CHAPTER 3
-
SPECIALIST LIABILITY RULES
PART 3-45
-
RULES FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES AND OCCUPATIONS
Division 376
-
Films generally (tax offsets for Australian production expenditure)
History
Div 376 substituted by
No 164 of 2007
, s 3 and Sch 10 item 1, effective 25 September 2007. Act
No 164 of 2007
, s 3 and Sch 10 item 92, contained the following savings provisions:
92 Saving provisions relating to amendment at item 1
(1)
Despite the repeal and substitution of Division 376 of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1997
, that Division continues to apply, in relation to films that commenced principal photography or production of the animated image before 8 May 2007, as if that repeal and substitution had not happened.
(2)
Despite the amendment made by item 1, legislative instruments that:
(a)
were made under section 376-105 of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1997
; and
(b)
were in force immediately before the commencement of that item;
continue to have effect, and may be dealt with, in relation to films that commenced principal photography or production of the animated image before 8 May 2007, as if the amendment had not happened.
Div 376 formerly read:
Division 376
-
Films generally (tax offset for Australian production expenditure)
Subdivision 376-A
-
Guide to Division 376
SECTION 376-1 What this Division is about
This Division gives a film production company a refundable tax offset for certain Australian production expenditure the company incurs on the film but only if that expenditure exceeds a certain amount.
History
S 376-1 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-2 Structure of this Division
376-2(1)
Subdivision
376-B
tells you who can get the tax offset for a film and what conditions must be met to get the offset. It also tells you how to work out the amount of the offset.
376-2(2)
Subdivision
376-C
explains what is meant by:
(a)
production expenditure on a film; and
(b)
qualifying Australian production expenditure on a film.
It also contains some rules for quantifying expenditure.
376-2(3)
Subdivision
376-D
deals with a number of administrative matters:
(a)
applying for a certificate for a film; and
(b)
the issue and revocation of a certificate for a film; and
(c)
the making of rules by the Arts Minister (including rules for the establishment of the Film Certification Advisory Board); and
(d)
review of decisions of the Arts Minister.
History
S 376-2 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
Subdivision 376-B
-
Tax offset for Australian expenditure in making a film
SECTION 376-5 Film production company entitled to refundable tax offset
376-5(1)
A company is entitled to a
*
tax offset for an income year in respect of a
*
film if:
(a)
the film was
*
completed in the income year; and
(b)
the
*
Arts Minister has issued a certificate to the company for the film under section 376-15; and
(c)
the company claims the offset in its
*
income tax return for the income year; and
(d)
the company:
(i)
is an Australian resident; or
(ii)
is a foreign resident but does have a
*
permanent establishment in Australia and does have an
*
ABN;
when the company lodges the income tax return and when the tax offset is due to be credited to the company.
The claim referred to in paragraph (c) is irrevocable.
Note:
The tax offset is subject to the refundable tax offset rules in Division
67
(see subsection
67-25(2A)
).
History
S 376-5(1) amended by No 41 of 2005.
376-5(2)
The company is not entitled to the
*
tax offset if:
(a)
the company or someone else claims a deduction in relation to a unit of industrial property that relates to copyright in the
*
film under Division
10B
of Part
III
of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1936
; or
(b)
either:
(i)
a provisional certificate for the film (other than a provisional certificate that has been revoked under subsection
124ZAB(6A)
of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1936
); or
(ii)
a final certificate for the film;
has been issued at any time under Division
10BA
of Part
III
of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1936
(whether or not the certificate is still in force).
History
S 376-5(2) amended by No 41 of 2005.
S 376-5 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-10
SECTION 376-10 Amount of the tax offset
376-10
The amount of the
*
tax offset is 12.5% of the total of the company
'
s
*
qualifying Australian production expenditure on the
*
film (worked out using Subdivision
376-C
).
History
S 376-10 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-15 Minister may issue certificate for a film
376-15(1)
The
*
Arts Minister may issue a certificate to a company that a
*
film satisfies the requirements of this Subdivision if the Minister is satisfied that:
(a)
the company:
(i)
is an Australian resident; or
(ii)
is a foreign resident but does have a
*
permanent establishment in Australia and does have an
*
ABN; and
(b)
the film has been
*
completed and was completed on or after 4 September 2001; and
(c)
the film was produced for:
(i)
exhibition to the public in cinemas; or
(ii)
exhibition to the public by way of television broadcasting (including broadcasting by way of the delivery of a television program by a broadcasting service within the meaning of the
Broadcasting Services Act 1992
); or
(iii)
distribution to the public as a video recording (whether on video tapes, digital video disks or otherwise); and
(d)
the film is:
(i)
a
*
feature film or a film of a like nature; or
(ii)
a mini-series of television drama; or
(iii)
a
*
television series that is not covered by subparagraph (i) or (ii); and
(e)
the film is not, or is not to a substantial extent:
(i)
if the film is covered by subparagraph (d)(i) or (ii)
-
a documentary; or
(ii)
a film for exhibition as an advertising program or a commercial; or
(iii)
a film for exhibition as a discussion program, a quiz program, a panel program, a variety program or a program of a like nature; or
(iv)
a film of a public event; or
(v)
if the film is covered by subparagraph (d)(i) or (ii)
-
a film forming part of a drama program series that is, or is intended to be, of a continuing nature; or
(v)
a film forming part of a drama program series that is, or is intended to be, of a continuing nature; or
(vi)
a training film; and
(ea)
if the film is a
*
television series that is not covered by subparagraph (d)(i) or (ii):
(i)
for a television series that is predominantly a digital animation or other animation
-
the
*
making of the television series (other than a pilot episode, if any, or activities mentioned in paragraph 376-25(3)(a)) takes place within a period of not longer than 36 months; or
(ii)
otherwise
-
all principal photography for the television series (other than a pilot episode, if any) takes place within a period of not longer than 12 months; and
(eb)
if the film is a
*
television series that is not covered by subparagraph (d)(i) or (ii)
-
the amount worked out for the film under subsection (3) is at least $1 million; and
(f)
the total of the company
'
s
*
qualifying Australian production expenditure on the film (worked out using Subdivision
376-C
) is at least $15 million; and
(g)
if the total of the company
'
s qualifying Australian production expenditure on the film is less than $50 million:
(i)
the total of the company
'
s qualifying Australian production expenditure on the film is at least 70% of the total of all the company
'
s
*
production expenditure on the film; and
(ii)
the company either carried out, or made the arrangements for the carrying out of, all the activities that were necessary for the
*
making of the film; and
(iii)
the company is the only company that satisfies subparagraph (ii) in relation to the film; and
(h)
if the total of the company
'
s qualifying Australian production expenditure on the film is at least $50 million:
(i)
the company either carried out, or made the arrangements for the carrying out of, all the activities in Australia that were necessary for the making of the film; and
(ii)
the company is the only company that satisfies subparagraph (i) in relation to the film.
