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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: 1052212088032

Date of advice: 24 January 2024

Ruling

Subject: High yield investment scheme - capital loss

Question 1

Did you acquire a CGT asset (as defined in section 108-5 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997)) as a result of entering into a high yield investment scheme?

Answer

Yes. You acquired a CGT asset being a contractual right at the time of entering the arrangement.

Question 2

Did a CGT event subsequently happen to that contractual right?

Answer

Yes. CGT event C1 happened in respect of the contractual right when the contractual right came to an end. Section 104-20 of the ITAA 1997 outlines the rules for CGT event C1.

This ruling applies for the following period:

1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022

The scheme commenced on:

1 July 2023

Relevant facts and circumstances

You were contacted by a person presenting themselves as a representative of an investment company. They were contacting you in relation to an investment opportunity where you were told you could invest in shares in an Initial Public Offering (IPO). You expressed interest in this investment and they sent you an email containing further details about the investment including brochures.

You asked for proof of legitimacy of the company and they provided you with several links to several media releases. You researched their website and did a search on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission website via their ABN and ACN and you were convinced of their legitimacy.

You set up an account and logged in via a web portal where you could monitor your shares. You received a contract of sale with all the correct documentation. You received a share certificate and you monitored your account balance on their online portal. You were offered another investment which you declined. You suspected that the investment operation was not genuine and contacted law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies.

Relevant legislative provisions

Section 102-5 Income Tax Assessment Act 1997

Section 104-20Income Tax Assessment Act 1997

Section 108-5 Income Tax Assessment Act 1997