Private ruling: Non-commercial losses
Published: April 2014
Ruling period: Year ended 30 June 2014 to 30 June 2058
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 2012

Ruling: Q1: Will the Commissioner exercise the discretion in paragraph 35-55(1)(b) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) to allow you to include any losses from your business activity in your calculation of taxable income for the 2013-14 to 2057-58 financial years? | A1: Yes.

Relevant facts and circumstances: In partnership you operate timber business. You will pass one of the four tests or make a tax profit in 45 years. You satisfy the income requirement set out in subsection 35-10(2E) of the ITAA 1997. The lead time to grow the timber is 40 to 80 years.

Relevant legislative provisions: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 subsection 35-10(1) | Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 subsection 35-10(2) | Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 subsection 35-10(2E) | Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 paragraph 35-55(1)(b)

Reasons for decision: Summary: For the 2009-10 and later financial years, Division 35 of the ITAA 1997 will apply to defer a non-commercial loss from a business activity unless: • you satisfy the income requirement and you pass one of the four tests • the exceptions apply • the Commissioner exercises his discretion. In your situation, none of the exceptions would apply and although you satisfy the income requirement, you do not meet any of the four tests in the years of income under consideration. The relevant discretion may be exercised for the income year in question where: • it is in the nature of the business activity that there will be a period of time before it can be expected to pass one of the four tests • there is an objective expectation your business activity will produce a tax profit or meet one of the four tests within a commercially viable period for your industry. Having regard to your full circumstances, it is accepted that it is in the nature of the business activity that has prevented one of the four tests being passed. It is also accepted as stated in your plan that you will pass one of the four tests or make a tax profit in 45 years which is considered to be within the commercially viable period for your industry. Consequently the Commissioner will exercise the discretion in the 2013-14 to the 2057-58 financial years.