You must complete the items in this section of the return (items 36 to 55) to the extent they apply to the trust. Even trusts which are not carrying on a business should complete the relevant items in this section.
36 Business name of main business
The business name of the main business activity should be consistent from year to year, except in the year of a name change or if it is no longer the main business.
If the business name is legally changed, send written advice of the change to us when the change is made. Show the current business name on the tax return.
37 Business address of main business
Show the street address of the main business. This is the place where most of the business decisions are made. Ensure that you include the postcode at A.
38 Opening stock
Show at C the total value of all trading stock on hand at the beginning of the income year or accounting period for which the trust tax return is being prepared. The amount shown by the trust at C is the calculated value for income tax purposes under section 70–40, or for small business entities using the simplified trading stock rules subsection 328-295(1) of the ITAA 1997. The opening value of an item of stock must equal its closing value in the previous year. If you did not have any trading stock in the previous year, the value of trading stock at the start of the year is zero. This might occur in the case of a new business or in the first year you have trading stock.
Include motor vehicle floor plan stock and work in progress of manufactured goods.
Do not include any amount that represents opening stock of a business that started operations during the income year. Show this amount at Cost of sales at E item 5.
39 Purchases and other costs
Show at B the cost of direct materials used for manufacture, sale or exchange in deriving the gross proceeds or earnings of the business.
Former STS taxpayers still using the STS accounting method
If the trust is eligible and has chosen to continue using the STS accounting method, only show at B purchases and other costs which the trust has paid. For more information, see Appendix 13.
40 Closing stock
If the trust is a small business entity choosing to use the simplified trading stock rules, see the information for small business entities below. Otherwise, go to All other businesses.
Small business entities
Small business entities only need to account for changes in the value of trading stock if the value of stock on hand at the start of the income year and a reasonable estimate of the value of stock on hand at the end of the income year varies by more than $5,000.
See also:
Small business entities who wish to do so can still conduct a stocktake and account for changes in the value of trading stock.
If the difference between the value of opening stock and a reasonable estimate of closing stock is:
- more than $5,000 the trust must account for the change in the value of trading stock, go to step 2
- $5,000 or less, go to step 1.
Step 1
If the difference referred to above is $5,000 or less and the trust chooses not to account for this difference, the closing stock value at D is the same as the value at C item 38. Do not put the reasonable estimate at D.
Print in the CODE box at the right of D the code letter from table 7 that matches the code the trust used to value closing stock in the previous year.
Code |
Valuation method |
|---|---|
C |
Cost |
M |
Market selling value |
R |
Replacement value |
If this is the trust’s first year in business the value of the closing stock will be zero. Print C in the CODE box.
Step 2
If the difference referred to above is more than $5,000 or the trust chooses to account for the difference in trading stock, the closing stock values must be brought to account under section 70-35 of the ITAA 1997. See the information for All other businesses for instructions on how to calculate the value of closing stock.
The trust must include in the closing stock value at D the value of all stock on hand, regardless of whether the trust has paid for the stock.
All other businesses
Show at D the total value of all trading stock on hand at the end of the income year or accounting period for which the trust tax return is being prepared. The amount at D is the value calculated for income tax purposes under section 70-45 of the ITAA 1997.
If the trust is registered for GST, the value of closing stock (other than items the supply of which was not a taxable supply) should not include an amount equal to the input tax credit that would arise if the trust had acquired the item solely for business purposes at the end of the income year. Input tax credits do not arise for some items of trading stock, such as shares.
Include motor vehicle floor plan stock and work in progress of manufactured goods.
Do not include any amount for closing stock of a business that ceased operations during the income year, instead, show this amount at item 5 Total business income.
Print in the CODE box the code from Table 7 indicating the method used to value closing stock for income tax purposes. If you use more than one method, use the code for the method representing the greatest value.
You can use different methods to value the same item of trading stock in different income years, and you can value similar items using different methods in the same income year.
However, the opening value of an item in a particular income year must equal the closing value for that item in the previous income year. The trust cannot reduce the value of stock on hand by creating reserves to offset falls in the value of stock or any other factors. Keep records showing how each item was valued.
