The windfall gains tax (WGT) is a new tax that is imposed on the increase in value of property in Victoria as a result of a rezoning of that land.
Category: Tax
Our latest news and insights
A collection of articles, case studies and media releases highlighting the latest in legal news and at Rigby Cooke Lawyers.
Australian Government announces the launch of the Administrative Review Tribunal
In a significant development for Australia’s administrative review landscape, the Australian Government has unveiled plans to launch the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) on 14 October, 2024.
This newly established federal body will replace the existing Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), thereby implementing the Labor Government’s election promise to address what were seen as biased political appointments within the AAT.
The Commercial and Industrial Property Tax is now law
On 21 May 2024, the Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Reform Act 2024 received Royal Assent, officially making the Commercial and Industrial Property Tax (CIPT) law. The new CIPT regime will apply to eligible transactions from 1 July 2024.
Vacant residential land tax — Extension of holiday home exemption
On 14 May 2024, the Victorian Government introduced the State Taxation Amendment Bill 2024 (Bill) into Parliament. The Bill (if passed) amends the Land Tax Act 2005 to expand the exemption from the vacant residential land tax (VRLT) for holiday homes.
Federal Budget 2024-25 — Taxation measures
On 14 May 2024, Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the Federal Budget 2024-25 announcing significant tax measures.
The Commercial and Industrial Property Tax — Details of the new measures
On 20 March 2024, the Commercial and Industrial Property Tax Reform Bill 2024 (Bill) was introduced into Victorian Parliament.
The Commercial and Industrial Property Tax — Overview of reforms from 1 July 2024
In the 2023-24 State Budget, the Victorian Government announced a reform to move away from stamp duty for qualifying commercial and industrial properties, to be replaced by the new annual Commercial and Industrial Property Tax (CIPT).
Significant Victorian property tax changes from 1 January 2024
On 12 December 2023, the State Taxation Acts and Other Acts Amendment Act 2023 (the Act) received Royal Assent.
In our latest Property Tax alert, we look at the major changes introduced by the Act to Victorian property taxes, including prohibiting the apportionment of land tax and windfall gains tax in contracts for the sale of real estate.
What you need to know about fuel tax credits
The fuel tax credit scheme refunds fuel tax to users of heavy vehicles, machinery, plant and equipment, and light vehicles used off public roads.
Victorian decision signals increased risk of landholder duty in capital raisings
A recent Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) decision has raised red flags for property developers who undertake capital raisings. The decision increases the risk that as a result of such raisings, equity interests acquired by unrelated investors in development entities may be aggregated under the landholder regime. This aggregation of interests may trigger a significant stamp duty liability, for which the developer and investors will be jointly liable.
New ATO ruling on individual tax residency — clarity or complexity?
On 7 June 2023, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) issued its finalised ruling TR 2023/1 (the Ruling) which contains the Commissioner of Taxation’s views on the tax residency of individuals. The Ruling was issued following a period of public consultation on the draft ruling (TR 2022/D2).
Victorian Budget 2023-24 – Overview of significant measures
On 23 May 2023, the Victorian Government delivered the State Budget.
Detailed below is a summary of the significant tax measures and a consideration of the announced measures in greater detail.
Contractor truck drivers not ‘employees’ for superannuation guarantee — time to review your arrangements
The recent case of Jamsek v ZG Operations Australia Pty Ltd (No 3) (Jamsek) has clarified the application of the superannuation guarantee (SG) regime to truck drivers.
Federal Budget 2023-24 — Taxation measures
On 9 May 2023, Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the Federal Budget 2023-24.
Detailed below is a summary of the significant tax measures, and a consideration of the announced measures in greater detail.
Are you paying the correct amount of superannuation support for your drivers?
There has been an increase in investigations by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) into superannuation guarantee compliance within the transport and logistics industry.
Federal Budget 2022-23 — New tax measures announced
On 25 October 2022, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the Budget of the newly elected Government for 2022-23.
Is your company eligible to access the reduced corporate tax rate?
