Product Ruling

PR 2007/34W

Income tax: Great Southern 2007 Almond Income Project

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Notice of Withdrawal

Product Ruling PR 2007/34 is withdrawn with effect from today.

1. Product Ruling PR 2007/34 set out the Commissioner's opinion on the tax consequences for entities, within the defined class of entities listed in the ruling, participating in the almond growing scheme known as the Great Southern 2007 Almond Income Project (the Project).

2. On 18 May 2009, the Great Southern Limited group of companies, including Great Southern Managers Australia Limited (GSMAL) were placed into receivership. At a meeting of Growers held 24 February 2010 Rural Funds Management Limited (RFM) was appointed by the Growers to replace GSMAL as Responsible Entity for this Project.

3. RFM has implemented some changes to the operation of the Project that will alter the tax outcomes and therefore constitute a material difference to the scheme described in PR 2007/34. Accordingly, PR 2007/34 has no binding effect on the Commissioner with respect to acts carried out under the Project after 24 February 2010. PR 2007/34 is being withdrawn and replaced by Product Ruling PR 2010/27 which rules on the tax consequences of the revised arrangement from 24 February 2010.

4. Although withdrawn, PR 2007/34 continues to apply to Growers who were accepted to participate in the Project under the defined class of entities in paragraphs 3 and 4 of that Ruling. It may therefore be relied upon for acts carried out under the Project before 24 February 2010 subject to there being no other material difference, other than the material difference described in paragraph 3 of this Notice of Withdrawal, in the arrangement, or in the Growers' involvement in the arrangement prior to 24 February 2010 (see paragraphs 33 to 94 of PR 2007/34).

5. Whilst PR 2010/27 rules on tax consequences for Growers continuing in the Project, some investors may cease their involvement. Such Growers may have interest expenses on loans taken out to fund their participation in the Project. Where a business activity has ceased, ongoing interest will continue to be deductible unless an event or circumstance occurs to break the connection between the loan and the business activity. Where a loan is refinanced, renegotiated or the purpose of the loan is otherwise altered, the connection to the income earning activity may be broken and the interest may no longer be deductible. For more information refer to paragraph 50 of Taxation Ruling TR 2004/4 which provides guidance on what needs to be considered to determine if the necessary connection still exists following the cessation of relevant income earning activities.

Commissioner of Taxation
1 December 2010

Not previously issued as a draft

References

ATO references:
NO 1-2C5M1DS