Taxation Determination

TD 92/135

Income tax: capital gains : is the principal residence exemption relevant when the proceeds of sale of a dwelling are treated as income under ordinary concepts?

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FOI status:

may be releasedFOI number: I 1213055

This Determination, to the extent that it is capable of being a 'public ruling' in terms of Part IVAAA of the Taxation Administration Act 1953, is a public ruling for the purposes of that Part. Taxation Ruling TR 92/1 explains when a Determination is a public ruling and how it is binding on the Commissioner. Unless otherwise stated, the Determination applies to transactions entered into both before and after its date of issue.

1. No. In cases where the sale of a dwelling gives rise to income under subsection 25(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 e.g. as part of a business or from an isolated profit-making transaction, that income remains assessable even if a principal residence exemption is available for CGT purposes.

2. The principal residence exemption is a capital gains tax exemption only and does not extend to exempt from tax ordinary profits or business income.

Example :

A builder constructs a spec home in which he and his family reside while construction proceeds on another spec home. Any profit on sale which gives rise to income is fully assessable to the builder even if a principal residence exemption is available for CGT purposes.

Commissioner of Taxation
30/07/92

References

ATO references:
NO CGT Cell PRE

ISSN 1038 - 3158

Related Rulings/Determinations:

TR923

Subject References:
Principal residence exemption;
income under ordinary concepts

Legislative References:
ITAA 160ZZQ

TD 92/135 history
  Date: Version: Change:
You are here 30 July 1992 Original ruling  
  29 November 2006 Original ruling + note Repeal provision note
  12 May 2010 Consolidated ruling Addendum

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