New Business Tax System (Thin Capitalisation) Act 2001 (Cth)

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New Business Tax System (Thin Capitalisation) Act 2001

No. 162, 2001

New Business Tax System (Thin Capitalisation) Act 2001

No. 162, 2001

An Act to implement the New Business Tax System in relation to thin capitalisation, and for related purposes

Contents

New Business Tax System (Thin Capitalisation) Act 2001

No. 162, 2001

An Act to implement the New Business Tax System in relation to thin capitalisation, and for related purposes

[Assented to 1 October 2001]

The Parliament of Australia enacts:

1Short title

This Act may be cited as the New Business Tax System (Thin Capitalisation) Act 2001.

2Commencement
  1. (1)

    Subject to subsections (2) and (3), this Act is taken to have commenced on 1 July 2001, immediately after the commencement of the New Business Tax System (Debt and Equity) Act 2001.

  2. (2)

    Items 17 and 19 of Schedule 1 are taken to have commenced on the later of:

    1. (a)

      1 July 2001, immediately after the commencement of the New Business Tax System (Debt and Equity) Act 2001; or

    2. (b)

      the time when the Corporations Act 2001 commences.

  3. (3)

    Item 18 of Schedule 1 is taken to have commenced on the later of:

    1. (a)

      1 July 2001, immediately after the commencement of the New Business Tax System (Debt and Equity) Act 2001; or

    2. (b)

      the time when Part 2 of the Financial Sector (Collection of Data) Act 2001 commences.

3Schedule(s)

Subject to section 2, each Act that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect according to its terms.

Schedule 1Thin capitalisation rules

Part 1New thin capitalisation rules

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997

1

Chapter 4

Repeal the Chapter, substitute:

Chapter 4International aspects of income tax

Part 4‑5General

[The next Division is Division 820.]

Division 820Thin capitalisation rules

Table of Subdivisions

Guide to Division 820

820‑A Preliminary

820‑B Thin capitalisation rules for outward investing entities (non‑ADI)

820‑C Thin capitalisation rules for inward investing entities (non‑ADI)

820‑D Thin capitalisation rules for outward investing entities (ADI)

820‑E Thin capitalisation rules for inward investing entities (ADI)

820‑F How this Division applies to resident TC groups

820‑G Calculating the average values

820‑H Control of entities

820‑I Associate entities

820‑J Equity interests in trusts and partnerships

820‑K Zero‑capital amounts

820‑L Record keeping requirements

Guide to Division 820

820‑1What this Division is about

This Division applies to foreign controlled Australian entities, Australian entities that operate internationally and foreign entities that operate in Australia .

Financing expenses that an entity can otherwise deduct from its assessable income may be disallowed under this Division in the following circumstances:

• for an entity that is not an authorised deposit‑taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (an ADI)—the entity’s debt exceeds the prescribed level (and the entity is therefore “thinly capitalised”);

• for an entity that is an ADI—the entity’s capital is less than the prescribed level (and the entity is therefore “thinly capitalised”).

Table of sections

820‑5 Does this Division apply to an entity?

820‑10 Map of Division

820‑5Does this Division apply to an entity?

The following diagram shows you how to work out whether this Division applies to an entity.

820‑10Map of Division

The following table sets out a map of this Division.

Map of Division

Item

This Subdivision:

sets out:

1

Subdivision 820‑B or 820‑C

(a) the meaning of maximum allowable debt for the Subdivision; and

(b) how an entity covered by the Subdivision would have all or a part of its debt deductions disallowed if the maximum allowable debt is exceeded; and

(c) the application of these rules in relation to a part of an income year.

2

Subdivision 820‑D or 820‑E

(a) the meaning of minimum capital amount for the Subdivision; and

(b) how an entity covered by the Subdivision would have all or a part of its debt deductions disallowed if the minimum capital amount is not reached; and

(c) the application of these rules in relation to a part of an income year.

3

Subdivision 820‑F

special rules to apply this Division to resident TC groups.

4

Subdivision 820‑G

the methods of calculating the average value of a matter for the purposes of this Division.

5

Subdivision 820‑H

the rules for determining:

(a) whether or not an Australian entity controls a foreign entity (for the purposes of determining whether or not Subdivision 820‑B or 820‑D applies to that Australian entity); and

(b) whether or not an Australian entity is controlled by a foreign entity (for the purposes of determining whether or not Subdivision 820‑C applies to that Australian entity).

6

Subdivision 820‑I

the meaning of various concepts about associate entity for the purposes of this Division.

7

Subdivision 820‑J

the meaning of equity interests in trusts and partnerships for the purposes of this Division.

8

Subdivision 820‑K

the meaning of zero‑capital amount for the purposes of this Division.

9

Subdivision 820‑L

special record keeping requirements for the purposes of this Division.

[This is the end of the Guide.]

Subdivision 820‑APreliminary

Table of sections

820‑30 Object of Division

820‑35 Application—$250,000 threshold

820-37 Application—assets threshold

820‑40 Meaning of debt deduction

820‑30Object of Division

The Object of this Division is to ensure that the following entities do not reduce their tax liabilities by using an excessive amount of *debt capital to finance their Australian operations:

  1. (a)

    *Australian entities that operate internationally;

  2. (b)

    Australian entities that are foreign controlled;

  3. (c)

    *foreign entities that operate in Australia .

820‑35Application—$250,000 threshold

Subdivision 820‑B, 820‑C, 820‑D or 820‑E does not apply to disallow any *debt deduction of an entity for an income year if the total debt deductions of that entity and all its *associate entities for that year are $250,000 or less.

820‑37Application—assets threshold

Subdivision 820‑B, 820‑C, 820‑D or 820‑E does not apply to disallow any *debt deduction of an entity for an income year if:

  1. (a)

    the entity is an *outward investing entity (non‑ADI) or an *outward investing entity (ADI) for a period that is all or any part of that year; and

  2. (b)

    the entity is not also an *inward investing entity (non‑ADI) or an *inward investing entity (ADI) for all or any part of that period; and

  3. (c)

    the result of applying the following formula is equal to or greater than 0.9:

where:

average Australian assets of an entity is the average value, for that year, of all the assets of the entity, other than:

  1. (a)

    assets attributable to the entity’s *overseas permanent establishment; or

  2. (b)

    assets comprised by the entity’s *controlled foreign entity equity; or

  3. (c)

    assets comprised by the entity’s *controlled foreign entity debt.

average total assets of an entity means the average value, for that year, of all the assets of the entity.

820‑40Meaning of debt deduction

  1. (1)

    Debt deduction,of an entity and for an income year, is a cost incurred by the entity in relation to a *debt interest issued by the entity, to the extent to which:

    1. (a)

      the cost is:

      (i) interest, an amount in the nature of interest, or any other amount that is calculated by reference to the time value of money; or

      1. (ii)

        the difference between the *financial benefits received, or to be received, by the entity under the *scheme giving rise to the debt interest and the financial benefits provided, or to be provided, under that scheme; or

      2. (iii)

        any amount directly incurred in obtaining or maintaining the financial benefits received, or to be received, by the entity under the scheme giving rise to the debt interest; or

      3. (iv)

        any other expense incurred by the entity that is specified in the regulations made for the purposes of this subparagraph; and

    2. (b)

      the entity can, apart from this Division, deduct the cost from its assessable income for that year; and

    3. (c)

      the cost is not incurred before 1 July 2001 if the entity can deduct it under section 25‑25.

  2. (2)

    A cost covered by paragraph (1)(a) includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:

    1. (a)

      an amount in substitution for interest;

    2. (b)

      a discount in respect of a security;

    3. (c)

      a fee or charge in respect of a debt, including application fees, line fees, service fees, brokerage and stamp duty in respect of document registration or security for the debt interest;

    4. (d)

      an amount that is taken under an *income tax law to be an amount of interest in respect of a lease, a hire purchase arrangement or any other *arrangement specified in that law;

    5. (e)

      any loss in respect of:

      (i) a reciprocal purchase agreement (otherwise known as a repurchase agreement);

      1. (ii)

        a sell‑buyback arrangement;

      2. (iii)

        a securities loan arrangement;

    6. (f)

      any amount covered by paragraph (1)(a) that has been assigned or is dealt with in any way on behalf of the party who would otherwise be entitled to that amount.

  3. (3)

    To avoid doubt, the following amounts that are incurred by an entity in relation to a *debt interest issued by the entity are not covered by paragraph (1)(a):

    1. (a)

      losses and outgoings directly associated with hedging or managing the financial risk in respect of the debt interest;

    2. (b)

      losses incurred by the entityin relation to which the following apply:

      (i) the losses would otherwise be a cost covered by subparagraph (1)(a)(ii); but

      1. (ii)

        the benefits mentioned in that subparagraph are measured in a foreign currency or a unit of account other than Australian currency (for example, ounces of gold) and the losses have arisen only because of changes in the rate of converting that foreign currency or that unit of account into Australian currency;

    3. (c)

      salary or wages;

    4. (d)

      rental expenses for a lease if the lease is not a debt interest;

    5. (e)

      an expense specified in the regulations made for the purposes of this paragraph.