The Federal Government’s ‘Enterprise Tax Plan’ has seen a gradual reduction in the corporate tax rate applying to small and medium-sized companies over recent years. The reduced corporate rates were previously 27.5% from the 2017-18 to 2019-20 income years, and 26% in the 2020-21 income year.
Spotlight on Payroll Tax Compliance
We have observed a recent increase in State Revenue Office (SRO) investigations regarding payroll tax compliance.
Federal Budget 2022-23 – overview of taxation measures
On 29 March 2022, the Treasurer handed down the Federal Budget for 2022-23.
Bucket companies and sub-trusts – no longer a guaranteed shield against Division 7A
Almost 6 years ago, as part of the 2016-17 Federal Budget, the Government announced that it would make amendments to improve the operation of Division 7A of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936). The Government reiterated this intention in the 2018-19 Federal Budget, also clarifying that it will ensure that unpaid present entitlements (UPEs) come within the scope of Division 7A.
Mental health and wellbeing surcharge commencing from 1 January 2022
The payroll tax liability of many Victorian businesses is set to increase due to the introduction of the Mental Health and Wellbeing Payroll Tax Surcharge (the surcharge) from 1 January 2022.
Windfall Gains Tax is now law
The Windfall Gains Tax and State Taxation and Other Acts Further Amendment Act 2021 (the Act) received Royal Assent on 30 November 2021.
Payroll tax risks for Medical, Dental and Allied Health Providers… And more?
A recent decision of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) is anticipated to increase the risk of payroll tax audits of medical and healthcare practices which use service entities to provide administrative services to practitioners.
I want to end my Life Interest
Surrendering a life interest – beware the tax implications
A common method to ensure that a family member or spouse of a Willmaker will have the right to reside at a particular property for the rest of their lifetime is for the Willmaker to grant a ‘life interest’ to that individual.
The Windfall Gains Tax is on the way
During the 2021 Victorian State Budget, the Government announced that it would introduce a ‘windfall gains tax’ (WGT) that would apply to large windfall gains associated with planning decisions to rezone land.
The risks of nominating and land development
The State Revenue Office (SRO) has released a revenue ruling (DA-064) which sets out its views on the meaning of ‘land development’ in the context of the sub-sale provisions.
The Legal Language – cloning
Have you ever read something and thought, “I’m not sure what that means” or “is that really correct”? Welcome to our series of quickfire interviews that attempt to unravel those interesting words and phrases.
In this edition, we speak to Tax Counsel Tamara Cardan who talks to us about the word she finds interesting, which has multiple definitions, cloning.
Superannuation Guarantee Contributions
As we look towards the start of the new financial year, 1 July 2021 will see the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate increase from 9.5% to 10% and continue to increase annually until it reaches 12% on 1 July 2025.
Victorian Budget 2021-22: Property-related announcements legislated
The various Property-related tax measures announced in the Victorian State Government Budget will now become law.
The State Taxation and Mental Health Acts Amendment Bill 2021 (the Bill) has passed Victorian Parliament and is currently awaiting Royal Assent.
Victorian Budget 2021-22: overview of Property measures
The Victorian State Government Budget, released on Thursday 20 May 2021, has produced a mixed bag of tax amendments that will affect many taxpayers who own property or are involved in property development.
Federal Budget 2021-22: overview of taxation measures
The Treasurer handed down the Federal Budget 2021-22 on 11 May 2021. Detailed below is a summary of the significant tax measures announced, followed by further detail regarding each of those measures.
Family Trust Election – What is it and do I need one?
If your family trust receives franked dividends or has tax losses, the trustee should consider the option of making a family trust election (FTE) in order to access certain tax concessions.
Dixon: A Cautionary Case of U.S.-Australian Tax Issues
This article was first published on 8 February 2021 by Tax Notes International.
This article was co-authored by Marsha Laine Dungong, Tax Partner in the Withers San Francisco office.
No other movie but Star Wars comes close to explaining the tragic duality and complexity of international tax. It demands more than just a pedantic understanding of civil and common laws, tax regimes and treaties. It requires a certain mental agility and appetite for the unknown to understand foreign structures and transactions, unravel its complexity and identify its “closest of kin” in the United States (U.S.) tax regime.