Note:
Subparagraphs (g)(ii) and (h)(i)
-
the operation of these subparagraphs is affected by paragraph 376-70(1)(d) (which deals with the situation in which one company takes over the making of a film from another company).
History
S 376-15(1) amended by No 162 of 2005 and No 41 of 2005.
376-15(2)
A
*
film is
completed
when it is first in a state where it could reasonably be regarded as ready to be distributed, broadcast or exhibited to the general public.
Note:
This means that the making of a film includes post-production and editing as well as the shooting of the film.
376-15(3)
For the purposes of paragraph (1)(eb), the amount for a film is worked out by using the formula:
|
Total QAPE
Duration of film in hours |
|
where:
duration of film in hours
means the total length of the film, measured in hours.
total QAPE
means the total of the company
'
s
*
qualifying Australian production expenditure on the film (worked out using Subdivision 376-C).
History
S 376-15(3) inserted by No 162 of 2005.
S 376-15 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-17 Television series
376-17(1)
A
television series
is a
*
film made up of 2 or more episodes that:
(a)
are produced wholly or principally for exhibition to the public on television under a single title; and
(b)
contain a common theme or themes; and
(c)
contain dramatic elements that form a narrative structure; and
(d)
meet the requirement in subsection (2).
Note:
A documentary can be a television series.
376-17(2)
The requirement is that all of the episodes must be produced wholly or principally for exhibition together, for a national market or national markets.
376-17(3)
To avoid doubt, and without limiting paragraph (1)(c), a
*
film satisfies the requirement in that paragraph if:
(a)
the sole or dominant purpose of the film is to depict actual events, people or situations; and
(b)
the film depicts those events, people or situations in a dramatic or entertaining way, with a heavy emphasis on dramatic impact or entertainment value.
376-17(4)
A pilot episode to a television series is taken to be a part of the television series.
History
S 376-17 inserted by No 162 of 2005.
SECTION 376-20 Company may nominate one person whose remuneration is to be disregarded
376-20(1)
In its application for the certificate under section 376-15, the company may nominate one person as a person to whom this section applies.
376-20(2)
If the company nominates a person under subsection (1), disregard the following for the purposes of this Division:
(a)
the remuneration and other benefits provided to the person for the person
'
s services in relation to the
*
making of the
*
film;
(b)
travel and other costs associated with the services the person provides in relation to the making of the film.
Note:
This means that the person
'
s remuneration and benefits, and associated costs, are disregarded both in working out the total of the company
'
s qualifying Australian production expenditure on the film and in working out the company
'
s total production expenditure on the film.
History
S 376-20 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
Subdivision 376-C
-
Production expenditure and qualifying Australian production expenditure
Production expenditure
SECTION 376-25 Production expenditure
-
general test
376-25(1)
A company
'
s
production expenditure
on a
*
film is expenditure that the company incurs to the extent to which it:
(a)
is incurred in, or in relation to, the
*
making of the film; or
(b)
is reasonably attributable to:
(i)
the use of equipment or other facilities for; or
(ii)
activities undertaken in;
the making of the film.
376-25(2)
The
making
of a
*
film means the doing of the things necessary for the production of the first copy of the film.
376-25(3)
The
making
of a
*
film includes:
(a)
pre-production activities in relation to the film; and
(b)
post-production activities in relation to the film; and
(c)
any other activities undertaken to bring the film up to the state where it could reasonably be regarded as ready to be distributed, broadcast or exhibited to the general public.
376-25(4)
The
making
of a
*
film does not include:
(a)
developing the proposal for the
*
making of the film; or
(b)
arranging or obtaining finance for the film; or
(c)
distributing the film; or
(d)
promoting the film.