Subdivision 820‑BThin capitalisation rules for outward investing entities (non‑ADI)

Guide to Subdivision 820‑B

820‑65What this Subdivision is about

This Subdivision sets out the thin capitalisation rules that apply to an Australian entity that has certain types of overseas investments and is not an authorised deposit‑taking institution (an ADI). These rules deal with the following matters:

• how to work out the entity’s maximum allowable debt for an income year;

• how all or a part of the debt deductions claimed by the entity may be disallowed if the maximum allowable debt is exceeded;

• how to apply these rules to a period that is less than an income year.

Table of sections

Operative provisions

820‑85 Thin capitalisation rule for outward investing entities (non‑ADI)

820‑90 Maximum allowable debt

820‑95 Safe harbour debt amount—outward investor (general)

820‑100 Safe harbour debt amount—outward investor (financial)

820‑105 Arm’s length debt amount

820‑110 Worldwide gearing debt amount

820‑115 Amount of debt deduction disallowed

820‑120 Application to part year periods

[This is the end of the Guide.]

Operative provisions

820‑85Thin capitalisation rule for outward investing entities (non‑ADI)

Thin capitalisation rule

  1. (1)

    This subsection disallows all or a part of each *debt deduction of an entity for an income year (to the extent that it is not attributable to an *overseas permanent establishment of the entity) if, for that year:

    1. (a)

      the entity is an *outward investing entity (non‑ADI) (see subsection (2)); and

    2. (b)

      the entity’s *adjusted average debt (see subsection (3)) exceeds its *maximum allowable debt (see section 820‑90).

      Note 1: This Subdivision does not apply if the total debt deductions of that entity and all its associate entities for that year are $250,000 or less, see section 820‑35.

      Note 2: To work out the amount to be disallowed, see section 820‑115.

      Note 3: For the rules that apply to an entity that is an outward investing entity (non‑ADI) for only a part of an income year, see section 820‑120 in conjunction with subsection (2) of this section.

      Note 4: A resident TC group may be an outward investing entity (non‑ADI) to which this Subdivision applies, see Subdivision 820‑F.

Outward investing entity (non‑ADI)

  1. (2)

    The entity is an outward investing entity (non‑ADI) for a period that is all or a part of an income year if, and only if, it is:

    1. (a)

      an *outward investor (general) for that period (as set out in items 1 and 3 of the following table); or

    2. (b)

      an *outward investor (financial) for that period (as set out in items 2 and 4 of that table).

Outward investing entity (non‑ADI)

Item

If:

and:

then:

1

the entity (therelevant entity) is one or both of the following throughout a period that is all or a part of an income year:

(a) an *Australian controller of at least one *Australian controlled foreign entity (not necessarily the same Australian controlled foreign entity throughout that period);

(b) an Australian entity that carries on a *business at or through at least one *overseas permanent establishment (not necessarily the same permanent establishment throughout that period)

the relevant entity is not a *financial entity, nor an *ADI, at any time during that period

the relevant entity is an outward investor (general) for that period

2

the entity (therelevant entity) satisfies this column in item 1

the relevant entity is a *financial entity throughout that period

the relevant entity is an outward investor (financial) for that period

3

(a) the entity (therelevant entity) is an *Australian entity throughout a period that is all or a part of an income year; and

(b) throughout that period, the relevant entity is an *associate entity of another Australian entity; and

(c) that other Australian entity is an *outward investing entity (non‑ADI) or an *outward investing entity (ADI) for that period

the relevant entity is not a *financial entity, nor an *ADI, at any time during that period

the relevant entity is an outward investor (general) for that period

4

the entity (therelevant entity) and another Australian entity satisfy this column in item 3

the relevant entity is a *financial entity throughout that period

the relevant entity is an outward investor (financial) for that period

Note 1: To determine whether an entity is an Australian controller of an Australian controlled foreign entity, see Subdivision 820‑H.

Note 2: The rules that apply to an outward investor (general) are different from those that apply to an outward investor (financial) in some instances. For example, see sections 820‑95 and 820‑100.

Adjusted average debt

  1. (3)

    The entity’s adjusted average debt for an income year is the result of applying the method statement in this subsection. In applying the method statement, disregard any amount that is attributable to the entity’s *overseas permanent establishments.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for that year (the relevant year), of all the *debt capital of the entity that gives rise to *debt deductions of the entity for that or any other income year.

Step 2.Reduce the result of step 1 by the average value, for the relevant year, of all the *associate entity debt of the entity (other than any *controlled foreign entity debt of the entity).

Step 3.Reduce the result of step 2 by the average value, for the relevant year, of all the *controlled foreign entity debt of the entity.

Step 4.If the entity is a *financial entity throughout the relevant year, add to the result of step 3 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *zero‑capital amount, to the extent that:

  1. (a)

    the zero‑capital amount is attributable to the securities loan arrangements mentioned in step 1 of the method statement in subsection 820‑942(1); and

  2. (b)

    the securities loan arrangements are not *debt interests.

Step 5. Add to the result of step 4 the average value, for the relevant year, of any *debt capital of the entity that does not give rise to any *debt deductions of the entity for that or any other income year, if:

  1. (a)

    the debt capital is comprised of *debt interests issued to another entity that remain *on issue; and

  2. (b)

    that other entity is an *outward investing entity (non‑ADI) or *inward investing entity (non‑ADI) for a period that is, or includes, all or a part of the relevant year; and

  3. (c)

    for the purposes of the application of this Division to the entities, and in relation to only that part of the period that falls within the relevant year, the entities do not use the same *valuation days and the same number of valuation days to calculate the average value of their respective debt capital.

The result of this step is the adjusted average debt.

Note: To calculate an average value for the purposes of this Division, see Subdivision 820‑G.

  1. (4)

    The entity’s *adjusted average debt does not exceed its *maximum allowable debt if the adjusted average debt is nil or a negative amount.

820‑90Maximum allowable debt

Entity is not also an inward investment vehicle (general) or inward investment vehicle (financial)

  1. (1)

    The entity’s maximum allowable debt for an income year is the greatest of the following amounts if the entity is not also an *inward investment vehicle (general) or an *inward investment vehicle (financial) for all or any part of that year:

    1. (a)

      the *safe harbour debt amount;

    2. (b)

      the *arm’s length debt amount;

    3. (c)

      the *worldwide gearing debt amount.

      Note: The safe harbour debt amount and the worldwide gearing debt amount differ depending on whether the entity is an outward investor (general) or an outward investor (financial), see sections 820‑95, 820‑100 and 820‑110.

Entity is also an inward investment vehicle (general) or inward investment vehicle (financial)

  1. (2)

    The entity’s maximum allowable debt for an income year is the greater of the following amounts if the entity is also an *inward investment vehicle (general) or an *inward investment vehicle (financial) for all or any part of that year:

    1. (a)

      the *safe harbour debt amount;

    2. (b)

      the *arm’s length debt amount.

      Note: The safe harbour debt amount differs depending on whether the entity is an outward investor (general) or an outward investor (financial), see sections 820‑95 and 820‑100.

820‑95Safe harbour debt amount—outward investor (general)

If the entity is an *outward investor (general) for the income year, the safe harbour debt amount is the result of applying the method statement in this section. In applying the method statement, disregard any amount that is attributable to the entity’s *overseas permanent establishments.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for the income year, of all the assets of the entity.

Step 2.Reduce the result of step 1 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity debt of the entity, other than associate entity debt that is *controlled foreign entity debt of the entity.

Step 3.Reduce the result of step 2 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity equity of the entity, other than associate entity equity that is *controlled foreign entity equity of the entity.

Step 4. Reduce the result of step 3 by the average value, for that year, of all the *controlled foreign entity debt of the entity.

Step 5.Reduce the result of step 4 by the average value, for that year, of all the *controlled foreign entity equity of the entity.

Step 6. Reduce the result of step 5 by the average value, for that year, of all the *non‑debt liabilities of the entity. If the result of this step is a negative amount, it is taken to be nil.

Step 7. Multiply the result of step 6 by 3/4.

Step 8. Add to the result of step 7 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *associate entity excess amount. The result of this step is the safe harbour debt amount.

Example: AK Pty Ltd, a company that is an Australian entity, has an average value of assets (other than assets attributable to its overseas permanent establishments) of $100 million.

The average values of its relevant associate entity debt, associate entity equity, controlled foreign entity debt, controlled foreign entity equity and non‑debt liabilities are $10 million, $8 million, $5 million, $2 million and $5 million respectively. Deducting these amounts from the result of step 1 (through the application of steps 2 to 6) leaves $70 million. Multiplying $70 million by 3/4 results in $52.5 million. As the average value of the company’s associate entity excess amount is $4.5 million, the safe harbour debt amount is therefore $57 million.