Recent amendment to the Land Tax Act to abolish “special land tax”
A recent amendment to the Land Tax Act has abolished “special land tax”. Special land tax was a one off tax charge at the rate of 5% of the unimproved value of the land. The abolition of the tax came into effect from the 16 December 2020.
Wareham v Marsella – Trustees Duties and their implication for Self Managed Super Funds
Court of Appeal Superannuation Case
Managing your own self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) brings with it estate planning issues. In addition to contemplating who will be entitled to receive your superannuation death benefit on your death, you must also consider who will take control of your fund if you were to lose capacity or die.
Federal Budget 2020 – COVID-19 Response Package
2020 has been a challenging year for many Australians which has seen the Government forced to intervene to provide economic support and legislative provisions in an attempt to provide ongoing assistance to many Australians and businesses.
Federal Budget 2020 – overview of taxation measures announced
The Treasurer handed down the Federal Budget 2020-21 on 6 October 2020. Detailed below is an overview of the significant tax measures announced, followed by further information regarding each of these measures.
Eichmann v FCT – land used to store tools and equipment is an active asset
The Full Federal Court has held that land which was used to store tools and equipment was an active asset, enabling the taxpayer to access the small business Capital Gains Tax (CGT) concessions.
Superannuation guarantee amnesty deadline fast approaching
The 7 September 2020 deadline for the Australian Tax Office (ATO) superannuation guarantee amnesty (the Amnesty) is fast approaching.
Director penalty notices – the looming threat in the COVID-19 crisis
Since 1 April 2020, in a significant extension to the director penalty regime, company directors are now personally liable for unpaid Goods and Services Tax (GST) (including luxury car tax and wine equalisation tax). The expansion of the regime was introduced as part of the Government’s broader reform of Australia’s corporate insolvency regime.
The Legal Life – meet Tamara Cardan
Tamara is a Tax Counsel in our Tax and Wealth group. Tamara has over 12 years of tax expertise and has represented a broad range of clients including Australian and foreign based corporates, entities in the financial services, high wealth individuals, and non-profit organisations.
Don’t forget to adjust your GST on the cancellation of contracts
Due to the widespread economic impact of COVID-19 which has caused financial uncertainty for many businesses, contracts for the acquisition of goods or services may be cancelled in order to mitigate against further losses.
Important changes to employer superannuation guarantee obligations and salary sacrifice arrangements
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has recently released a Guidance Note (GN 2020/1) which contains information for employers, payroll software providers and intermediaries who may need to change the way they calculate their superannuation guarantee obligations.
JobKeeper – Remember to claim for your eligible business participant
The JobKeeper payment scheme was announced on 30 March 2020 with the objective of providing financial support to entities to assist with the impact of COVID-19. Since that time, there has been a significant amount of information released to explain the complex operation of the scheme, including Treasury Rules, Australian Tax Office (ATO) rulings and guidelines, together with amendments to the Fair Work Act 2009 to enable employers to temporarily vary work arrangements for eligible employees.
The impact of COVID-19 on corporate tax residency – What is the risk?
The worldwide impact of COVID-19, which has resulted in countries around the world shutting down their borders and international travel being banned, requires companies to operate online whenever possible.
Victorian Land Tax discount and deferral relief to eligible property owners
The Victorian Government recently announced a range of tax relief measures in response to COVID-19 to assist landlords and businesses. The State Revenue Office (SRO) has now provided further guidance on these initiatives.
Wareham v Marsella – Trustees Duties and their implication for Self Managed Super Funds
Court of Appeal Superannuation Case
Managing your own self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) brings with it estate planning issues. In addition to contemplating who will be entitled to receive your superannuation death benefit on your death you must also consider who will take control of your fund if you were to lose capacity or die.
ATO offers some flexibility under the Superannuation Guarantee Amnesty due to impact of COVID-19
Many employers seeking to take corrective action under the Superannuation Guarantee Amnesty (the Amnesty) may currently be so overwhelmed by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic that they do not consider they have the financial resources to apply for the Amnesty.