376-25(5)
Without limiting subsection (1), a company
'
s
production expenditure
on a
*
film:
(a)
may be expenditure that is incurred in the income year for which the
*
tax offset is sought or in an earlier income year; and
(b)
may be expenditure of either a capital or a revenue nature; and
(c)
may be expenditure that gives rise to a deduction.
Paragraph (c) has effect subject to item 10 in the table in subsection 376-35(1) (which deals with capital allowances).
History
S 376-25(5) amended by No 162 of 2005.
376-25(6)
If:
(a)
a company:
(i)
*
holds a
*
depreciating asset; and
(ii)
uses the asset, while held, in the
*
making of a
*
film; and
(b)
deductions in relation to the asset are available under Division
40
(which deals with capital allowances);
the
production expenditure
of the company on the film includes an amount equal to the decline in the value of the asset to the extent to which that decline is reasonably attributable to the use of the asset in the making of the film. The decline in value of the asset is to be worked out using Division
40
.
Note:
Under item 10 of the table in subsection 376-35(1), expenditure that sets or increases the cost of the asset does not count as production expenditure.
History
S 376-25(6) amended by No 162 of 2005.
S 376-25 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-30
SECTION 376-30 Production expenditure
-
special qualifying Australian production expenditure
376-30
Expenditure of a company is also
production expenditure
of the company on a
*
film if it is
*
qualifying Australian production expenditure of the company on the film under section 376-45.
Note:
This means that the special qualifying Australian production expenditure is taken into account both in working out the total amount of the company
'
s qualifying Australian production expenditure and in working out the total amount of all the company
'
s production expenditure on the film. The total amount of all production expenditure is relevant to the test in paragraph
376-15(1)(g)
.
History
S 376-30 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-35 Production expenditure
-
specific exclusions
376-35(1)
Despite sections 376-25 and 376-30, the following expenditure of a company is not
production expenditure
of the company on a
*
film:
Expenditure that does not count as production expenditure on a film
|
Item
|
This kind of expenditure by the company is not production expenditure...
|
except to the extent to which the expenditure is...
|
1 |
Financing expenditure
expenditure incurred by way of, or in relation to, the financing of the *film (including returns payable on amounts invested in the film and expenditure in relation to raising and servicing finance for the film) |
|
2 |
Development expenditure
*development expenditure on the *film |
*qualifying Australian production expenditure under item 1 in the table in subsection 376-45(1) |
3 |
Copyright acquisition expenditure
expenditure incurred in acquiring copyright, or a licence in relation to copyright, in a pre-existing work for use in the *film |
*qualifying Australian production expenditure under item 2 in the table in subsection 376-45(1) |
4 |
General business overheads
expenditure incurred to meet the general business overheads of the company that: |
*qualifying Australian production expenditure under item 3 in the table in subsection 376-45(1) |
|
(a) |
are not incurred in, or in relation to, the *making of the *film; and |
|
|
(b) |
are not reasonably attributable to: |
|
|
|
(i) |
the use of equipment or other facilities for; or |
|
|
|
(ii) |
activities undertaken in; |
|
|
|
the making of the film |
|
5 |
Publicity and promotion expenditure
expenditure incurred in publicising or otherwise promoting the *film (including press expenses, still photography, videotapes, public relations and other similar expenses) |
*qualifying Australian production expenditure under item 4 in the table in subsection 376-45(1) |
6 |
Deferments
amounts that are payable only out of the receipts, earnings or profits from the *film |
|
7 |
Profit participation
amounts that: |
|
|
(a) |
depend on the receipts, earnings or profits from the *film; or |
|
|
(b) |
are otherwise dependent on the commercial performance of the film |
|
8 |
Residuals
amounts payable in satisfaction of the residual rights of a person who is a member of the cast |
paid out by the company before the *film is *completed |
9 |
Advances
amounts paid by way of advance on a payment to which item 6, 7 or 8 applies to the extent to which it may become repayable by the person to whom it is paid |
|
10 |
Acquisition of depreciating asset
expenditure to the extent to which it sets, or increases, the *cost of a *depreciating asset |
*qualifying Australian production expenditure under item 2 in the table in subsection 376-45(1) |
|
This item has effect subject to subsection 376-25(6). |
|
11 |
Regulations
expenditure specified in regulations |
|
376-35(2)
Despite sections
376-25
and
376-30
, the expenditure of a company is not production expenditure of the company on a
*
film if:
(a)
the film is a
*
television series that is not covered by subparagraph
376-15(1)(d)(i) or (ii)
; and
(b)
the expenditure is reasonably attributable to the production of a pilot episode to the television series; and
(c)
the expenditure, apart from this subsection, would be production expenditure that was not
*
qualifying Australian production expenditure.
History
S 376-35(2) inserted by No 162 of 2005.
S 376-35 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
Qualifying Australian production expenditure
SECTION 376-40
SECTION 376-40 Qualifying Australian production expenditure
-
general test
376-40
A company
'
s
qualifying Australian production expenditure
on a
*
film is the company
'
s
*
production expenditure on the film to the extent to which it is incurred for, or is reasonably attributable to:
(a)
goods and services provided in Australia; or
(b)
the use of land located in Australia; or
(c)
the use of goods that are located in Australia at the time they are used in the
*
making of the film.
