Private ruling: CGT - legal v beneficial
Date of advice: 11 November 2024
Published: 13 January 2025
Ruling period: Year ending in 30 June 20XX
Date scheme commenced: XX XX XX

Ruling: A1: No. Based on the facts, the Commissioner accepts that your legal interest in the property is held on trust for your relative, who obtained full beneficial ownership of the property at the time it was purchased. As you have never had beneficial ownership of the property subsection 104-10(2) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 provides that a CGT event will not occur when you transfer your legal interest in the property to your relative. For further information, Taxation Ruling TR 93/32 Income tax: rental property - division of net income or loss between co-owners provides guidance on the issues involved when the equitable interest does not follow the legal title.

Relevant facts and circumstances: Your relative wanted to purchase a property however was unable to obtain finance. You agreed to go on the title and mortgage solely to allow your relative to obtain finance. You never received any benefit from the property. A short time after the property's purchase your relative refinanced and removed you from the mortgage.

Relevant legislative provisions: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 104-10


Subject: CGT - legal v beneficial: Will a capital gains tax (CGT) event occur when you transfer your legal interest in the property to your relative for no consideration?