820‑100Safe harbour debt amount—outward investor (financial)

  1. (1)

    If the entity is an *outward investor (financial) for the income year, the safe harbour debt amount is the lesser of the following amounts:

    1. (a)

      the *total debt amount (worked out under subsection (2));

    2. (b)

      the *adjusted on‑lent amount (worked out under subsection (3)).

However, if the 2 amounts are equal, it is the total debt amount.

Total debt amount

  1. (2)

    The total debt amount is the result of applying the method statement in this subsection. In applying the method statement, disregard any amount that is attributable to the entity’s *overseas permanent establishments.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for the income year, of all the assets of the entity.

Step 2.Reduce the result of step 1 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity debt of the entity, other than associate entity debt that is *controlled foreign entity debt of the entity.

Step 3.Reduce the result of step 2 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity equity of the entity, other than associate entity equity that is *controlled foreign entity equity of the entity.

Step 4. Reduce the result of step 3 by the average value, for that year, of all the *controlled foreign entity debt of the entity.

Step 5.Reduce the result of step 4 by the average value, for that year, of all the *controlled foreign entity equity of the entity.

Step 6. Reduce the result of step 5 by the average value, for that year, of all the *non‑debt liabilities of the entity.

Step 7.Reduce the result of step 6 by the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *zero‑capital amount. If the result of this step is a negative amount, it is taken to be nil.

Step 8. Multiply the result of step 7 by 20/21.

Step 9.Add to the result of step 8 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *zero‑capital amount.

Step 10. Add to the result of step 9 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *associate entity excess amount. The result of this step is the total debt amount.

Example: GLM Limited, a company that is an Australian entity, has an average value of assets (other than assets attributable to its overseas permanent establishments) of $160 million.

The average values of its relevant associate entity debt, associate entity equity, controlled foreign entity debt, controlled foreign entity equity, non‑debt liabilities and zero capital amount are $5 million, $5 million, $9 million, $6 million, $5 million and $4 million respectively. Deducting these amounts from the result of step 1 (through applying steps 2 to 7) leaves $126 million. Multiplying $126 million by 20/21 results in $120 million. Adding the average zero capital amount of $4 million results in $124 million. As the company does not have any associate entity excess amount, the total debt amount is therefore $124 million.

Adjusted on‑lent amount

  1. (3)

    The adjusted on‑lent amount is the result of applying the method statement in this subsection. In applying the method statement, disregard any amount that is attributable to the entity’s *overseas permanent establishments.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for the income year, of all the assets of the entity.

Step 2.Reduce the result of step 1 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity equity of the entity, other than associate entity equity that is *controlled foreign entity equity of the entity.

Step 3. Reduce the result of step 2 by the average value, for that year, of all the *controlled foreign entity debt of the entity.

Step 4.Reduce the result of step 3 by the average value, for that year, of all the *controlled foreign entity equity of the entity.

Step 5. Reduce the result of step 4 by the average value, for that year, of all the *non‑debt liabilities of the entity.

Step 6. Reduce the result of step 5 by the amount (the average on‑lent amount) which is the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *on‑lent amount (other than *controlled foreign entity debt of the entity). If the result of this step is a negative amount, it is taken to be nil.

Step 7. Multiply the result of step 6 by 3/4.

Step 8.Add to the result of step 7 the average on‑lent amount.

Step 9.Reduce the result of step 8 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity debt of the entity, other than associate entity debt that is *controlled foreign entity debt of the entity.

Step 10. Add to the result of step 9 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *associate entity excess amount. The result of this step is the adjusted on‑lent amount.

Example: GLM Limited, a company that is an Australian entity, has an average value of assets (other than assets attributable to its overseas permanent establishments) of $160 million.

The average values of its relevant associate entity equity, controlled foreign entity debt, controlled foreign entity equity, non‑debt liabilities and on‑lent amount are $5 million, $9 million, $6 million, $5 million and $35 million respectively. Deducting these amounts from the result of step 1 (through applying steps 2 to 6) leaves $100 million. Multiplying $100 million by 3/4 results in $75 million. Adding the average on‑lent amount of $35 million results in $110 million. Reducing the result of step 8 by the associate entity debt amount of $5 million equals $105 million. As the company does not have any associate entity excess amount, the adjusted on‑lent amount is therefore $105 million.

820‑105Arm’s length debt amount

  1. (1)

    The arm’s length debt amount is a notional amount that, having regard to the factual assumptions set out in subsection (2) and the relevant factors mentioned in subsection (3), would satisfy both paragraphs (a) and (b):

    1. (a)

      the amount represents a notional amount of *debt capital that:

      (i) the entity would reasonably be expected to have throughout the income year; and

      1. (ii)

        would give rise to an amount of *debt deductions of the entity for that or any other income year; and

      2. (iii)

        would be attributable to the entity’s Australian business as mentioned in subsection (2);

    2. (b)

      commercial lending institutions that were not *associates of the entity (the notional lenders) would reasonably be expected to have entered into *schemes that would:

      (i) give rise to *debt interests that constituted that notional amount of debt capital of the entity; and

      1. (ii)

        provide for terms and conditions for the debt interests that would reasonably be expected to have applied if the entity and the notional lenders had been dealing at arm’s length with each other throughout the income year mentioned in subparagraph (1)(a)(i).

      Note: The entity must keep records in accordance with section 820‑980 if the entity works out an amount under this section.

Factual assumptions

  1. (2)

    Irrespective of what actually happened during that year, the following assumptions must be made in working out that amount:

    1. (a)

      the entity’s commercial activities in connection with Australia (the Australian business) during that year do not include:

      (i) any *business carried on by the entity at or through its *overseas permanent establishments; and

      1. (ii)

        the holding of any *associate entity debt, *controlled foreign entity debt or *controlled foreign entity equity; and

    2. (b)

      the entity had carried on the Australian business that it actually carried on during that year;

    3. (c)

      the nature of the entity’s assets and liabilities (to the extent that they are attributable to the Australian business) had been as they were during that year;

    4. (d)

      except as stated in paragraph (1)(b) and paragraph (e) of this subsection, the entity had carried on the Australian business in the same circumstances as what actually existed during that year;

    5. (e)

      any guarantee, security or other form of credit support provided to the entity in relation to the Australian business during that year:

      (i) by its *associates; or

      1. (ii)

        by the use of assets of the entity that are attributable to the entity’s overseas permanent establishments;

    is taken not to have been received by the entity.

Relevant factors

  1. (3)

    On the basis of the factual assumptions set out in subsection (2), the following factors must be taken into account in determining whether or not an amount satisfies paragraphs (1)(a) and (b):

    1. (a)

      the functions performed, the assets used, and the risks assumed, by the entity in relation to the Australian business throughout that year;

    2. (b)

      the terms and conditions of the *debt capital that the entity actually had in relation to the Australian business throughout that year;

    3. (c)

      the nature of, and title to, any assets of the entity attributable to the Australian business that were available to the entity throughout that year as security for its debt capital for that business;

    4. (d)

      the purposes for which *schemes for debt capital had been actually entered into by the entity in relation to the Australian business throughout that year;

    5. (e)

      the entity’s capacity to meet all its liabilities in relation to the Australian business (whether during that year or at any other time);

    6. (f)

      the profit of the entity (within the meaning of the *accounting standards), and the return on its capital, in relation to the Australian business (whether during that year or at any other time);

    7. (g)

      the debt to equity ratios of the following throughout that year:

      (i) the entity;

      1. (ii)

        the entity in relation to the Australian business;

      2. (iii)

        each of the entity’s *associate entities that engage in commercial activities similar to the Australian business;

    8. (h)

      the commercial practices adopted by independent parties dealing with each other at arm’s length in the industry in which the entity carries on the Australian business throughout that year (whether in Australia or in comparable markets elsewhere);

    (i) the way in which the entity financed its commercial activities (other than the Australian business) throughout that year;

    1. (j)

      the general state of the Australian economy throughout that year;

    2. (k)

      all of the above factors existing at the time when the entity last entered into a scheme that gave rise to an actual *debt interest attributable to the Australian business that remains *on issue throughout that year;

    3. (l)

      any other factors which are specified in the regulations made for the purposes of this section, including factors specific to an *outward investor (general) or an *outward investor (financial).

Commissioner’s power

  1. (4)

    If the Commissioner considers an amount worked out by the entity under this section does not appropriately take into account the factual assumptions and the relevant factors, the Commissioner may substitute another amount that the Commissioner considers better reflects those assumptions and factors.

820‑110Worldwide gearing debt amount

Outward investor (general)

  1. (1)

    If the entity is an *outward investor (general) for the income year, the worldwide gearing debt amount is the result of applying the method statement in this subsection.

Method statement

Step 1. Divide the average value of all the entity’s *worldwide debt for the income year by the average value of all the entity’s *worldwide equity for that year.