History
S 376-40 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-45 Qualifying Australian production expenditure
-
specific inclusions
376-45(1)
The following expenditure of a company is also
qualifying Australian production expenditure
of the company on a
*
film:
Special Australian expenditure
|
Item
|
Type of expenditure
|
1 |
Australian development expenditure |
|
*development expenditure on the *film to the extent to which it is incurred for, or is reasonably attributable to: |
|
(a) |
goods and services provided in Australia; or |
|
(b) |
the use of land located in Australia; or |
|
(c) |
the use of goods that are located in Australia at the time they are used in the *making of the film |
|
[
see subsection (2)] |
2 |
Expenditure incurred in acquiring Australian copyright |
|
expenditure incurred to acquire copyright, or a licence in relation to copyright, in a pre-existing work for use in the *film if the copyright is held by a qualified person (within the meaning of section 32 of the
Copyright Act 1968
) |
3 |
Australian business overheads |
|
general business overheads of the company that: |
|
(a) |
are not incurred in or in relation to the *making of the *film; and |
|
(b) |
are not reasonably attributable to: |
|
|
(i) |
the use of equipment or other facilities for; or |
|
|
(ii) |
activities undertaken in; |
|
|
the making of the film; |
|
to the extent to which they: |
|
(c) |
are incurred for, or are reasonably attributable to: |
|
|
(i) |
goods and services provided in Australia; or |
|
|
(ii) |
the use of land located in Australia; or |
|
|
(iii) |
the use of goods that are located in Australia at the time they are used in the making of the film; and |
|
(d) |
represent a reasonable apportionment of those overheads between the making of the film and the other activities undertaken by the company |
|
This item has effect subject to subsection (3). |
4 |
Expenditure incurred in producing Australian copyrighted promotional material |
|
expenditure incurred in producing material for use in publicising or otherwise promoting the *film if the copyright in the material is held by a qualified person (within the meaning of section 32 of the
Copyright Act 1968
) |
5 |
Travel to Australia |
|
expenditure of the company in relation to a person
'
s travel to Australia to undertake activities in Australia in relation to the *making of the *film if the remuneration paid to the person for those activities is *qualifying Australian production expenditure of the company |
6 |
Regulations |
|
expenditure prescribed by the regulations |
376-45(2)
Legal costs will be covered by item 1 in the table in subsection (1) only if they relate to:
(a)
writers
'
contracts; or
(b)
chain of title and other copyright issues.
376-45(3)
General business overheads of the company are covered by item 3 in the table in subsection (1) only to the extent to which they do not exceed the lesser of:
(a)
2% of the total of all the company
'
s
*
production expenditure on the
*
film; or
(b)
$500,000.
History
S 376-45 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-50
SECTION 376-50 Qualifying Australian production expenditure
-
specific exclusions
376-50
Despite sections 376-40 and 376-45, the following expenditure of a company is not
qualifying Australian production expenditure
of a company on a
*
film:
(a)
expenditure that is incurred at a time when:
(i)
the company is a foreign resident; and
(ii)
the company does not have both a
*
permanent establishment in Australia and an
*
ABN;
(b)
expenditure in relation to:
(i)
remuneration and other benefits provided to a person for the person
'
s services in relation to the
*
making of the film; or
(ii)
travel and other costs associated with the services a person provides in relation to the making of the film;
if the person:
(iii)
is not a member of the cast; and
(iv)
enters Australia to work on the film for less than 2 consecutive calendar weeks;
(c)
expenditure prescribed by the regulations.
History
S 376-50 amended by No 41 of 2005 and inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-55
SECTION 376-55 Qualifying Australian production expenditure
-
treatment of services embodied in goods
376-55
If:
(a)
a company incurs expenditure for the provision of what is essentially a service; and
(b)
the results of the service are provided to the company by being embodied in goods that are delivered to the company; and
(c)
the service that is embodied in the goods was predominantly performed outside Australia;
the service is not provided to the company in Australia merely because the goods are delivered to the company in Australia.
Note:
Paragraph (b)
-
a document, for example, might set out legal or other professional advice or a computer disk might contain a program that has been made or data that has been compiled.
History
S 376-55 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
Expenditure generally
SECTION 376-60
SECTION 376-60 Expenditure to be worked out in Australian dollars
376-60
(Repealed by No 133 of 2003)
History
S 376-60 repealed by No 133 of 2003, s 3 and Sch 4 item 57, effective 17 December 2003. No 133 of 2003 contains the following transitional provision:
78 Transitional
-
sections 20, 102AAX and 391 of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1936
and sections 103-20 and 376-60 of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1997
(1)
Despite the repeals of sections 20, 102AAX and 391 of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1936
and sections 103-20 and 376-60 of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1997
by this Schedule, those sections continue to apply, in relation to a transaction, event or thing:
(a)
that involves an amount in a foreign currency; and
(b)
to which section 960-50 of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1997
does not apply;
as if those repeals had not happened.
(2)
Despite the following amendments:
(a)
the amendment of section 102AAW of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1936
by this Schedule;
(b)
the amendment of section 389 of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1936
by this Schedule;
sections 102AAW and 389 of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1936
continue to apply, in relation to the former section 20 of the
Income Tax Assessment Act 1936
, as if those amendments had not been made.
S 376-60 formerly read:
Expenditure to be worked out in Australian dollars
376-60(1)
Expenditure that is incurred in foreign currencies is to be converted into Australian dollars for the purposes of quantifying both:
(a)
the total of all of a company
'
s
*
production expenditure on a
*
film; and
(b)
the total of the company
'
s
*
qualifying Australian production expenditure on a film.
