Private ruling: CGT – deceased estate – Commissioner’s discretion to extend the two year period
Date of advice: 5 December 2017
Published: April 2018
Ruling period: Year ended 30 June 2018.
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 2017.

Ruling: Q1: Will the Commissioner exercise his discretion under subsection 118-195(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) and allow an extension of time? | A1: Yes.

Relevant facts and circumstances: The deceased acquired a dwelling (the dwelling). The deceased passed away in 201X. (The deceased) The dwelling was the deceased’s main residence. The dwelling was placed on the market shortly after the passing of the deceased. The local area has undergone some construction which made the dwelling less attractive to purchasers. You engaged a number of real estate agents to sell the dwelling. You accepted an offer for the dwelling and settlement will occur in 201Y.

Relevant legislative provisions: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 104-10 | Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 subsection 118-130(3) | Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 118-195 | Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 subsection 118-195(1)

Reasons for decision: Summary: The Commissioner will exercise his discretion under subsection 118-195(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) and allow an extension of time. | Detailed Reasoning - Detailed reasoning: The capital gains provisions allow for concessional treatment to be given to a dwelling that was owned by a deceased person if the executors of the deceased person’s estate sell that dwelling within two years of the date of death. Any capital gain or capital loss made on the sale of such a dwelling is disregarded if the dwelling was: ● Acquired by the deceased before 20 September 1985, or ● The deceased’s main residence when they died. The Commissioner has the discretion to extend the two year period. This extension is generally only granted where the executors are merely arranging the ordinary sale of the dwelling and the cause of the delay is beyond their control (for example, if the Will is challenged). There must not be any other factors mitigating against exercising it. The Commissioner accepts that it is appropriate to grant the short extension that you have requested.