Step 2. Multiply the result of step 1 by 12/10.

Step 3. Add 1 to the result of step 2.

Step 4.Divide the result of step 2 by the result of step 3.

Step 5.Multiply the result of step 4 in this method statement by the result of step 6 in the method statement in section 820‑95.

Step 6. Add to the result of step 5 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *associate entity excess amount. The result of this step is the worldwide gearing debt amount.

Example: AK Pty Ltd, a company that is an Australian entity, has an average value of worldwide debt of $83.4 million and an average value of worldwide equity of $27 million. The result of applying steps 1 and 2 is therefore 3.706. Dividing 3.706 by 4.706 (through applying steps 3 and 4) and multiplying the result by $70 million (which is the result of step 6 in the method statement in section 820‑95) equals $55.13 million. As the average value of the company’s associate entity excess amount is $4.5 million, the worldwide gearing debt amount is therefore $59.63 million.

Outward investor (financial)

  1. (2)

    If the entity is an *outward investor (financial) for that year, the worldwide gearing debt amount is the result of applying the method statement in this subsection.

Method statement

Step 1. Divide the average value of all the entity’s *worldwide debt for the income year by the average value of all the entity’s *worldwide equity for that year.

Step 2. Multiply the result of step 1 by 12/10.

Step 3. Add 1 to the result of step 2.

Step 4.Divide the result of step 2 by the result of step 3.

Step 5.Multiply the result of step 4 in this method statement by the result of step 7 in the method statement in subsection 820‑100(2).

Step 6.Add to the result of step 5 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *zero‑capital amount (other than any zero‑capital amount that is attributable to the entity’s *overseas permanent establishments).

Step 7. Add to the result of step 6 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *associate entity excess amount. The result of this step is the worldwide gearing debt amount.

Example: GLM Limited, a company that is an Australian entity, has an average value of worldwide debt of $120 million and an average value of worldwide equity of $40 million. The result of applying steps 1 and 2 is therefore 3.6. Dividing 3.6 by 4.6 (through applying steps 3 and 4) and multiplying the result by $126 million (which is the result of step 7 of the method statement in subsection 820‑100(2)) equals $98.61 million. The average value of zero‑capital amount (see step 7 of the method statement in subsection 820‑100(2)) is $4 million. Adding that amount to $98.61 million results in $102.61 million. As the company does not have any associate entity excess amount, the worldwide gearing debt amount is therefore $102.61 million.

820‑115Amount of debt deduction disallowed

The amount of *debt deduction disallowed under subsection 820‑85(1) is worked out using the following formula:

where:

average debt means the average value, for the income year, of all the *debt capital of the entity that gives rise to *debt deductions of the entity for that or any other income year (other than any debt capital attributable to any of the entity’s *overseas permanent establishments).

debt deduction means each *debt deduction covered by subsection 820‑85(1).

excess debt means the amount by which the entity’s *adjusted average debt for that year (see subsection 820‑85(3)) exceeds its *maximum allowable debt for that year.

820‑120Application to part year periods

  1. (1)

    This subsection disallows all or a part of each *debt deduction of an entity for an income year that is an amount incurred by the entity during a period that is a part of that year (to the extent that it is not attributable to an *overseas permanent establishment of the entity), if:

    1. (a)

      the entity is an *outward investing entity (non‑ADI) for that period; and

    2. (b)

      the entity’s *adjusted average debt for that period exceeds the entity’s *maximum allowable debt for that period.

      Note: To determine whether an entity is an outward investing entity (non‑ADI) for that period, see subsection 820‑85(2).

  2. (2)

    The entity’s adjusted average debt for that period is the result of applying the method statement in this subsection. In applying the method statement, disregard any amount that is attributable to the entity’s *overseas permanent establishments.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for that period, of all the *debt capital of the entity that gives rise to *debt deductions of the entity for that or any other income year.

Step 2.Reduce the result of step 1 by the average value, for that period, of all the *associate entity debt of the entity (other than any *controlled foreign entity debt of the entity).

Step 3.Reduce the result of step 2 by the average value, for that period, of all the *controlled foreign entity debt of the entity.

Step 4.If the entity is a *financial entity throughout that period, add to the result of step 3 the average value, for that period, of the entity’s *zero‑capital amount, to the extent that:

  1. (a)

    the zero‑capital amount is attributable to the securities loan arrangements mentioned in step 1 of the method statement in subsection 820‑942(1); and

  2. (b)

    the securities loan arrangements are not *debt interests.

Step 5. Add to the result of step 4 the average value, for that period (the relevant period), of any *debt capital of the entity that does not give rise to any *debt deductions of the entity for that or any other income year, if:

  1. (a)

    the debt capital is comprised of *debt interests issued to another entity that remain *on issue; and

  2. (b)

    that other entity is an *outward investing entity (non‑ADI) or *inward investing entity (non‑ADI) for a period that is, or includes, all or a part of the relevant period; and

  3. (c)

    for the purposes of the application of this Division to the entities, and in relation to only that part of the period that falls within the relevant period, the entities do not use the same *valuation days and the same number of valuation days to calculate the average value of their respective debt capital.

The result of this step is the adjusted average debt.

  1. (3)

    The entity’s *adjusted average debt does not exceed its *maximum allowable debt if the adjusted average debt is nil or a negative amount.

  2. (4)

    For the purposes of determining:

    1. (a)

      the *maximum allowable debt for the period mentioned in subsection (1); and

    2. (b)

      the amount of each *debt deduction to be disallowed;

sections 820‑90 to 820‑115 apply in relation to that entity and that period with the modifications set out in the following table:

Modifications of sections 820‑90 to 820‑115

Item

Provisions

Modifications

1

Sections 820‑90 to 820‑115

A reference to an income year is taken to be a reference to that period

3

Section 820‑115

A reference to subsection 820‑85(1) is taken to be a reference to subsection (1) of this section

4

Section 820‑115

adjusted average debt is taken to have the meaning given by subsection (2) of this section

average debt is taken to be the average value referred to in step 1 of the method statement in subsection (2) of this section

Subdivision 820‑CThin capitalisation rules for inward investing entities (non‑ADI)

Guide to Subdivision 820‑C

820‑180What this Subdivision is about

This Subdivision sets out the thin capitalisation rules that apply to a foreign entity or a foreign controlled Australian entity that is not an authorised deposit‑taking institution (an ADI). These rules deal with the following matters:

• how to work out the entity’s maximum allowable debt for an income year;

• how all or a part of the debt deductions claimed by the entity may be disallowed if the maximum allowable debt is exceeded;

• how to apply these rules to a period that is less than an income year.

Table of sections

Operative provisions

820‑185 Thin capitalisation rule for inward investing entities (non‑ADI)

820‑190 Maximum allowable debt

820‑195 Safe harbour debt amount—inward investment vehicle (general)

820‑200 Safe harbour debt amount—inward investment vehicle (financial)

820‑205 Safe harbour debt amount—inward investor (general)

820‑210 Safe harbour debt amount—inward investor (financial)

820‑215 Arm’s length debt amount

820‑220 Amount of debt deduction disallowed

820‑225 Application to part year periods

[This is the end of the Guide.]

Operative provisions

820‑185Thin capitalisation rule for inward investing entities (non‑ADI)

Thin capitalisation rule

  1. (1)

    This subsection disallows all or a part of each *debt deduction of an entity for an income year if:

    1. (a)

      the entity is an *inward investing entity (non‑ADI) for that year (see subsection (2)), but is not also an *outward investing entity (non‑ADI) (see section 820‑85) for all or any part of that year; and

    2. (b)

      for that year, the entity’s *adjusted average debt (see subsection (3)) exceeds its *maximum allowable debt (see section 820‑190).

      Note 1: This Subdivision does not apply if the total debt deductions of that entity and all its associate entities for that year are $250,000 or less, see section 820‑35.

    1. Note 2: To work out the amount to be disallowed, see section 820‑220.

      Note 3: For the rules that apply to an entity that is an outward investing entity (non‑ADI) as well as an inward investing entity (non‑ADI), see Subdivision 820‑B.

      Note 4: For the rules that apply to an entity that is an inward investing entity (non‑ADI) for only a part of an income year, see section 820‑225 in conjunction with subsection (2) of this section.

      Note 5: To calculate an average value for the purposes of this Division, see Subdivision 820‑G.

      Note 6: A resident TC group may be an inward investing entity (non‑ADI) to which this Subdivision applies, see Subdivision 820‑F.

Inward investing entity (non‑ADI)

  1. (2)

    The entity is an inward investing entity (non‑ADI) for a period that is all or a part of an income year if, and only if, it is:

    1. (a)

      an *inward investment vehicle (general) for that period (as set out in item 1 of the following table); or

    2. (b)

      an *inward investment vehicle (financial) for that period (as set out in item 2 of that table); or

    3. (c)

      an *inward investor (general) for that period (as set out in item 3 of that table); or

    4. (d)

      an *inward investor (financial) for that period (as set out in item 4 of that table).