376-60(2)
The conversion rate to be used is the average of the exchange rates applicable from time to time during the period that:
(a)
starts on the earliest day on which:
(i)
principal photography takes place; or
(ii)
the production of the animated image commences; and
(b)
ends when the
*
film is
*
completed.
S 376-60 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-65
SECTION 376-65 Expenditure to be worked out on an arm
'
s length basis
376-65
For the purposes of this Division, if any 2 or more parties to:
(a)
an
*
arrangement under which a company incurs expenditure in relation to a
*
film; or
(b)
any act or transaction directly or indirectly connected with expenditure that a company incurs in relation to a film;
do not deal with each other at
*
arm
'
s length in relation to the arrangement, or in relation to the act or transaction, the expenditure is taken to be only so much (if any) of the expenditure as would have been incurred if they had been dealing with each other at arm
'
s length in relation to the arrangement, or in relation to the act or transaction.
History
S 376-65 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-70 Expenditure incurred by prior production companies
376-70(1)
For the purposes of this Division, if a company (the
incoming company
) takes over the
*
making of a
*
film from another company (the
outgoing company
):
(a)
expenditure incurred in relation to the film by the outgoing company is taken to have been incurred in relation to the film by the incoming company; and
(b)
for the purposes of determining the extent to which that expenditure is
*
qualifying Australian production expenditure of the incoming company, the incoming company is taken:
(i)
to have been an Australian resident at any time when the outgoing company was an Australian resident; and
(ii)
to have had a
*
permanent establishment in Australia at any time when the outgoing company had a permanent establishment in Australian; and
(iii)
to have had an
*
ABN at any time when the outgoing company had an ABN; and
(c)
expenditure that the incoming company incurs in order to be able to take over the making of the film is to be disregarded for the purposes of this Division; and
(d)
any activities carried out, and arrangements made, by the outgoing company in relation to the film are taken, for the purposes of subparagraphs
376-15(1)(g)
(ii) and (h)(i), to have been carried out or made by the incoming company in relation to the film.
376-70(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1):
(a)
expenditure incurred on the
*
film by the outgoing company includes expenditure that the outgoing company is itself taken to have incurred on the film because of the operation of subsection (1); and
(b)
the outgoing company is taken:
(i)
to have been an Australian resident at any time when the outgoing company is taken to have been an Australian resident because of the operation of subsection (1); and
(ii)
to have had a
*
permanent establishment in Australia at any time when the outgoing company is taken to have had a permanent establishment in Australia because of the operation of subsection (1); and
(iii)
to have had an
*
ABN at any time when the outgoing company is taken to have had an ABN because of the operation of subsection (1); and
(c)
activities carried out by the outgoing company in relation to the film include activities that the outgoing company is taken to have carried out in relation to the film because of the operation of subsection (1); and
(d)
arrangements made by the outgoing company for the carrying out of activities in relation to the film include arrangements that the outgoing company is taken to have made because of the operation of subsection (1).
Note:
If Company A starts out making a film and then Company B takes over the making of the film, Company B is taken to have incurred the expenditure that Company A incurred on the film. If Company C subsequently takes over the making of the film from Company B, Company C is taken to have incurred the expenditure that Company B incurred on the film (including the expenditure of Company A that is attributed to Company B).
History
S 376-70 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
Subdivision 376-D
-
Certificates for films
SECTION 376-75 Production company may apply for certificate
376-75(1)
Once a
*
film is
*
completed, a company may apply to the
*
Arts Minister for the issue of a certificate to the company for the film under section 376-15.
376-75(2)
The application must be made in accordance with the rules determined by the
*
Arts Minister under section 376-105 so far as they relate to the requirements for applications.
History
S 376-75 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-80
SECTION 376-80 Refusal to issue certificate
376-80
If the
*
Arts Minister decides not to issue a certificate for a
*
film, the Minister must give the applicant written notice of the decision (including reasons for the decision).
History
S 376-80 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-85 Issue of certificate
376-85(1)
A certificate issued to a company under section 376-15 must:
(a)
be in writing; and
(b)
specify the company
'
s
*
ABN.
376-85(2)
The
*
Arts Minister must give the Commissioner notice of the issue of a certificate for a
*
film within 30 days after issuing the certificate.
376-85(3)
The notice under subsection (2) must specify:
(a)
the company
'
s name; and
(b)
the company
'
s address; and
(c)
other matters agreed to between the
*
Arts Minister and the Commissioner.
The notice must be accompanied by a copy of the certificate.
History
S 376-85 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-90 Revocation of certificate
376-90(1)
The
*
Arts Minister may revoke a certificate issued to a company for a
*
film under section 376-15 if the Minister is satisfied that the issue of the certificate was obtained by fraud or serious misrepresentation.
376-90(2)
If the
*
Arts Minister revokes a certificate under subsection (1), the Minister must give the company to whom the certificate was issued written notice of the revocation (including reasons for the decision to revoke the certificate).
376-90(3)
If a certificate is revoked under subsection (1), it is taken, for the purposes of this Division, never to have been issued.
Note:
This means that if an assessment of a company
'
s income tax is issued on the basis that the company is entitled to a tax offset for a film and the certificate for the film is then revoked, the assessment will be amended to take account of the fact that the company was never entitled to the tax offset.