The trust may elect to value an item of trading stock below the lowest value calculated by any of these methods because of obsolescence or other special circumstances. The value in the election must be reasonable. If you elect to value an item of trading stock below cost, market selling value and replacement value, see item 47 Trading stock election.
If you include incorrect trading stock information on the tax return, advise us by submitting a full statement of the facts, accompanied by a reconciliation of the value of stock as returned for each income year with the values permissible under the law.
Trusts engaged in manufacturing include the value of partly manufactured goods as part of their stock and materials on hand at the end of the income year.
For information on the circumstances in which packaging items held by a manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer are trading stock as defined in section 70-10 of the ITAA 1997, see TR 98/7 Income tax: whether packaging items (i.e., containers, labels, etc.) held by a manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer are trading stock.
41 Trade debtors
Show at E the total amounts owing to the trust at year end for goods and services provided during the income year, that is, current trade debtors. Include this amount at item 32 All current assets.
42 Trade creditors
Show at H the total amounts owed by the trust at year end for goods and services received during the income year, that is, current trade creditors. Include this amount at item 34 All current liabilities.
43 Total salary and wage expenses
Show at L the total salary, wages and other labour costs actually paid or payable to people employed in the trust’s business. However, exclude those costs for private domestic assistance or which form part of capital expenditure, as they are not deductible.
You can only claim a deduction for a payment made or liability incurred by a trust to an associated person, principal, agent, related entity or associate entity if it is incurred in producing assessable income and we are satisfied that the amount is reasonable.
These expenses include any salary and wage component shown in Cost of sales at E item 5. This includes:
- allowances
- bonuses
- casual labour
- retainers and commissions paid to people who received a retainer
- workers’ compensation paid through the payroll
- direct and indirect labour costs
- directors’ fees
- holiday pay
- locums
- long service leave
- lump sum payments
- other employee benefits
- overtime
- payments under an incentive or profit-sharing scheme
- retiring allowances
- sick pay.
Include here and at item 44 Payments to associated persons any salary or wages paid to an associated person, principal, agent, related entity or associate entity.
However, these expenses do not include:
- agency fees
- contract payments
- sub-contract payments
- service fees
- superannuation
- management fees
- consultant fees.
Print in the CODE box the code from table 8 that shows where you predominantly reported salary and wage expenses.
Salary and wages wholly or predominantly reported in |
Code |
|---|---|
the expense component of Cost of sales |
C |
All other expenses |
A |
the expense component of both Cost of sales and All other expenses |
B |
neither Cost of sales nor All other expenses |
O |
44 Payments to associated persons
Show at M the amounts, including salaries, wages, commissions, superannuation contributions or allowances, paid to the trustee's relatives or partnerships in which the relative of the trustee is a partner.
Also include the amounts of salaries and wages paid to an associated person, relative, principal, agent, related entity or associate entity at item 43 Total salary and wage expenses.
Record keeping
Excessive payments to a relative or other related entity may not be deductible, see section 26-35 of the ITAA 1997. Keep a record of the following to establish the reasonableness of remuneration:
- full name of relative or other related entity
- relationship
- age, if under 18 years old
- nature of duties performed
- hours worked
- total remuneration
- salaries or wages claimed as deductions
- other amounts paid, for example retiring gratuities, bonuses and commissions.
45 Fringe benefit employee contributions
Show at T all payments the trust has received from recipients of fringe benefits.
Employee contributions form part of the employer’s or associate’s assessable income in situations where employees make payments for fringe benefits they have received.
46 Unpaid present entitlement to a private company
Show at Y any amounts of the income of the trust from this year or a previous year of income to which a private company is entitled, and that remain unpaid by the lodgment day. If the amount is greater than zero, print D in the CODE box at the right of Y where, during the income year, the trustee of the trust estate:
- made a payment that is attributable to an unrealised gain that discharged or reduced a present entitlement
- made a loan
- forgave a debt
in favour of a shareholder (or an associate of a shareholder) of a private company with the unpaid present entitlement. Print X in the CODE box at the right of Y if none of the above transactions took place.