Inward investing entity (non‑ADI)

Item

If the entity is a:

and the entity:

the entity is an:

1

*foreign controlled Australian entity throughout a period that is all or a part of an income year

is not a *financial entity, nor an *ADI, at any time during that period

inward investment vehicle (general) for that period

2

*foreign controlled Australian entity throughout a period that is all or a part of an income year

is a *financial entity throughout that period

inward investment vehicle (financial) for that period

3

*foreign entity throughout a period that is all or a part of an income year

is not a *financial entity, nor an *ADI, at any time during that period

inward investor (general) for that period

4

*foreign entity throughout a period that is all or a part of an income year

is a *financial entity throughout that period

inward investor (financial) for that period

Note 1: To determine whether an entity is a foreign controlled Australian entity, see Subdivision 820‑H.

Note 2: The rules that apply to these 4 types of entities are different in some instances. For example, see sections 820‑195 to 820‑210.

Note 3: An entity covered by item 3 or 4 of the table may be required to keep certain records, see Subdivision 820‑L.

Adjusted average debt

  1. (3)

    The entity’s adjusted average debt for an income year is the result of applying the method statement in this subsection.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for that year (the relevant year), of all the *debt capital of the entity that gives rise to *debt deductions of the entity for that or any other income year.

Step 2.Reduce the result of step 1 by the average value, for the relevant year, of:

  1. (a)

    if the entity is an *inward investment vehicle (general) or an *inward investment vehicle (financial) for that year—all the *associate entity debt of the entity; or

  2. (b)

    if the entity is an *inward investor (general) or an *inward investor (financial) for that year—all the associate entity debt of the entity, to the extent that it is attributable to the entity’s *Australian permanent establishments.

Step 3.If the entity is a *financial entity throughout the relevant year, add to the result of step 2 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *zero‑capital amount, to the extent that:

  1. (a)

    the zero‑capital amount is attributable to the securities loan arrangements mentioned in step 1 of the method statement in subsection 820‑942(1); and

  2. (b)

    the securities loan arrangements are not *debt interests.

Step 4. Add to the result of step 3 the average value, for the relevant year, of any *debt capital of the entity that does not give rise to any *debt deductions of the entity for that or any other income year, if:

  1. (a)

    the debt capital is comprised of *debt interests issued to another entity that remain *on issue; and

  2. (b)

    that other entity is an *outward investing entity (non‑ADI) or *inward investing entity (non‑ADI) for a period that is, or includes, all or a part of the relevant year; and

  3. (c)

    for the purposes of the application of this Division to the entities, and in relation to only that part of the relevant year that falls within that period, the entities do not use the same *valuation days and the same number of valuation days to calculate the average value of their respective debt capital.

The result of this step is the adjusted average debt.

Note: To calculate an average value for the purposes of this Division, see Subdivision 820‑G.

  1. (4)

    The entity’s *adjusted average debt does not exceed its *maximum allowable debt if the adjusted average debt is nil or a negative amount.

820‑190Maximum allowable debt

The entity’s maximum allowable debt for an income year is the greater of the following amounts:

  1. (a)

    the *safe harbour debt amount;

  2. (b)

    the *arm’s length debt amount.

    Note: The safe harbour debt amount differs depending on whether the entity is an inward investment vehicle (general), inward investment vehicle (financial), inward investor (general) or inward investor (financial), see sections 820‑195 to 820‑215.

820‑195Safe harbour debt amount—inward investment vehicle (general)

If the entity is an *inward investment vehicle (general) for the income year, the safe harbour debt amount is the result of applying the method statement in this section.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for the income year, of all the assets of the entity.

Step 2.Reduce the result of step 1 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity debt of the entity.

Step 3.Reduce the result of step 2 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity equity of the entity.

Step 4. Reduce the result of step 3 by the average value, for that year, of all the *non‑debt liabilities of the entity. If the result of this step is a negative amount, it is taken to be nil.

Step 5. Multiply the result of step 4 by 3/4.

Step 6. Add to the result of step 5 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *associate entity excess amount. The result of this step is the safe harbour debt amount.

Example: ALWZ Ltd, a company that is an Australian entity, has an average value of assets of $100 million.

The average values of its associate entity debt, associate entity equity and non‑debt liabilities are $10 million, $5 million and $5 million respectively. Deducting these amounts from the result of step 1 (through applying steps 2 to 4) leaves $80 million. Multiplying $80 million by 3/4 results in $60 million. As the average value of the company’s associate entity excess amount is $2 million, the safe harbour debt amount is therefore $62 million.

820‑200Safe harbour debt amount—inward investment vehicle (financial)

  1. (1)

    If the entity is an *inward investment vehicle (financial) for the income year, the safe harbour debt amount is the lesser of the following amounts:

    1. (a)

      the *total debt amount (worked out under subsection (2));

    2. (b)

      the *adjusted on‑lent amount (worked out under subsection (3)).

However, if the 2 amounts are equal, it is the total debt amount.

Total debt amount

  1. (2)

    The total debt amount is the result of the method statement in this subsection.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for the income year, of all the assets of the entity.

Step 2.Reduce the result of step 1 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity debt of the entity.

Step 3. Reduce the result of step 2 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity equity of the entity.

Step 4. Reduce the result of step 3 by the average value, for that year, of all the *non‑debt liabilities of the entity.

Step 5.Reduce the result of step 4 by the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *zero‑capital amount. If the result of this step is a negative amount, it is taken to be nil.

Step 6. Multiply the result of step 5 by 20/21.

Step 7.Add to the result of step 6 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *zero‑capital amount.

Step 8. Add to the result of step 7 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *associate entity excess amount. The result of this step is the total debt amount.

Example: KJW Finance Pty Ltd, a company that is an Australian entity, has an average value of assets of $120 million.

The average values of its associate entity debt, associate entity equity, its non‑debt liabilities and its zero‑capital amount are $5 million, $3 million, $2 million and $5 million respectively. Deducting these amounts from the result of step 1 (through applying steps 2 to 5) leaves $105 million. Multiplying $105 million by 20/21 results in $100 million. Adding the zero‑capital amount of $5 million to $100 million results in $105 million. As the company does not have any associate entity excess amount, the total debt amount is therefore $105 million.

Adjusted on‑lent amount

  1. (3)

    The adjusted on‑lent amount is the result of applying the method statement in this subsection.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for the income year, of all the assets of the entity.

Step 2. Reduce the result of step 1 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity equity of the entity.

Step 3.Reduce the result of step 2 by the average value, for that year, of all the *non‑debt liabilities of the entity.

Step 4. Reduce the result of step 3 by the amount (the average on‑lent amount) which is the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *on‑lent amount. If the result of this step is a negative amount, it is taken to be nil.

Step 5. Multiply the result of step 4 by 3/4.

Step 6.Add to the result of step 5 the average on‑lent amount.

Step 7.Reduce the result of step 6 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity debt of the entity.

Step 8. Add to the result of step 7 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *associate entity excess amount. The result of this step is the adjusted on‑lent amount.

Example: KJW Finance Pty Ltd, a company that is an Australian entity, has an average value of assets of $120 million.

The average values of its associate entity equity, non‑debt liabilities and on‑lent amount are $3 million, $2 million and $35 million respectively. Deducting these amounts from the result of step 1 (through applying steps 2 to 4) leaves $80 million. Multiplying $80 million by 3/4 results in $60 million. Adding the average on‑lent amount of $35 million results in $95 million. Reducing $95 million by the associate entity debt amount of $5 million results in $90 million. As the company does not have any associate entity excess amount, the adjusted on‑lent amount is therefore $90 million.

820‑205Safe harbour debt amount—inward investor (general)

If the entity is an *inward investor (general) for the income year, the safe harbour debt amount is the result of applying the method statement in this section.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for the income year, of all of the following assets of the entity (the Australian investments):

  1. (a)

    assets that are attributable to the entity’s *Australian permanent establishments;

  2. (b)

    other assets that are held for the purposes of producing the entity’s assessable income.

Step 2.Reduce the result of step 1 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity debt of the entity that has arisen because of the Australian investments.

Step 3.Reduce the result of step 2 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity equity of the entity that has arisen because of the Australian investments.

Step 4. Reduce the result of step 3 by the average value, for that year, of all the *non‑debt liabilities of the entity that have arisen because of the Australian investments. If the result of this step is a negative amount, it is taken to be nil.

Step 5. Multiply the result of step 4 by 3/4.

Step 6. Add to the result of step 5 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *associate entity excess amount. The result of this step is the safe harbour debt amount.

Example: RJ Corporation is a company that is not an Australian entity. The average value of its Australian investments is $100 million.

The average value of its relevant associate entity debt, associate entity equity and non‑debt liabilities is $10 million, $5 million and $5 million respectively. Deducting those amounts from the result of step 1 leaves $80 million. Multiplying $80 million by 3/4 results in $60 million. As the company does not have any associate entity excess amount, the safe harbour debt amount is therefore $60 million.

