Private ruling: Assessability of lump sum compensation payment
Date of advice: 28 November 2016
Published: May 2017
Ruling period: Year ended 30 June 201X
Date scheme commenced: 1 July 201X

Ruling: Q1: Will the amount or any portion thereof to be paid pursuant to section 33 and paragraph 54(1)(a) of the Return to Work Act 2014 (SA) for medical expenses, be included in your assessable income? | A1: No.


Relevant legislative provisions: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 6-5 | Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 15-30 | Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 Section 118-37

Reasons for decision: Summary: Section 6-5 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997) deals with receipts of ordinary income. It does not operate to include in assessable income amounts of a capital nature. The money to be received will be capital in nature and therefore not assessable income. The other applicable sections, section 15-30 of the ITAA 1997 and the capital gains tax provisions of the ITAA 1997, also will not operate to make the payment assessable. Therefore the payment you receive will not be included in your assessable income. | Detailed Reasoning - Additional Information: After broad consultation over the past 12 months, the ATO published Draft Taxation Determination TD 2016/D1 - Income tax: is a redemption payment received by a worker under the Return to Work Act 2014 (SA) assessable income of the worker?. Our view is that the redemption of a liability to pay weekly payments has the character of income and is assessable under section 6-5 of the ITAA 1997. The determination does not cover redemption of a liability to pay medical expenses. Our view remains that these are tax exempt capital payments. In reviewing the matter, the ATO committed to adopting a prospective approach (see paragraph three and four of the determination). In dealings with many tax professionals over the past few months this has been explained and we have prepared for the change together. What this means is that we will apply this view only to redemption payments made under agreements entered into on or after DD MM YY. As we understand it, the date on the redemption agreement is the relevant date. The requirements for obtaining legal advice, financial advice and medical advice must have been fulfilled before an agreement can be formalised.

Relevant facts: You sustained compensable disabilities said to have arisen from your employment. | You will receive a redemption offer pursuant to section 33 and paragraph 54(1)(a) of the Return to Work Act 2014 (SA).