Coronavirus pandemic emergency legislation passed by Parliament
On 23 March 2020, the Federal Government urgently passed legislation to introduce economic stimulus measures to address the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The two packages of measures, worth $17.6 billion and $66 billion, combined with the relief provided by the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Government’s support to smaller lenders, brings total support to $189 billion.
Tax stimulus package for businesses in response to the Coronavirus
On 12 March 2020, the Government announced a stimulus package totalling $17.6 billion to address the economic impacts of the Coronavirus outbreak. Included in the package are tax incentives and cash flow assistance for businesses, in order to support investment and help small businesses manage short-term cash flow challenges.
Superannuation Guarantee Amnesty passes Parliament – Now is the time to act
On 6 March 2020, the legislation introducing the Superannuation Guarantee Amnesty (amnesty) received Royal Assent.
What corporate veil? Company directors personally liable for unpaid GST
From 1 April 2020, in a significant extension to the director penalty regime, company directors will be personally liable for unpaid GST (including luxury car tax and wine equalisation tax).
Your discretionary trust will be deemed a ‘foreign trust’ from 1 March 2020
Are you considering purchasing Victorian property through a discretionary trust? Think again, because from 1 March 2020 the State Revenue Office (SRO) will deem all discretionary trusts to constitute foreign purchasers.
New hurdle to overcome in accessing the small business CGT concessions – Federal Court narrows the active asset test
The ‘active asset test’ for the purpose of accessing the small business capital gains tax (CGT) concessions has effectively been narrowed, due to a Federal Court decision which held that land used to store business assets and materials was not an active asset. The decision sets a new ‘direct functional relevance’ test, which will create difficulty for business owners in accessing the concessions.
Controversial removal of CGT main residence exemption for foreign residents
Legislative measures are currently before Parliament, which will operate to deny foreign residents the ability to access the capital gains tax (CGT) main residence exemption upon the disposal of their Australian dwelling.
Full Federal Court Decision on Fuel Tax Credits
Linfox Australia Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation of the Commonwealth of Australia [2019] FCAFC 131
The Full Court of the Federal Court recently handed down a decision in Linfox Australia Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation of the Commonwealth of Australia [2019] FCAFC 131 (Linfox Case) in relation to fuel tax credits claimed by Linfox pursuant to the provisions of the Fuel Tax Act 2006 (Cth) (FTA).
Government attack on the black economy – road freight services targeted
Businesses that provide road freight services have increased tax compliance obligations as they are now subject to the Government’s Taxable Payments Reporting System (TPRS).
Stop tax in its tracks – ATO extends CGT exemption on sale of deceased’s residence
The sale of a person’s main residence (ie their home) is generally exempt from capital gains tax. This exemption is ‘carried through’ to beneficiaries or executors of deceased estates who seek to dispose of the deceased’s main residence, where certain conditions are satisfied.
Superannuation Guarantee Amnesty – Ready, Set, Go!
On 18 September 2019, the Treasury Laws Amendment (Recovering Unpaid Superannuation) Bill 2019 (the Bill) was introduced into Parliament. The Bill seeks to re-introduce a superannuation guarantee amnesty, following the previous amnesty legislation lapsing due to the Federal Election being called in April 2019.
Do you claim tax deductions on vacant land you own? An unwelcome surprise for property investors from 1 July 2019
In a Bill currently before Parliament, property investors will be denied deductions for holding and financing costs incurred in owning vacant land. Ordinarily, such costs would be deductible where the land is intended to be used for the purpose of producing assessable income.
Are you overpaying land tax?
Are you overpaying land tax based on out of date council valuations?
The 2019-2020 Victorian State Budget reported that land tax revenue in 2019-2020 is expected to increase to $3.7 billion. This is a significant increase from the $1.2 billion raised in 2009-2010.
Duties Trap for Property Developers – Economic entitlement rules now law
Property developers who enter into agreements to develop Victorian land with an unencumbered value of over $1 million are at significant risk of incurring a duty liability, under new legislation that received Royal Assent on 18 June 2019.