820‑210Safe harbour debt amount—inward investor (financial)

  1. (1)

    If the entity is an *inward investor (financial) for that year, the safe harbour debt amount is the lesser of the following amounts:

    1. (a)

      the *total debt amount (worked out under subsection (2));

    2. (b)

      the *adjusted on‑lent amount (worked out under subsection (3)).

However, if the 2 amounts are equal, it is the total debt amount.

Total debt amount

  1. (2)

    The total debt amount is the result of applying the method statement in this subsection.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for the income year, of all of the following assets of the entity (the Australian investments):

  1. (a)

    assets that are attributable to the entity’s *Australian permanent establishments;

  2. (b)

    other assets that are held for the purposes of producing the entity’s assessable income.

Step 2.Reduce the result of step 1 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity debt of the entity that has arisen because of the Australian investments.

Step 3.Reduce the result of step 2 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity equity of the entity that has arisen because of the Australian investments.

Step 4. Reduce the result of step 3 by the average value, for that year, of all the *non‑debt liabilities of the entity that have arisen because of the Australian investments.

Step 5.Reduce the result of step 4 by the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *zero‑capital amount that has arisen because of the Australian investments. If the result of this step is a negative amount, it is taken to be nil.

Step 6. Multiply the result of step 5 by 20/21.

Step 7.Add to the result of step 6 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *zero‑capital amount that has arisen because of the Australian investments.

Step 8. Add to the result of step 7 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *associate entity excess amount. The result of this step is the total debt amount.

Example: FXS Financial SA is a company that is not an Australian entity. The average value of its Australian investments is $120 million.

The average value of its relevant associate entity debt, associate entity equity, non‑debt liabilities and zero‑capital amount are $5 million, $2 million, $3 million and $5 million respectively. Deducting those amounts from the result of step 1 (through applying steps 2 to 5) leaves $105 million. Multiplying $105 million by 20/21 results in $100 million. Adding the average zero‑capital amount of $5 million results in $105 million. As the company does not have any associate entity excess amount, the total debt amount is therefore $105 million.

Adjusted on‑lent amount

  1. (3)

    The adjusted on‑lent amount is the result of applying the method statement in this subsection.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for the income year, of all of the following assets of the entity (the Australian investments):

  1. (a)

    assets that are attributable to the entity’s *Australian permanent establishments;

  2. (b)

    other assets that are held for the purposes of producing the entity’s assessable income.

Step 2.Reduce the result of step 1 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity equity of the entity that has arisen because of the Australian investments.

Step 3. Reduce the result of step 2 by the average value, for that year, of all the *non‑debt liabilities of the entity that has arisen because of the Australian investments.

Step 4. Reduce the result of step 3 by the amount (the average on‑lent amount) which is the average value, for that year, of the *on‑lent amount of the entity (to the extent that it is the value of all or a part of the Australian investments). If the result of this step is a negative amount, it is taken to be nil.

Step 5. Multiply the result of step 4 by 3/4.

Step 6. Add to the result of step 5 the average on‑lent amount.

Step 7.Reduce the result of step 6 by the average value, for that year, of all the *associate entity debt of the entity that has arisen because of the Australian investments. If the result of this step is a negative amount, it is taken to be nil.

Step 8. Add to the result of step 7 the average value, for that year, of the entity’s *associate entity excess amount. The result of this step is the adjusted on‑lent amount.

Example: FXS Financial SA is a company that is not an Australian entity. The average value of its Australian investments is $120 million.

The average value of its relevant associate entity equity, non‑debt liabilities and on‑lent amount are $2 million, $3 million and $35 million respectively. Deducting those amounts from the result of step 1 (through applying steps 2 to 4) leaves $80 million. Multiplying $80 million by 3/4 results in $60 million. Adding the average on‑lent amount of $35 million results in $95 million. Reducing the result of step 6 by the associate entity debt amount of $5 million results in $90 million. As the company does not have any associate entity excess amount, the adjusted on‑lent amount is therefore $90 million.

820‑215Arm’s length debt amount

  1. (1)

    The arm’s length debt amount is a notional amount that, having regard to the factual assumptions set out in subsection (2) and the relevant factors mentioned in subsection (3), would satisfy both paragraphs (a) and (b):

    1. (a)

      the amount represents a notional amount of *debt capital that:

      (i) the entity would reasonably be expected to have throughout the income year; and

      1. (ii)

        would give rise to an amount of *debt deductions of the entity for that or any other income year; and

      2. (iii)

        would be attributable to the entity’s Australian business as mentioned in subsection (2);

    2. (b)

      commercial lending institutions that were not *associates of the entity (the notional lenders) would reasonably be expected to have entered into *schemes that would:

      (i) give rise to *debt interests that constituted that notional amount of debt capital of the entity; and

      1. (ii)

        provide for terms and conditions for the debt interests that would reasonably be expected to have applied if the entity and the notional lenders had been dealing at arm’s length with each other throughout the income year mentioned in subparagraph (1)(a)(i).

      Note: The entity must keep records in accordance with section 820‑980 if the entity works out an amount under this section.

Factual assumptions

  1. (2)

    Irrespective of what actually happened during that year, the following assumptions must be made in working out that amount:

    1. (a)

      the entity’s commercial activities in connection with Australia (the Australian business) during that year:

      (i) if the entity is an *inward investment vehicle (general) or *inward investment vehicle (financial) for that year—do not include the holding of any *associate entity debt; and

      1. (ii)

        if the entity is an *inward investor (general) or *inward investor (financial) for that year—consist only of its Australian investments (within the meaning of section 820‑205 or 820‑210, as appropriate), other than the holding of any associate entity debt that is attributable to its *Australian permanent establishments;

    2. (b)

      the entity had carried on the Australian business that it actually carried on during that year;

    3. (c)

      the nature of the entity’s assets and liabilities (to the extent that they are attributable to the Australian business) had been as they were during that year;

    4. (d)

      except as stated in paragraph (1)(b) and paragraph (e) of this subsection, the entity had carried on the Australian business in the same circumstances as what actually existed during that year;

    1. (e)

      any guarantee, security or other form of credit support provided to the entity in relation to the Australian business during that year:

      (i) by its *associates; or

      1. (ii)

        by the use of assets of the entity that are attributable to the entity’s overseas permanent establishments;

    is taken not to have been received by the entity.

Relevant factors

  1. (3)

    On the basis of the factual assumptions set out in subsection (2), the following factors must be taken into account in determining whether or not an amount satisfies paragraphs (1)(a) and (b):

    1. (a)

      the functions performed, the assets used, and the risks assumed, by the entity in relation to the Australian business throughout that year;

    2. (b)

      the terms and conditions of the *debt capital that the entity actually had in relation to the Australian business throughout that year;

    3. (c)

      the nature of, and title to, any assets of the entity attributable to the Australian business that were available to the entity throughout that year as security for its debt capital for that business;

    4. (d)

      the purposes for which *schemes for debt capital had been actually entered into by the entity in relation to the Australian business throughout that year;

    5. (e)

      the entity’s capacity to meet all its liabilities in relation to the Australian business (whether during that year or at any other time);

    6. (f)

      the profit of the entity (within the meaning of the *accounting standards), and the return on its capital, in relation to the Australian business (whether during that year or at any other time);

    7. (g)

      the debt to equity ratios of the following throughout that year:

      (i) the entity;

      1. (ii)

        the entity in relation to the Australian business;

      2. (iii)

        each of the entity’s *associate entities that engage in commercial activities similar to the Australian business;

    8. (h)

      the commercial practices adopted by independent parties dealing with each other at arm’s length in the industry in which the entity carries on the Australian business throughout that year (whether in Australia or in comparable markets elsewhere);

    (i) the general state of the Australian economy throughout that year;

    1. (j)

      all of the above factors existing at the time when the entity last entered into a *scheme that gave rise to an actual *debt interest attributable to the Australian business that remains *on issue throughout that year;

    2. (k)

      any other factors which are specified in the regulations made for the purposes of this section, including factors that are specific to an *inward investment vehicle (general), an *inward investment vehicle (financial), an *inward investor (general) or an *inward investor (financial).

Commissioner’s power

  1. (4)

    If the Commissioner considers an amount worked out by the entity under this section does not appropriately take into account the factual assumptions and the relevant factors, the Commissioner may substitute another amount that the Commissioner considers better reflects those assumptions and factors.

820‑220Amount of debt deduction disallowed

The amount of *debt deduction disallowed under subsection 820‑185(1) is worked out using the following formula:

where:

average debt means the average value, for the income year, of all the *debt capital of the entity that gives rise to *debt deductions of the entity for that or any other income year.

debt deduction means each *debt deduction of the entity for that year.

excess debt means the amount by which the *adjusted average debt (see subsection 820‑185(3)) exceeds the entity’s *maximum allowable debt for that year.