Lodgment day
The lodgment day is the earlier of the due date for lodgment and date of lodgment of the trust’s tax return for the income year in which the payment, loan or debt forgiveness occurred.
47 Trading stock election
The trust may elect to value an item of trading stock below the lowest value of cost, market selling value, or replacement value, because of obsolescence or any other special circumstances. The value it elects must be reasonable. For more information on trading stock valuations where obsolescence or other special circumstances exist, see TR 93/23 Income tax: valuation of trading stock subject to obsolescence or other special circumstances.
If the trust makes an election, print X in the Yes box at this item. Otherwise, print X in the No box.
48 Capital allowances
Small business entities
Broadly, a small business entity is a business with an aggregated turnover of less than $10 million.
Do not include information about depreciating assets that are subject to the small business entity simplified depreciation rules at item 48. Small business entities using the small business entity simplified depreciation rules should include relevant amounts at item 49 Small business entity simplified depreciation.
See also:
Depreciating assets first deducted in this income year
Intangible depreciating assets first deducted
The following intangible assets are regarded as depreciating assets (providing they are not trading stock):
- certain items of intellectual property, such as patents, registered designs, copyrights and certain types of licences
- computer software, or a right to use computer software, that the trust acquires, develops or has someone else develop for its own use (that is, in-house software)
- mining, quarrying or prospecting rights and information
- spectrum licences
- datacasting transmitter licences
- certain indefeasible rights to use telecommunications cable systems (IRUs)
- some access rights to telecommunications sites.
A depreciating asset that the trust holds starts to decline in value from the time the trust uses it (or installs it ready for use) for any purpose, including a private purpose. However, the trust can only claim a deduction for the decline in value to the extent it uses the asset for a taxable purpose, such as for producing assessable income.
Show at A the cost of all intangible depreciating assets for which the trust is claiming a deduction for decline in value for the first time. If the trust has allocated any intangible depreciating assets with a cost of less than $1,000 to a low-value pool for the income year, include the cost of those assets at A. Do not reduce the cost for estimated non-taxable use.
Do not include expenditure on in-house software which has been allocated to a software development pool at A.
For more information on decline in value, cost, low-value pools, in-house software and software-development pools, see the Guide to depreciating assets 2017.
Other depreciating assets first deducted
A depreciating asset the trust holds starts to decline in value from the time the trust uses it (or installs it ready for use) for any purpose. However, the trust can only claim a deduction for the decline in value to the extent it uses the asset for a taxable purpose, such as for producing assessable income.
Show at B the cost of all depreciating assets (other than intangible depreciating assets) for which the trust is claiming a deduction for the decline in value for the first time. If any assets (other than intangible depreciating assets) costing less than $1,000 have been allocated to a low-value pool for the income year, also include the cost of those assets at B. Do not reduce the cost for any estimated non-taxable use.
See also:
Self-assessment of effective life
For most depreciating assets, you can choose to:
- work out the effective life yourself (self-assess), or
- use an effective life determined by the Commissioner.
If you have adopted the Commissioner’s effective life determination for all your depreciating assets print X in the No box at C.
If you have self-assessed the effective life of any of your depreciating assets, print X in the Yes box at C.
For all depreciating assets
Recalculation of effective life
You may recalculate the effective life of assets in certain circumstances if the effective life you have been using is no longer accurate. There are also circumstances where you must recalculate the effective life of a depreciating asset.
If you have not recalculated the effective life of any of your depreciating assets in this income year, print X in the No box at D.
If you have recalculated the effective life of any of your depreciating assets in this income year, print X in the Yes box at D.
Total adjustable values at end of income year
At E, write the total of the adjustable values of your depreciating assets as at the end of the income year.
If the trust has allocated any assets with a cost of less than $1,000 to a low-value pool, do not include the adjustable values of those assets at E Total adjustable values at end of income year.
