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Edited version of private advice

Authorisation Number: 1052039683837

Date of advice: 29 September 2022

Ruling

Subject: Commissioner's discretion - non-commercial losses

Question

Will the Commissioner exercise his discretion to allow you to include any losses from your hardwood plantation business in the calculation of your taxable income for the 20XX - 20XX income years?

Answer

Yes. Having considered your circumstances and the relevant factors the Commissioner has granted his discretion. It is accepted there is a 'lead time' in the nature of your business activity and you will pass a test or make a tax profit within your industry's commercially viable period. Further information on non-commercial losses can be found by searching 'QC 33774' on ato.gov.au.

This ruling applies for the following periods:

year ended 30 June 20XX

year ending 30 June 20XX

year ending 30 June 20XX

year ending 30 June 20XX

year ending 30 June 20XX

year ending 30 June 20XX

The scheme commences on:

1 July 20XX

Relevant facts and circumstances

You are seeking the Commissioner's discretion for lead time based on the nature of your business activity for the 20XX to 20XX income years.

Your income was less than $XXX in the 20XX income year therefore you satisfy the income requirement.

You expect to meet the assessable income test in the 20XX income year.

The focus of your business is a hardwood plantation with over XXX XXXXX plants.

The current plantation is approximately XX years old and once mature, the products will be primarily sold into the pulp and paper market.

You are responsible for day-to-day plantation management and longer-term strategic business planning.

Your business engages site and office-based contractors to complete a variety of tasks in support of the plantation, including fire break maintenance, weed management and accounting services etc.

This is a new business with a long-term lease commenced within the last few months, which will continue beyond harvest of the current plantation crop.

Based on the location and rainfall level (less than 1000mm annual rainfall), this species of XXXXX is expected to reach maturity for harvesting between 15-20 years of age.

Relevant legislative provisions

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Division 35