Foreign investment funds guide (current to 30 June 2010)

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Chapter 1: Introduction

Timeline:

Since the foreign tax credit system was introduced in 1987-88, most foreign income derived by Australian residents has been taxed in Australia, with a credit for foreign tax paid. The foreign income tax offset rules allow taxpayers to claim relief, in the form of a non-refundable tax offset, for foreign income tax paid in respect of an amount included in their assessable income.

The foreign source income measures introduced in 1990-91 aim to tax substantial investments or involvement by Australians in foreign companies and foreign trusts that are otherwise able to shelter low-taxed income.

The FIF measures introduced in 1993 reduce the extent to which Australian residents can defer Australian tax where they hold interests in foreign entities.

The FIF measures apply to income and gains accumulating in foreign companies that are not controlled by Australians or foreign trusts that fall outside the scope of the foreign source income measures.

The FIF measures also apply when working out the income of CFCs and controlled foreign trusts (CFTs), and to certain FLPs that have an investment component (such as life bonds).

ATO references:
NO NAT 2130