Assessable balancing adjustments on the disposal of intangible depreciating assets
At F, write the total assessable income you have from balancing adjustment events on the disposal of intangible depreciating assets that occurred this income year (this type of assessable income may arise if, for example, you disposed of an intangible depreciating asset for more than its adjustable value). If you do not have any assessable balancing adjustment amounts for intangible assets this year, leave this label blank.
If the trust has allocated any assets with a cost of less than $1,000 to a low-value pool, do not include the assessable balancing adjustments for these assets at F Assessable balancing adjustments on the disposal of intangible depreciating assets.
Deductible balancing adjustments on the disposal of intangible depreciating assets
At G, write the total deductible amount you have from balancing adjustment events on the disposal of intangible depreciating assets that occurred this income year (this type of deduction may arise if, for example, you disposed of an intangible depreciating asset for less than its adjustable value). If you do not have any deductible balancing adjustment amounts for intangible assets this year, leave this label blank.
If the trust has allocated any assets with a cost of less than $1,000 to a low-value pool, do not include the assessable balancing adjustments for these assets at G Deductible balancing adjustments on the disposal of intangible depreciating assets.
Termination value of intangible depreciating assets
Show at H the termination value of each balancing adjustment event occurring for intangible depreciating assets to which the uniform capital allowances rules applied, including assets allocated to a low-value pool.
Do not show at H any consideration received during the income year for in-house software for which the trust has allocated expenditure to a software development pool.
A balancing adjustment event occurs if:
- you stop holding the asset; or
- you stop using it and expect never to use it again; or
- you have not used it and you decide never to use it.
Generally, the termination value is the amount the trust receives or is deemed to receive for the balancing adjustment event. It includes the market value of any non-cash benefits, such as goods and services the trust receives for the asset.
See also:
Termination value of other depreciating assets
Show at I the termination value of each balancing adjustment event occurring for depreciating assets, including assets allocated to a low-value pool.
Do not show at I any consideration received during the income year for:
- depreciating assets allocated in a prior year to the general small business pool
- intangible depreciating assets
- buildings or structures for which a deduction is available under the capital works provisions
- assets used in research and development (R&D) activities, or
- assets falling within the provisions relating to investments in Australian films.
A balancing adjustment event occurs if the trust stops holding or using a depreciating asset and expects never to use it again, or decides not to use it in the future, for destroyed. Generally, the termination value is the amount the trust receives or is deemed to receive for the balancing adjustment event. It includes the market value of any non-cash benefits, such as goods and services the trust receives for the asset.
For more information on balancing adjustment events and termination value, see the Guide to depreciating assets 2017.
Deduction for project pools
Show at J the trust’s deductions for project pools. For more information, see Appendix 6.
For more information on project pools, see the Guide to depreciating assets 2017.
Section 40-880 deduction
Show at K the total of the trust’s deductions allowable under section 40-880 of the ITAA 1997. For more information, see Appendix 6.
For more information on business related costs – section 40-880 deductions, see the Guide to depreciating assets 2017.
Landcare operations and deduction for decline in value of water facility, fencing asset and fodder storage asset
Show at L the deduction available to the trust for landcare operations and for the decline in value of water facilities, fencing assets and fodder storage assets. For more information see Appendix 6.
49 Small business entity simplified depreciation
New laws have passed that allow small businesses to claim an immediate deduction for assets they first acquire and start to use, or have installed ready for use, provided each depreciable asset costs less than $20,000. This will temporarily replace the previous instant asset write-off threshold of $1,000.
The balance of the general small business pool is also immediately deductible if the balance is less than $20,000 at the end of an income year that ends on or after 12 May 2015 and on or before 30 June 2017 (including existing general small business pool).
The 'lock out' laws have also been suspended for the simplified depreciation rules (these prevent small businesses from re-entering the simplified depreciation regime for five years if they have opted out) until the end of 30 June 2017.
To complete this item, use the amounts calculated for small business entity depreciation deductions at K item 5. Show at:
- A Deduction for certain assets, the total amount claimed relating to these assets
- B Deduction for general small business pool, the total amount claimed relating to the general small business pool.