376-90(4)
Subsection (3) does not apply for the purposes of:
(a)
the operation of this section or section 376-95; or
(b)
a review by a court or the
*
AAT of the decision to revoke the certificate.
History
S 376-90 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-95 Notice of decision
376-95(1)
This section applies to a notice of a decision given under section 376-80 or 376-90.
376-95(2)
The notice of the decision is to include the statements set out in subsections (3) and (4).
376-95(3)
There must be a statement to the effect that, subject to the
Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975
, an application may be made to the
*
AAT, by (or on behalf of) any entity whose interests are affected by the decision, for review of the decision.
376-95(4)
There must also be a statement to the effect that a request may be made under section
28
of that Act by (or on behalf of) such an entity for a statement:
(a)
setting out the findings on material questions of fact; and
(b)
referring to the evidence or other material on which those findings were based; and
(c)
giving the reasons for the decision;
except where subsection
28(4)
of that Act applies.
376-95(5)
If the
*
Arts Minister fails to comply with subsection (3) or (4), that failure does not affect the validity of his or her decision.
History
S 376-95 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-100
SECTION 376-100 Review of decisions by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal
376-100
Applications may be made to the
*
AAT for review of:
(a)
a decision made by the
*
Arts Minister to refuse an application for a certificate under section 376-15; or
(b)
a decision made by the Arts Minister under section 376-90 to revoke a certificate.
History
S 376-100 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
SECTION 376-105 Minister may make rules
Rules establishing the Film Certification Advisory Board
376-105(1)
The
*
Arts Minister may, by legislative instrument, make rules:
(a)
establishing a Film Certification Advisory Board to:
(i)
consider applications under section 376-75 and advise the Minister on whether to issue certificates under section 376-15; and
(ii)
perform such other functions in relation to the operation of this Division as are specified in the rules; and
(b)
specifying the membership of the Board and the terms and conditions of appointment to the Board; and
(c)
specifying procedures to be followed by the Board in performing its functions.
History
S 376-105(1) amended by
No 58 of 2006
, s 3 and Sch 7 item 261, by inserting
"
, by legislative instrument,
"
after
"
The *Arts Minister may
"
, effective 22 June 2006.
Rules providing for provisional certificates
376-105(2)
The
*
Arts Minister may, by legislative instrument, make rules providing for the issue of provisional certificates.
History
S 376-105(2) amended by
No 58 of 2006
, s 3 and Sch 7 item 261, by inserting
"
, by legislative instrument,
"
after
"
The *Arts Minister may
"
, effective 22 June 2006.
Rules about applications
376-105(3)
The
*
Arts Minister may, by legislative instrument, make rules specifying how applications for certificates (including provisional certificates) are to be made, including:
(a)
the form in which applications are to be made; and
(b)
the information to be provided in applications; and
(c)
methods for verifying such information; and
(d)
procedures for providing, at the Minister
'
s request, additional information in support of an application.
History
S 376-105(3) amended by
No 58 of 2006
, s 3 and Sch 7 item 261, by inserting
"
, by legislative instrument,
"
after
"
The *Arts Minister may
"
, effective 22 June 2006.
376-105(4)
Rules under paragraph (3)(c) can include rules requiring reports by auditors or independent line producers.
376-105(5)
(Repealed by
No 58 of 2006
)
History
S 376-105(5) repealed by
No 58 of 2006
, s 3 and Sch 7 item 262, effective 22 June 2006. S 376-105(5) formerly read:
376-105(5)
The rules must be in writing.
376-105(6)
(Repealed by
No 58 of 2006
)
History
S 376-105(6) repealed by
No 58 of 2006
, s 3 and Sch 7 item 262, effective 22 June 2006. S 376-105(6) formerly read:
376-105(6)
Rules made under subsection (1), (2) or (3) are disallowable instruments for the purposes of section 46A of the
Acts Interpretation Act 1901
.
S 376-105 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
Subdivision 376-E
-
Review of operation of this Division
SECTION 376-110 Review of operation of this Division
376-110(1)
The
*
Arts Minister must cause a review of the operation of this Division to be conducted and completed before 4 September 2006.
376-110(2)
The review:
(a)
must include:
(i)
an evaluation of the success of the
*
tax offset provided for by this Division as an incentive for attracting high quality, high budget *film production to Australia, taking into account the net cost of the offset; and
(ii)
an assessment of the impact of the tax offset on the Australian film production industry (including an assessment of the opportunities it generates for employment and skills transfer); and
(b)
must allow an opportunity for people and organisations involved in the film industry to make written submissions to the persons conducting the review.
376-110(3)
The persons who conduct the review must give the
*
Arts Minister a written report of the review.
376-110(4)
The
*
Arts Minister must cause copies of the report to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days after the day on which the report is given to the Minister.
History
S 376-110 inserted by No 27 of 2002.
Subdivision 376-B
-
Tax offsets for Australian expenditure in making a film
Refundable tax offset for Australian expenditure in making an Australian film (producer offset)
SECTION 376-65
Film authority must issue certificate for an Australian film for the producer offset
376-65(1)
The
*
film authority must issue a certificate to a company for a
*
film in relation to the producer offset if the film authority is satisfied that:
(a)
the company either carried out, or made the arrangements for the carrying out of, all the activities that were necessary for the
*
making of the film; and
(b)
the conditions in subsections
(2)
to
(6)
are met.
Note:
The operation of paragraph
(a)
is affected by paragraph
376-180(1)(d)
(which deals with the situation where one company takes over the making of a film from another company).
