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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 private advice

Authorisation Number: 1051758295683

Date of advice: 28 September 2020

Ruling

Subject: Personal injury compensation

Question

Is the capital gain you made on receipt of the lump sum payment disregarded?

Answer

Yes. Capital gains tax (CGT) event C2 happened when you signed the Agreement. However, the capital gain you made from the CGT event is disregarded, as the payment you received relates wholly to the personal wrong or injury you have suffered. As such, no part of the lump sum payment is included in your assessable income.

This ruling applies for the following period

Financial year ended 30 June 20XX

The scheme commenced on

1 July 20XX

Relevant facts and circumstances

You had an offence committed against you when you were a child.

You were paid a lump sum payment in 20XX under the State's prior compensation scheme, which provided for compensation for injuries arising from personal offences.

In the 20XX you engaged the services of a legal firm to represent you in a personal injury claim against the State.

Your legal representative gave written notice of the claim, in the approved form to the State, care of the Crown Solicitor.

Prior to starting court proceedings, a compulsory conference was held where all parties agreed to settle on a without admissions basis.

The State agreed to pay you the negotiated sum in full and final settlement of all claims that you have had, or may have in the future, in respect of the facts and circumstances subject of the claim.

You have provided a signed copy of the Release, Discharge and Indemnity Agreement.

As part of the Agreement, you authorised a payment to be made for the refund of the amount you had previously received under the State's prior compensation scheme.

The settlement funds were paid into your lawyer's law practice trust account in the 20XX financial year and you have received the net settlement monies after the deduction of the refund, disbursements and professional fees.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 104-25

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 subparagraph 118-37(1)(a)(ii)