50 National rental affordability scheme (NRAS) tax offset
Refundable NRAS tax offsets may flow indirectly to certain beneficiaries of a trust or to the trustee of the trust provided the Secretary of the Department of Social Services has issued the trust (or a trust through which their interest is ultimately obtained) a certificate under NRAS and the income year of that trust begins in the NRAS year to which the certificate relates.
The amount of the tax offset is the amount stated on the certificate shared between the beneficiaries of the trust (or the trustee) according to their share of the NRAS rent of the trust for the NRAS year and the total NRAS rent derived by rental dwellings covered by the certificate for the relevant income year.
If a trustee is assessed under section 98 of the ITAA 1936 on behalf of a beneficiary who is entitled to a share of the NRAS rent, then the trustee is entitled to that percentage share of the NRAS offset.
If the trustee is assessed under section 99 or 99A of the ITAA 1936, the trustee may also be entitled to a share of the NRAS offset.
In circumstances where the trust has no net income for the year, for the purposes of the NRAS provisions, no beneficiary can receive a share of NRAS rent indirectly and, as a result, no NRAS tax offset can flow indirectly the beneficiaries. In these circumstances, the trustee may be able to claim the refundable tax offset.
Show at F the total NRAS tax offset available to the beneficiaries or trustee (including any NRAS tax offset received indirectly through a partnership or other trust) for the income year.
The beneficiaries and trustee's share of the NRAS tax offset must be shown at this item and at item 55 Statement of distribution.
The amount of the trust’s tax offset is the amount stated on the certificate issued by the Secretary of the Department of Social Services. However, if the Secretary issues the entity with an amended certificate under the National Rental Affordability Scheme Act 2008External Link, the amount of the trust’s tax offset is the amount stated in the amended certificate.
See also:
51 Other refundable tax offsets
Exploration credit tax offset
Show at G the total exploration credits received by the trust during the income year (including any exploration credits received indirectly through a partnership or other trust) and print E in the CODE box.
Show the beneficiaries and trustee's share of the exploration credit tax offset at this item and at item 55 Statement of distribution.
See also:
52 Non-refundable carry forward tax offsets
Show at H the sum of the following non-refundable carry forward tax offsets that the trust has available to allocate to the beneficiaries and/or the trustee for the income year:
This is worked out as the amount of each tax offset to which the trust would have been entitled for the income year, had it been an individual.
Show the beneficiaries' and trustee's tax offset entitlements at item 55 Statement of distribution.
Early stage venture capital limited partnership (ESVCLP) tax offset
An entitlement to the ESVCLP tax offset may be available for contributions made to an ESVCLP.
Is the ESVCLP tax offset available to the trust?
The ESVCLP must have become unconditionally registered on or after 7 December 2015.
In general, if the trust is a limited partner of the ESVCLP, the amount of the offset available to allocate to beneficiaries and/or the trustee is 10% of the lesser of the following:
- the trust's total contribution to the ESVCLP during the income year (certain exclusions apply), and
- the trust's share (based on the trust's interest in the entire capital of the ESVCLP at the end of the income year) of the sum of eligible venture capital investments made by the ESVCLP during the income year and within two months after the end of the income year.
Work out the amount of the tax offset available to allocate to beneficiaries and/or the trustee by referring to ESVCLP tax incentives and concessions.
If the trustee ("first trust") is an investor through a partnership or another trust which is itself a limited partner of an ESVCLP, the partnership or the other trust will provide the first trust with details of its allocation of the offset arising from the partnership’s or trust's investment.
For more information on the early stage venture capital limited partnerships, see ESVCLP tax incentives and concessions.
Early stage investor tax offset
The trust may qualify for the early stage investor tax offset for the income year if the trust invested in an early stage innovation company during the year.
To qualify there are requirements that need to be satisfied by the investor and by the early stage innovation company.
Is the early stage investor tax offset available to the trust?
