Part 1: tax consolidation for SMEs series: pros and cons of forming a consolidated group?
Bill introduced to implement new Commercial and Industrial Property Tax that progressively replaces Land transfer (stamp) duty from 1 July 2024
The Victorian State Government has introduced a highly anticipated bill to implement the new Commercial and Industrial Property Tax with only three months to go until the 1 July 2024 start date. Those looking to acquire commercial or industrial properties or plan restructures within existing corporate/family groups should consider the interaction of the new regime with existing taxes.
Minerva – Part IVA - Full Federal Court gives the taxpayer back its “Liberty”
In 2022, the decision of the Federal Court in Minerva Financial Group Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation [2022] FCA 1092 raised the question that tax benefits emanating from trustee decisions could be subject Part IVA. At that time, we said we think ‘no’ (see here).
ACCC Report on Unfair Contract Terms, Case Update and Franchising Review Report Summary Findings and Recommendation
Victoria’s new commercial and industrial property tax – a tale of two regimes
As we’ve noted previously, commercial and industrial properties sold or transferred on or from 1July 2024, will enter the new commercial and industrial property regime. Broadly, the regime will operate such that future transfers will not trigger land transfer (stamp) duty but rather the property will be subject to a (further) set of land tax, known as commercial and industrial property tax (CIPT).
Quy v FCT: less than 2 months in Australia … I still call Australia home
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (Tribunal) has held in Quy v FCT [2024] AATA 245 that a taxpayer, who was physically in Australia for less than 2 months each year, was a resident of Australian tax purposes.
Stern – Transfer Balance Account calculated to include Defined Benefit Pension – in accordance with the operative provisions, not the guide
In the decision of Stern v Commissioner of Taxation [2024] FCAFC 21 the Full Federal Court found against the taxpayer, who raised an argument that Division 294 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 97) should not be interpreted such that both his pension was to be commuted under a commutation authority issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) due to his pensions exceeding his transfer balance cap, and that he also must pay excess transfer balance tax for exceeding his transfer balance cap.
Khalil - Discretionary trust triggers foreign land tax surcharge due to incorrectly drafted exclusionary clause
This is a cautionary tale for ensuring that discretionary trust deeds are amended correctly so that “foreign” land transfer (stamp) duty and land tax surcharges are not triggered. Unfortunately, in the decision of Khalil & Associates Pty Ltd ATF The George Khalil Family Trust v Chief Commissioner of State Revenue [2024] NSWCATAD 23 (Khalil), the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Tribunal) found the particular amendment did not prevent the triggering of such a surcharge.
TR 2024/D1: Navigating the draft ruling TR 2024/D1 on software distribution arrangements
Sladen Snippet - Cihan - Transfer of land to an SMSF reversed for unconscionable dealing
The NSW Supreme Court decision of Cihan Family Trust v Cihan Family Superannuation Fund [2023] NSWSC 1289 found that a transfer of land from a family trust to a SMSF should be reversed on the basis of unconscionable conduct of a son against his father.
Sladen Snippet – Corbisieri – BDBN invalid due to relationship breakdown
The case of Corbisieri v NM Superannuation Proprietary Limited [2023] FCA 1319 involved an appeal by the mother of a deceased against the decision of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) to uphold a BDBN to benefit the de facto spouse of her late son, which was to be funded out of life insurance proceeds in AMP Superannuation.
When is a public company not a public company?
Section 99B: Is It Safe To Go Back In The Water?
An easier and clearer Personal Property Securities Act? The Government outlines proposed changes
On 22 September 2023 the Commonwealth government released the Personal Property Securities Amendment Bill 2023 and amending regulations for public consultation until 17 November 2023. The aim is intended to simplify the use of the law, in particular the registration process, and clarify its application, especially around enforcement priorities.
Disputed Debts with the ATO – teamwork makes the dream work?
Bowerman: an unusual case that may have unusual implications
AWE v Clough: The continuing clarification of what constitutes a personal property security interest and the requirements for rectification of out of time registrations
UPEs as loans - end of an era?
Is your Airbnb property eligible for the small business CGT concessions?
With land tax rate increases and surcharges imminent as a result of the Victorian State Budget for the 2023-2024 year (see our article here), Victorian landowners may be reconsidering their investment property portfolios and the merits of selling versus keeping.