Type of film
376-65(2)
The conditions in this subsection are that:
(a)
the
*
film:
(i)
has a significant Australian content (see section
376-70
); or
(ii)
has been made under an
*
arrangement entered into between the Commonwealth or an authority of the Commonwealth and a foreign country or an authority of the foreign country; and
(b)
the film was produced for:
(i)
exhibition to the public in cinemas or by way of television broadcasting (including broadcasting by way of the delivery of a television program by a broadcasting service within the meaning of the
Broadcasting Services Act 1992
); or
(ii)
distribution to the public as a video recording (whether on video tapes, digital video disks or otherwise); and
(c)
the film is:
(i)
a
*
feature film; or
(ii)
a single episode program; or
(iii)
a series; or
(iv)
a season of a series; or
(v)
a short form animated film that is not covered by subparagraph
(i)
,
(ii)
,
(iii)
or
(iv)
; and
(d)
the film is not, or is not to a substantial extent:
(i)
a film for exhibition as an advertising program or a commercial; or
(ii)
a film for exhibition as a discussion program, a quiz program, game show, a panel program, a variety program or a program of a like nature; or
(iii)
a film of a public event (other than a *documentary); or
(iv)
a training film; or
(v)
a computer game (within the meaning of the
Classification (Publications, Films and Computer Games) Act 1995
); or
(vi)
a news or current affairs program; or
(vii)
a reality program (other than a documentary).
History
S 376-65(2) amended by No 85 of 2013, s 3 and Sch 1 item 7, by substituting
"
*
documentary
"
for
"
documentary
"
in para (d)(iii), applicable in relation to films commencing principal photography on or after 1 July 2012.
S 376-65(2) amended by No 85 of 2013, s 3 and Sch 1 item 6, by substituting
"
quiz program, game show
"
for
"
quiz program
"
in para (d)(ii), applicable in relation to films commencing principal photography on or after 28 June 2013.
S 376-65(2) amended by No 147 of 2011, s 3 and Sch 9 item 8, by substituting
"
film
"
for
"
drama
"
in para (c)(v), applicable in respect of the producer offset to: (a) films for which production assistance (other than development assistance) has been approved by the film authority on or after 1 July 2011; or (b) in any other case, films for which production expenditure is first incurred in, or in relation to, pre-production of the film on or after 1 July 2011.
Single episode programs
376-65(3)
The conditions in this subsection are that, if the
*
film is a single episode program, it:
(a)
is of a like nature to a
*
feature film; and
(b)
is produced for:
(i)
exhibition to the public by way of television broadcasting (including broadcasting by way of the delivery of a television program by a broadcasting service within the meaning of the
Broadcasting Services Act 1992
); or
(ii)
distribution to the public as a video recording (whether on video tapes, digital video disks or otherwise); and
(c)
if the program is a
*
documentary
-
is of at least one half of a commercial hour in duration; and
(d)
if the program is not a documentary
-
is of at least one commercial hour in duration.
History
S 376-65(3) amended by No 85 of 2013, s 3 and Sch 1 item 8, by substituting
"
*
documentary
"
for
"
documentary
"
in para (c), applicable in relation to films commencing principal photography on or after 1 July 2012.
Short form animated film
376-65(4)
The conditions in this subsection are that, if the
*
film is a short form animated film, it:
(a)
is a program comprising one or more episodes which are produced wholly or principally for exhibition together, for a national market or national markets under a single title; and
(b)
is predominantly made using cell, stop motion, digital or other animation; and
(c)
contains a common theme or themes; and
(d)
is of at least one quarter of a commercial hour in duration.
History
S 376-65(4) amended by No 147 of 2011, s 3 and Sch 9 items 10 and 11, by substituting
"
film
"
for
"
drama
"
and omitting
"
drama
"
before
"
program
"
in para (a), applicable in respect of the producer offset to: (a) films for which production assistance (other than development assistance) has been approved by the film authority on or after 1 July 2011; or (b) in any other case, films for which production expenditure is first incurred in, or in relation to, pre-production of the film on or after 1 July 2011.
Series and seasons of series
376-65(5)
The conditions in this subsection are that:
(a)
if the application for the certificate is for a
*
film that is a series and not for a film that is a season of that series:
(i)
the series is made up of at least 2 episodes; and
(ii)
each episode of the series is at least one half of a commercial hour in duration, except where the film is predominantly made using cell, stop motion, digital or other animation, in which case each episode is at least one quarter of a commercial hour in duration; and
(iii)
in the case of a series other than a drama series
-
the series has a new creative concept (see section
376-70
); and
(b)
if the application for the certificate is for a film that is a season of a series:
(i)
the season is made up of at least 2 episodes; and
(ii)
each episode of the series is at least one half of a commercial hour in duration, except where the film is predominantly made using cell, stop motion, digital or other animation, in which case each episode is at least one quarter of a commercial hour in duration; and
(iii)
in the case of a series other than a drama series
-
the series has a new creative concept (see section
376-70
).
History
S 376-65(5) amended by No 127 of 2021, s 3 and Sch 1 items 7 and 8, by inserting
"
in the case of a series other than a drama series
-
"
in para (a)(iii) and (b)(iii), effective 1 January 2022 and applicable in respect of the tax offset under section
376-55
(the producer offset) to films commencing principal photography on or after 1 July 2021.
