Private ruling: Assessable income – home stay arrangement
Date of advice: 22 September 2017
Published: February 2018
Ruling period: 30 June 2018
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 2016

Ruling: Q1: Is the income received under the homestay arrangement assessable? | A1: No Having considered your circumstances and the relevant factors, the payments you received are not considered to be assessable income under section 6-5 of the ITAA 1997. Further information on the payments received under a homestay arrangement can be found on our website ato.gov.au – ATO Interpretative Decision 2001/381.

Relevant facts and circumstances: You accommodated international students at your place under a homestay arrangement for approximately six months in 2017. You provided them with their own rooms, electricity, linen, meals, Wi-Fi, transport and other requirements during their stay to make them feel comfortable. This homestay arrangement was provided through a relevant Homestay Network which is a recognised provider through the Department of Education. You received weekly payments which was directly paid into your nominated joint bank account with your spouse and you also share 50% joint ownership of this property. You received an additional amount of income totalling $X during this time.

Relevant legislative provisions: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 6-5.