 1997. As you acquired your interest in the policy for no consideration, any capital gain you make on the surrender of the bond will be disregarded.

This ruling applies for the following period:

Year ending 30 June 2020

The scheme commences on:

1 July 2019

Relevant facts and circumstances

You are an Australian resident for tax purposes.

A relative of yours, a foreign resident, purchased an investment bond (the bond) over 10 years ago.

The bond is unit linked and has a death benefit component (the policy).

The lives insured under the policy at the date of commencement were you and two other relatives.

Your relative passed away and the bond passed to you and another relative for no consideration.

The value of the bond has increased over time.

You have made no withdrawals from the bond.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 section 26AH

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 118-300