No - Leave item H blank
Yes - Read below and show at H the total the early stage investor tax offset as follows:
- Step 1: Work out the total amount the trust paid for newly issues shares in all qualifying early stage innovation companies during the year.
If t the requirements of the 'sophisticated investor' test under the Corporations Act 2001 are not met for at least one of the investments in a qualifying early stage innovation company during the year, the Step 1 amount must not exceed $50,000.If the Step 1 amount exceeds $50,000 the trust cannot claim this offset. - Step 2: Multiply the Step 1 amount by 20%.
- Step 3: Identify the amount of any early stage investor tax offsets that have been allocated to the trust as a beneficiary of another trust, or a partner in a partnership, that has invested in a qualifying early stage innovation company during the year.
The trustee of the other trust or the partnership will provide you with written notification of your share of any offset. If a written notification has not been provided, contact that trustee or partnership. - Step 4: Aggregate the amounts at Step 2 and Step 3 and include this amount at H.
The maximum amount of this offset that the trust (including affiliates) is entitled to in an income year is $200,000 (or $10,000 if the requirements of the 'sophisticated investor' test are not met).
See also:
Non-refundable carry forward tax offset codes
Code |
Non-refundable carry forward tax offset |
|---|---|
V |
Early stage venture capital limited partnership tax offset |
E |
Early stage investor tax offset |
M |
Both tax offsets |
53 Medicare levy reduction or exemption
A trustee needs to complete this item only if all of the following conditions apply:
- The trustee is liable to be assessed on a share of the net income of the trust because a beneficiary is presently entitled to a share of the income of the trust (or specifically entitled to an amount of capital gains or franked distributions) but under a legal disability.
- That amount of the net income of the trust upon which the trustee is liable to be assessed in respect of a particular beneficiary is more than the relevant threshold amount for the Medicare levy as set out in part A of Question M1 in the Individual tax return instructions 2017.
- That beneficiary qualifies for an exemption or reduction in the Medicare levy under one of the categories set out in Question M1 in the Individual tax return instructions 2017.
If there is more than one such beneficiary, provide a statement on a separate sheet of paper setting out the information required at this item for each additional beneficiary. Attach the statement to the tax return and print X in the Yes box at Have you attached any ‘other attachments’? at the top of page 1 of the tax return.
Spouse’s 2016–17 taxable income
Show at A the taxable income of the beneficiary’s spouse for 2016–17. If the beneficiary had no spouse or had a spouse who had no taxable income, write zero (0) at A.
Number of dependent children and students
Show at B the number of the beneficiary’s dependent children and students, if any.
C and D
For details of the various Medicare levy exemption categories, see Question M1 in the Individual tax return instructions 2017.
Full Medicare levy exemption – number of days
Show at C the number of days in 2016–17 for which the beneficiary was entitled to the full Medicare levy exemption. If you have completed C and the beneficiary has been issued with a statement from the Medicare Entitlement Statement Unit of Services Australia showing that the beneficiary is not entitled to any Medicare benefits, print C in the CODE box.
Half Medicare levy exemption – number of days
Show at D the number of days during 2016–17 for which the beneficiary was entitled to a half Medicare levy exemption.
Medicare levy on net income assessed to the trustee under sections 99 or 99A of the ITAA 1936
If a trustee is liable to be assessed on that part of the net income of a trust (other than a trust of a deceased person) under either sections 99 or 99A of the ITAA 1936 the trustee may need to pay the Medicare levy.
If a trustee is assessed on part or all of the net income of a trust under either sections 99 or 99A of the ITAA 1936 and is liable to pay tax on all of the income so assessed at the top marginal tax rate, the trustee must pay the Medicare levy at 2% of net income.
In other situations, if the net income assessed to the trustee is:
- $416 or less, no Medicare levy is payable
- $417 to $520, the Medicare levy is 10% of the excess over $416
- more than $520, the Medicare levy is 2% of the net income assessed to trustee.
For a trust of a deceased person, no Medicare levy is payable on that part of the net income of the trust that is assessed under either sections 99 or 99A of the ITAA 1936.