820‑225Application to part year periods

  1. (1)

    This subsection disallows all or a part of each *debt deduction of an entity for an income year that is an amount incurred by the entity during a period that is a part of that year, if:

    1. (a)

      the entity is an *inward investing entity (non‑ADI) for that period, but is not also an *outward investing entity (non‑ADI) for all or any part of that period; and

    2. (b)

      the entity’s *adjusted average debt for that period exceeds the entity’s *maximum allowable debt for that period.

      Note: To determine whether an entity is an inward investing entity (non‑ADI) for a period, see subsection 820‑185(2).

  2. (2)

    The entity’s adjusted average debt for that period is the result of applying the method statement in this subsection.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for that period, of all the *debt capital of the entity that gives rise to *debt deductions of the entity for that or any other income year.

Step 2.Reduce the result of step 1 by the average value, for that period, of:

  1. (a)

    if the entity is an *inward investment vehicle (general) or an *inward investment vehicle (financial) for that period—all the *associate entity debt of the entity; or

  2. (b)

    if the entity is an *inward investor (general) or an *inward investor (financial) for that period—all the associate entity debt of the entity, to the extent that it is attributable to the entity’s *Australian permanent establishments.

Step 3.If the entity is a *financial entity throughout that period, add to the result of step 2 the average value, for that period, of the entity’s *zero‑capital amount, to the extent that:

  1. (a)

    the zero‑capital amount is attributable to the securities loan arrangements mentioned in step 1 of the method statement in subsection 820‑942(1); and

  2. (b)

    the securities loan arrangements are not *debt interests.

Step 4. Add to the result of step 3 the average value, for that period (the relevant period), of any *debt capital of the entity that does not give rise to any *debt deductions of the entity for that or any other income year, if:

  1. (a)

    the debt capital is comprised of *debt interests issued to another entity that remain *on issue; and

  2. (b)

    that other entity is an *outward investing entity (non‑ADI) or *inward investing entity (non‑ADI) for a period that is, or includes, all or a part of the relevant period; and

  3. (c)

    for the purposes of the application of this Division to the entities, and in relation to only that part of the period that falls within the relevant period, the entities do not use the same *valuation days and the same number of valuation days to calculate the average value of their respective debt capital.

The result of this step is the adjusted average debt.

Note: To calculate an average value for the purposes of this Division, see Subdivision 820‑G.

  1. (2A)

    The entity’s *adjusted average debt does not exceed its *maximum allowable debt if the adjusted average debt is nil or a negative amount.

  2. (3)

    For the purposes of determining:

    1. (a)

      the *maximum allowable debt for the period mentioned in subsection (1); and

    2. (b)

      the amount of each *debt deduction to be disallowed;

sections 820‑190 to 820‑220 apply in relation to that entity and that period with the modifications set out in the following table:

Modifications of sections 820‑190 to 820‑220

Item

Provisions

Modifications

1

Sections 820‑190 to 820‑220

A reference to an income year is taken to be a reference to that period

3

Section 820‑220

A reference to subsection 820‑185(1) is taken to be a reference to subsection (1) of this section

4

Section 820‑220

adjusted average debt is taken to have the meaning given by subsection (2) of this section

average debt is taken to be the average value referred to in paragraph (2)(a) of this section

Subdivision 820‑DThin capitalisation rules for outward investing entities (ADI)

Guide to Subdivision 820‑D

820‑295What this Subdivision is about

This Subdivision sets out the thin capitalisation rules that apply to an entity that is both an authorised deposit‑taking institution(an ADI) and an Australian entity that has certain types of overseas investments. These rules deal with the following matters:

• how to work out the entity’s minimum capital amount for an income year;

• how all or a part of the debt deductions claimed by the entity may be disallowed if the minimum capital amount is not reached;

• how to apply these rules to a period that is less than an income year.

Table of sections

Operative provisions

820‑300 Thin capitalisation rule for outward investing entities (ADI)

820‑305 Minimum capital amount

820‑310 Safe harbour capital amount

820‑315 Arm’s length capital amount

820‑320 Worldwide capital amount

820‑325 Amount of debt deduction disallowed

820‑330 Application to part year periods

[This is the end of the Guide.]

Operative provisions

820‑300Thin capitalisation rule for outward investing entities (ADI)

Thin capitalisation rule

  1. (1)

    This subsection disallows all or a part of each *debt deduction of an entity for an income year (to the extent that it is not attributable to an *overseas permanent establishment of the entity) if, for that year:

    1. (a)

      the entity is an *outward investing entity (ADI) (see subsection (2)); and

    2. (b)

      the entity’s *adjusted average equity capital (see subsection (3)) is less than the entity’s *minimum capital amount (see section 820‑305).

      Note 1: This Subdivision does not apply if the total debt deductions of that entity and all its associate entities for that year are $250,000 or less, see section 820‑35.

      Note 2: To work out the amount to be disallowed, see section 820‑325.

      Note 3: For the rules that apply to an entity that is an outward investing entity (ADI) for only part of an income year, see section 820‑330 in conjunction with subsection (2) of this section.

      Note 4: A resident TC group may be an outward investing entity (ADI) to which this Subdivision applies, see Subdivision 820‑F.

Outward investing entity (ADI)

  1. (2)

    The entity is an outward investing entity (ADI) for a period that is all or a part of an income year if, and only if, throughout that period, the entity is an *ADI to which at least one of the following paragraphs applies:

    1. (a)

      the entity is an *Australian controller of at least one *Australian controlled foreign entity (not necessarily the same Australian controlled foreign entity throughout that period);

    2. (b)

      the entity is an *Australian entity that carries on a *business at or through at least one *overseas permanent establishment (not necessarily the same permanent establishment throughout that period);

    3. (c)

      the entity is:

      (i) an Australian entity; and

      1. (ii)

        an *associate entity of another entity that is an *outward investing entity (non‑ADI) or an *outward investing entity (ADI) for that period.

      Note: To determine whether an entity is an Australian controller of an Australian controlled foreign entity, see Subdivision 820‑H.

Adjusted average equity capital

  1. (3)

    The entity’s adjusted average equity capital for an income year is:

    1. (a)

      the average value, for that year, of all the *equity capital of the entity (other than equity capital attributable to its *overseas permanent establishments); minus

    2. (b)

      the average value, for that year, of all the *controlled foreign entity equity of the entity (other than controlled foreign entity equity attributable to its overseas permanent establishments).

      Note: To calculate an average value for the purposes of this Division, see Subdivision 820‑G.

820‑305Minimum capital amount

The entity’s minimum capital amount for an income year is the least of the following amounts:

  1. (a)

    the *safe harbour capital amount;

  2. (b)

    the *arm’s length capital amount;

  3. (c)

    the *worldwide capital amount.

    Note: The entity cannot use the worldwide capital amount if the entity is also a foreign controlled Australian entity throughout that year, see section 820‑320.

820‑310Safe harbour capital amount

The safe harbour capital amount is the result of applying the method statement in this section.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for the income year, of all the *risk‑weighted assets of the entity, other than risk‑weighted assets attributable to any of the following:

  1. (a)

    the entity’s *overseas permanent establishments;

  2. (b)

    assets comprised by the *controlled foreign entity equity of the entity (other than controlled foreign entity equity attributable to the entity’s overseas permanent establishments);

  3. (c)

    assets for which *prudential capital deductions must be made by the entity (other than prudential capital deductions attributable to the entity’s overseas permanent establishments).

Step 2. Multiply the result of step 1 by 4%.

Step 3.Add to the result of step 2 the average value, for that year, of all the *tier 1 prudential capital deductions for the entity (to the extent that they are not attributable to any of the entity’s *overseas permanent establishments or any *Australian controlled foreign entities of which the entity is an *Australian controller). The result of this step is the safe harbour capital amount.

Example: The Southern Cross Bank is an Australian bank that carries on its banking business through its overseas permanent establishments and through foreign entities that it controls. For the income year, its average value of risk‑weighted assets is $150 million (having discounted those risk‑weighted assets that are excluded by step 1) and the average value of its relevant tier 1 prudential capital deductions is $2 million. Multiplying $150 million by 4% equals $6 million, which is the result of step 2. Adding $2 million to $6 million equals $8 million, which is the safe harbour capital amount.

820‑315Arm’s length capital amount

  1. (1)

    The arm’s length capital amount is a notional amount that, having regard to:

    1. (a)

      the factual assumptions set out in subsection (2); and

    2. (b)

      the relevant factors mentioned in subsection (3);

would represent the minimum amount of *equity capital that the entity would reasonably be expected to have in carrying on the Australian business mentioned in subsection (2) throughout the income year if, throughout that year:

  1. (c)

    the part of the entity carrying on that business had operated as if it were a separate entity; and

  2. (d)

    that separate entity had been dealing at arm’s length with:

    (i) the other part of the entity; and

    1. (ii)

      all the *Australian controlled foreign entities of which the entity is an *Australian controller.