Expenditure thresholds
376-65(6)
Subject to subsection
(6A)
, the conditions in this subsection are as set out in the table.
Expenditure thresholds
|
Item
|
For this type of film
…
|
The total of the company
'
s qualifying Australian production expenditure on the film (as determined by the film authority under section 376-75) is at least
…
|
and the amount for the film worked out under subsection (7) is at least
…
|
1 |
A
*
feature film |
$500,000 |
not applicable |
2 |
A single episode program other than a
*
documentary |
$500,000 |
not applicable |
3 |
A single episode program that is a
*
documentary |
$500,000 |
$
250,000 |
4 |
A short form animated film that is not a
*
feature film, a single episode program, a series or a season of a series |
$
250,000 |
$
1,000,000 |
5 |
A
*
film where the application for the certificate is for a series and not for a season of that series, and the series is not a
*
documentary |
$
1 million |
$
500,000 |
6 |
A
*
film where the application for the certificate is for a series and not for a season of that series, and the series is a
*
documentary |
$500,000 |
$
250,000 |
7 |
A
*
film where the application for the certificate is for a season of a series, and the series is not a
*
documentary |
$
1 million |
$
500,000 |
7A |
A *film where:
(a) the application for the certificate is for a season of a series; and
(b) the series is a drama series; and
(c) the series is not a *documentary; and
(d) the season meets the conditions in subsection
(6B) |
$35 million |
not applicable |
8 |
A
*
film where the application for the certificate is for a season of a series, and the series is a
*
documentary |
$500,000 |
$
250,000 |
History
S 376-65(6) amended by No 67 of 2024, s 3 and Sch 6 items 20 and 21, by substituting
"
Subject to subsection (6A), the conditions
"
for
"
The conditions
"
and inserting table item 7A, effective 1 October 2024 and applicable in relation to a film for which: (a) for a film that is predominantly a digital animation or other animation
-
the making of the film; or (b) otherwise
-
the principal photography for the film; commenced on or after 1 July 2024.
S 376-65(6) amended by No 85 of 2013, s 3 and Sch 1 item 9, by substituting
"
*
documentary
"
for
"
documentary
"
in table items 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8, column headed
"
For this type of film
…
"
, applicable in relation to films commencing principal photography on or after 1 July 2012.
S 376-65(6) amended by No 147 of 2011, s 3 and Sch 9 items 12
-
18, by substituting
"
$500,000
"
for
"
$
1 million
"
in table items 1 and 2, and
"
$500,000
"
for
"
not applicable
"
in table items 3, 6, and 8, column headed
"
The total of the company
'
s qualifying Australian production expenditure on the film (as determined by the film authority under section 376-75) is at least
…
"
, substituting
"
not applicable
"
for
"
$800,000
"
in table item 2, column headed
"
and the amount for the film worked out under subsection (7) is at least
…
"
, and substituting
"
film
"
for
"
drama
"
in table item 4, column headed
"
For this type of film
…
"
, applicable in respect of the producer offset to: (a) films for which production assistance (other than development assistance) has been approved by the film authority on or after 1 July 2011; or (b) in any other case, films for which production expenditure is first incurred in, or in relation to, pre-production of the film on or after 1 July 2011.
376-65(6A)
A *film that is both of the type referred to in item 7, and of the type referred to in item 7A, of the table in subsection
(6)
meets the conditions in that subsection if the film meets the conditions set out in one or both of those items.
History
S 376-65(6A) inserted by No 67 of 2024, s 3 and Sch 6 item 22, effective 1 October 2024 and applicable in relation to a film for which: (a) for a film that is predominantly a digital animation or other animation
-
the making of the film; or (b) otherwise
-
the principal photography for the film; commenced on or after 1 July 2024.
376-65(6B)
The conditions in this subsection are that:
(a)
the season is made up of 2 or more episodes that are produced wholly or principally for exhibition together under a single title; and
(b)
the season is produced for:
(i)
exhibition to the public by way of television broadcasting (including broadcasting by way of the delivery of a television program by a broadcasting service within the meaning of the
Broadcasting Services Act 1992
); or
(ii)
distribution to the public as a video recording (whether on video tapes, digital video disks or otherwise); and
(c)
either:
(i)
for a season that is predominantly a digital animation or other animation
-
the *making of the season (other than a pilot episode, if any) takes place within a period of not longer than 36 months; or
(ii)
otherwise
-
all principal photography for the season (other than a pilot episode, if any) takes place within a period of not longer than 12 months.
History
S 376-65(6B) inserted by No 67 of 2024, s 3 and Sch 6 item 22, effective 1 October 2024 and applicable in relation to a film for which: (a) for a film that is predominantly a digital animation or other animation
-
the making of the film; or (b) otherwise
-
the principal photography for the film; commenced on or after 1 July 2024.
376-65(7)
The amount worked out for a
*
film under this subsection is the amount worked out using the formula:
|
Total QAPE |
|
|
Duration of film in hours |
|
where:
duration of film in hours
means the total length of the
*
film, measured in hours.
total QAPE
means the total of the company
'
s
*
qualifying Australian production expenditure on the
*
film (as determined by the
*
film authority under section
376-75
).
History
S 376-65 substituted by
No 164 of 2007
, s 3 and Sch 10 item 1, effective 25 September 2007. For former wording and savings provisions see note under Div
376
heading.