Medicare levy surcharge
If the beneficiary’s share of the trust net income to which a trustee is assessed under section 98 exceeds either $90,000 (if single) or $180,000 for the family surcharge threshold (plus $1,500 for each dependent child after the first) the trustee may be liable for the Medicare levy surcharge (MLS). See Question M2 in the Individual tax return instructions 2017.
Provide a statement on a separate sheet of paper showing:
- the trust's name
- the trust's TFN
- the beneficiary’s name
- the beneficiary’s TFN
- the beneficiary’s share of the net income of the trust estate
- the number of days not liable for MLS
- the full name of beneficiary’s spouse, if applicable
- if the beneficiary did not have a spouse for the full year (the period they had the spouse)
- the date from which the beneficiary had a spouse
- the date to which the beneficiary had a spouse
- if the beneficiary's spouse died during the year
- the spouse’s income for (Medicare levy) surcharge purposes, if applicable
- the number of dependent children, if applicable
- the health insurer identification (ID) code, if applicable
- the membership number, if applicable.
Sign the statement, attach it to the tax return and print X in the Yes box at Have you attached any ‘other attachments’? at the top of page 1 of the tax return.
The definition of dependant for the purposes of MLS differs from the definition of dependant for other tax purposes (such as net medical expenses tax offset).
The beneficiary’s and their spouse’s income for MLS purposes must be calculated:
- ignoring the exemption under section 271-105 of Schedule 2F to the ITAA 1936 for distributions on which family trust distribution tax (FTDT) has been paid; for more information about the circumstances in which FTDT is payable, see Family trust distribution tax
- excluding the taxed element of a superannuation lump sum, other than a death benefit, that they received when they were over their preservation age and under 60 years old that does not exceed their low-rate cap amount.
Medicare levy surcharge rate
The amount of Medicare levy surcharge (MLS) payable may increase depending on the beneficiary’s income for (Medicare levy) surcharge purposes.
The rates are detailed in Question M2 in the Individual tax return instructions 2017.
The following table shows 2016–17 financial year's MLS thresholds and rates, based on income for (Medicare levy) surcharge purposes:
Category |
Unchanged |
Tier 1 |
Tier 2 |
Tier 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Singles |
$0 – $90,000 |
$90,001 – $105,000 |
$105,001 – $140,000 |
$140,001 and above |
Families (see note) |
$0 – $180,000 |
$180,001 – $210,000 |
$210,001 – $280,000 |
$280,001 and above |
Medicare levy surcharge rates
Unchanged |
0% |
Tier 1 |
1% |
Tier 2 |
1.25% |
Tier 3 |
1.5% |
Note: The families’ threshold is increased by $1,500 for each dependent child after the first. Families include couples and single parent families.
Income for (Medicare levy) surcharge purposes is only used to determine whether the beneficiary is liable to pay the MLS. It is not used to calculate the surcharge amount.
The MLS is only levied on the total of the beneficiary’s:
- taxable income
- reportable fringe benefits amount, and
- any amount on which family trust distribution tax has been paid.
If the beneficiary is over their preservation age and under 60 years old, MLS is not levied on any taxed element of a super lump sum they received (other than a death benefit) that does not exceed the low rate cap.
See also:
54 Income of the trust estate
Show at A the income of the trust estate for trust law purposes. This is the income of the trust estate as that expression is found in Division 6 of the ITAA 1936 and related provisions. This is the total distributable income of the trust that the trustee determine is legally available for distribution to trust beneficiaries in the income year.
This calculation may depend on the terms of the trust and general trust law principles: you may need to carefully consider the trust deed, the trust accounts and relevant resolutions to determine what the trust's distributable income is. Because this amount is determined in accordance with trust law principles and where applicable, the terms of the particular trust, it may be different to the accounting income of the trust or the net (taxable) income of the trust for tax purposes.
If the income of the trust estate is a loss amount, then enter '0' at A.