Financing your assets – The taxation issues
One of the fundamental questions any business owner needs to address is how to finance their assets. On commercial grounds, the various options have important implications.
Who can claim depreciation on trucks?
This may seem a somewhat straightforward question, but, as with many tax questions, the answer is not particularly easy. Like most of these matters, the answer depends on the circumstances.
Private binding rulings
Private binding rulings are a mechanism in the Australian tax administration system where a taxpayer may seek the ATO’s view on the treatment of a transaction without going through the formal objection or dispute process.
Employee v contractor – tax problems if you get it wrong
In follow up to our recent article titled Independent Contractors or Employees, while it’s one thing to know the difference between employees and independent contractors, an important issue to consider is the consequences for getting the classification wrong.
Victorian state taxation of foreign landowners
Foreign investors in Victorian land are subject to complex State taxes, including foreign purchaser additional duty, absentee owner land tax surcharge and vacant residential land tax.
GST withholding changes introduced to combat phoenixing practices in property development
New laws have been passed affecting the GST obligations of property developers. These laws take effect from 1 July 2018, but may affect contracts entered into prior to this date.
Development of Commercial Accommodation – Selected Issues
The development and operation of commercial accommodation raises complex regulatory, contractual, commercial and taxation issues.
Landowner partnership reconstruction
Overview
The reconstitution of a general law partnership or a tax law partnership may have different income tax, capital gains tax (CGT) and goods and services tax (GST) consequences that should be addressed in preparing a Partnership Reconstitution Deed.
A general law partnership may be reconstituted without the tax consequences associated with reconstituting a tax law partnership, a joint venture or co-ownership.
Deduction of gaming machine expenditure
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal has clarified the tax treatment of gaming machine entitlement fees expenditure deciding the amounts constitute a general deduction in the income year incurred.
Selling a business: some tax issues
This paper was presented by Rigby Cooke Lawyers Tax Partner, Dr Keith Kendall at the Tax Institute Tasmania State Convention, 19 & 20 October 2017.
Rigby Cooke Lawyers’ Tax & Wealth and Wills & Estates expertise recognised
Rigby Cooke Lawyers’ Tax & Wealth and Wills & Estates teams have been recognised by independent survey and review source Doyle’s Guide for their expertise in their respective practice areas.
Forgiving quarantined Div. 7A loans & UPEs
Latest news from Rigby Cooke’s tax team. Making sense of the #austax system.
Additional stamp duty implication for discretionary trusts
Foreign purchaser additional duty and absentee owner surcharge land tax may apply to Australian discretionary trusts transacting in Victorian residential land where the discretionary trust has potential foreign beneficiaries.
Partitioning land and bare trusts
Co-owners of land or parcels of land often wish to exchange ownership interests to become sole owners of specific land or specific parcels of land.
Foreign property transactions to be hit with additional expenses
A number of recent changes affecting foreign purchasers of property in Victoria have either come into, or are soon to come into effect. These changes are already impacting on the sale of property.
Managing trust deed amendments
This paper was presented to The Tax Institute, Western Australian Division, 29 April 2016
New foreign resident capital gains withholding payments regime
Quick facts:
- From 1 July 2016, any purchaser who acquires an Australian property with value of $2 million or more from a foreign resident vendor will be required to withhold and pay 10% of the purchase price to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Federal Budget tax alert 2016-2017
The Federal Treasurer handed down his first Budget (the government’s third) at 7.30 pm on 3 May 2016.
CGT event time and options
In structuring 30 June transactions it is often desirable to sign a contract before 30 June, but defer payment of capital gains tax (CGT) or the CGT event until a subsequent income year; particularly where settlement is deferred to a subsequent income year so there are no sale proceeds for the vendor to pay the tax or it is desired to set-off losses in the subsequent income year.
Project DO IT (disclosure of unreported offshore income): update on ATO activity
Disclosure statistics released
- The ATO has announced that, at 30 June 2014, there had been 166 disclosures, 250 expressions of interest (where taxpayers have identified themselves and said they will be making a disclosure) and more than 600 general enquiries in relation to Project DO IT.