Subject to the application of Division 6E of the ITAA 1936 and the provisions relating to the streaming of capital gains and franked distributions, Division 6 of the ITAA 1936 broadly operates to assess beneficiaries who are presently entitled to a share of the income of the trust estate and not under a legal disability on the same share of the net (taxable) income of the trust. This is commonly referred to as the proportionate approach to trust taxation. Division 6 broadly operates in a similar manner to assess a trustee in respect of certain presently entitled beneficiaries who are under a legal disability or who were non-resident at year end. The balance of net (taxable) income not assessed to any beneficiary is generally assessed to the trustee.
For more information about present entitlement, the application of Division 6E and the provisions relating to streaming of franked distributions, see Is a beneficiary presently entitled to a share of the income of the trust estate?
A beneficiary who is presently entitled to a share of the income of the trust estate shown here at A item 54 will have an amount recorded at W item 55 Statement of distribution.
More on the meaning of ‘income of the trust estate’ and the ‘proportionate approach’ to trust taxation
Bamford decision impact statement
The 2010 High Court of Australia case of Commissioner of Taxation v. Bamford clarified the meaning of income of the trust estate and share of income. In response to the judgment we released a decision impact statement (DIS). The DIS includes the following key propositions
- The income of a trust estate for trust law purposes and its income for tax purposes are two different subject matters which do not necessarily correspond.
- In subsection 97(1) of the ITAA 1936 income of the trust estate takes its meaning from the general law of trusts and not from taxation law.
- Under the general law of trusts the concept of income is governed by a set of rules designed to ensure that trustees fairly apportion the receipts and outgoings of a period between those entitled to income and those with an interest in capital.
- The rules of apportionment adopted by the general law of trusts take the form of presumptions about whether particular receipts or outgoings constitute income or capital. The trust law presumptions can be displaced by express provision in the trust deed.
- The apportionment of receipts and outgoings forms part of the processes in trust administration, whereby the surplus or distributable income to which income beneficiaries may become presently entitled in respect of distinct year(s) of income is ascertained (the distributable income).
TR 2012/D1
Draft Taxation Ruling 2012/D1 Income tax: meaning of 'income of the trust estate' in Division 6 of Part III of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and related provisions was released on 28 March 2012. The draft ruling explains that the income of the trust estate is a reference to the income for trust purposes that a beneficiary could be made presently entitled to or a trustee could accumulate. This ruling may assist you in completing A at item 55 and W at item 55.
The ruling is in draft form and while it sets out the Commissioner’s preferred view, it also contains alternative views which could, in appropriate circumstances, support a reasonably arguable position in the context of penalties. Under self-assessment, you can follow the meaning as set out in the ruling or, if you disagree with aspects of that ruling, you can apply what you understand the term to mean for the purpose of present entitlement and completing the items. What you show at A at item 55 and W at item 55 should be your honest determination of what the trust’s distributable income is, and each relevant beneficiary’s entitlement to that income by year end.
If you choose to calculate the trust’s distributable income based on one of the alternative views in TR 2012/D1, for example, according to a so-called ‘income equalisation clause’, this income is the amount you include at A item 55. Even if the Commissioner later takes the view that the trust’s distributable income is a different amount, you will not have made an error in your completion of this label.
TD 2012/22
There is more explanation of the proportionate approach to trust taxation in Division 6 of the ITAA 1936 in Taxation Determination TD 2012/22 Income tax: for the purposes of paragraph 97(1)(a) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936) is a beneficiary's share of the net income of a trust estate worked out by reference to the proportion of the income of the trust estate to which the beneficiary is presently entitled?
The TD contains practical examples which explain the relevance of the trust deed and the wording of the trustee resolution to the outcome which will arise under the proportionate approach.
See also:
- Bamford Decision Impact Statement
- Draft Taxation Ruling TR 2012/D1 Income tax: meaning of 'income of the trust estate' in Division 6 of Part III of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 and related provisions
- Taxation Determination TD 2012/22 Income tax: for the purposes of paragraph 97(1)(a) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936) is a beneficiary's share of the net income of a trust estate worked out by reference to the proportion of the income of the trust estate to which the beneficiary is presently entitled?