    Note: The entity must keep records in accordance with section 820‑980 if the entity works out an amount under this section.

Factual assumptions

  1. (2)

    Irrespective of what actually happened during that year, the following assumptions must be made in working out that minimum amount:

    1. (a)

      the entity’s commercial activities in connection with Australia (the Australian business) during that year do not include:

      (i) any *business carried on by the entity at or through its *overseas permanent establishments; or

      1. (ii)

        the holding of any *controlled foreign entity equity;

    2. (b)

      the entity had carried on the Australian business that it actually carried on during that year;

    3. (c)

      the nature of the entity’s assets and liabilities (to the extent that they are attributable to the Australian business) had been as they were during that year;

    4. (d)

      except as mentioned in subsection (1), the entity had carried on the Australian business in the same circumstances as what actually existed during that year.

Relevant factors

  1. (3)

    On the basis of the factual assumptions set out in subsection (2), the following factors must be taken into account in determining that minimum amount:

    1. (a)

      the functions performed, the assets used, and the risks assumed, throughout that year, by:

      (i) the entity; and

      1. (ii)

        the entity in relation to the Australian business;

    2. (b)

      the credit rating of the entity throughout that year, including the effect of that credit rating on all of the following:

      (i) the entity’s ability to borrow in relation to the Australian business;

      1. (ii)

        the interest rate at which the entity borrowed in relation to that business;

      2. (iii)

        the entity’s gross profit margin in relation to that business;

    3. (c)

      the capital ratios of the following throughout that year:

      (i) the entity;

      1. (ii)

        the entity in relation to the Australian business;

      2. (iii)

        each of the entity’s *associate entities that engage in commercial activities similar to the Australian business;

    4. (d)

      the purposes for which *schemes for *debt capital and for *equity capital had been actually entered into, throughout that year, by:

      (i) the entity; and

      1. (ii)

        the entity in relation to the Australian business;

    5. (e)

      the profit (within the meaning of the *accounting standards), and the return on capital, whether during that year or at any other time, of:

      (i) the entity; and

      1. (ii)

        the entity in relation to the Australian business;

    6. (f)

      the commercial practices adopted by independent parties dealing with each other at arm’s length in the industry in which the entity carries on the Australian business throughout that year (whether in Australia or in comparable markets elsewhere);

    7. (g)

      the way in which the entity financed its business (other than the Australian business) throughout that year;

    8. (h)

      the general state of the Australian economy throughout that year;

    (i) any other factors which are specified in the regulations made for the purposes of this section.

Commissioner’s power

  1. (4)

    If the Commissioner considers an amount worked out by the entity under this section does not appropriately take into account the factual assumptions and the relevant factors, the Commissioner may substitute another amount that the Commissioner considers better reflects those assumptions and factors.

820‑320Worldwide capital amount

  1. (1)

    This section only applies if the entity is not also a *foreign controlled Australian entity throughout the income year.

  2. (2)

    The worldwide capital amount is the result of applying the method statement in this subsection.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for the income year, of all the *risk‑weighted assets of the entity, other than risk‑weighted assets attributable to any of the following:

  1. (a)

    the entity’s *overseas permanent establishments;

  2. (b)

    assets comprised by the *controlled foreign entity equity of the entity;

  3. (c)

    assets for which *prudential capital deductions must be made by the entity.

Step 2. Multiply the entity’s worldwide group capital ratio for that year (see subsection (3)) by 8/10.

Step 3.Multiply the result of step 1 by the result of step 2.

Step 4.Add to the result of step 3 the average value, for that year, of all the *tier 1 prudential capital deductions for the entity (to the extent that they are not attributable to any of the entity’s *overseas permanent establishments or to any *Australian controlled foreign entities of which the entity is an *Australian controller). The result of this step is the worldwide capital amount.

Example: Southern Cross Bank has an average value of risk‑weighted assets of $150 million (having discounted those risk‑weighted assets that are excluded by step 1) and the average value of its relevant tier 1 prudential capital deductions is $2 million. The entity’s worldwide group capital ratio is 0.0875. Multiplying that ratio by 8/10 equals 0.07, which is the result of step 2. Multiplying $150 million by 0.07 equals $10.5 million, which is the result of step 3. Adding that amount to the average value of the relevant tier 1 prudential capital deductions equals $12.5 million, which is the worldwide capital amount.

Worldwide group capital ratio

  1. (3)

    The entity’s worldwide group capital ratio for the income year is the result of applying the method statement in this subsection.

Method statement

Step 1. Work out the average value, for the income year, of the tier 1 capital (within the meaning of the *prudential standards) of the consolidated group of which the entity is a member (within the meaning of those standards) in accordance with those standards.

Step 2. Divide the result of step 1 by the average value, for that year, of the *risk‑weighted assets of that group in accordance with the *prudential standards. The result is the worldwide group capital ratio.

Example: For the Southern Cross Bank, the average value of the tier 1 capital for the relevant consolidated group is $14 million. Dividing $14 million by the group’s risk weighted assets of $160 million equals 0.0875, which is the worldwide group capital ratio.

820‑325Amount of debt deduction disallowed

The amount of *debt deduction disallowed under subsection 820‑300(1) is worked out using the following formula:

where:

average debt means the average value, for the income year, of all the *debt capital of the entity that gives rise to *debt deductions of the entity for that or any other income year (other than any debt capital that is attributable to any of the entity’s *overseas permanent establishments).

Insert:

thin capitalisation

disallowing of deductions............................................................................................

Division 820

16

After section 25‑85

Insert:

25‑90Deduction relating to foreign exempt income

An *Australian entity can deduct an amount of loss or outgoing from its assessable income for an income year if:

  1. (a)

    the amount is incurred by the entity in deriving income from a foreign source; and

  2. (b)

    the income is exempt income under section 23AI, 23AJ or 23AK of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936; and

  3. (c)

    the amount is a cost in relation to a *debt interest issued by the entity that is covered by paragraph (1)(a) of the definition of debt deduction.

17

Subsection 995‑1(1) (definition of accounting standards)

Omit “Corporations Law”, substitute “Corporations Act 2001”.

18

Subsection 995‑1(1) (paragraph (a) of the definition of financial entity)

Omit “Financial Corporations Act 1974”, substitute “Financial Sector (Collection of Data) Act 2001”.

19

Subsection 995‑1(1) (paragraph (c) of the definition of financial entity)

Repeal the paragraph, substitute:

  1. (c)

    an entity that:

    (i) is a financial services licensee within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 whose licence covers dealings in financial products mentioned in paragraphs 764A(1)(a), (b) and (j) of that Act; and

    1. (ii)

      carries on a *business of dealing in securities; and

    2. (iii)

      does not carry on that business predominantly for the purposes of dealing in securities with, or on behalf of, the entity’s *associates.

Income Tax (Transitional Provisions) Act 1997

20

At the end of Division 25

Add:

25‑50Application of section 25‑90 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997

Section 25‑90 (which is about deductions relating to foreign exempt income) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 applies to an amount incurred in an income year that begins on or after 1 July 2001.

21

Section 405‑1 (link note)

Omit “Chapter 6”, substitute “Chapter 5”.

22

After Division 405

Insert:

Chapter 4International aspects of income tax

Part 4‑5General

[The next Division is Division 820.]

Division 820Application of the thin capitalisation rules

Table of sections

820‑10 Application of Division 820 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997

820-12 Application of Division 974 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 for the purposes of Division 820 of that Act

820‑15 Transitional provision—application of Divisions 16F and 16G of Part III of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936

820‑20 Transitional provision—application of section 389 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936

820‑25 Transitional provision—average value of a matter for the first income year

820‑30 Transitional provision—average value of a matter for resident TC group that includes an ADI or an Australian permanent establishment of a foreign bank

820‑35 Transitional provision—transitional debt interests

820‑40 Transitional provision—transitional equity interests

820‑10Application of Division 820 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997

  1. (1)

    Subject to subsection (2), Division 820 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 applies in relation to an income year that begins on or after 1 July 2001.

  2. (2)

    Subdivision 820‑L of that Act, to the extent that it relates to the requirements under section 820‑960 of that Act, applies only in relation to an income year that begins on or after 1 July 2002.

820‑12Application of Division 974 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 for the purposes of Division 820 of that Act

  1. (1)

    Division 974 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 applies for the purposes of determining whether, for the purposes of Division 820 of that Act, an interest is a debt interest or an equity interest at any time on or after 1 July 2001 (whether or not the debt and equity test amendments apply to transactions in relation to that interest at that time).

  2. (2)

    In this section, debt and equity test amendments has the same meaning as in Part 4 of Schedule 1 to the New Business Tax System (Debt and Equity) Act 2001.

820‑15Transitional provision—application of Divisions 16F and 16G of Part III of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936

If Division 16F or 16G of Part III of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 would have applied to an entity for a period that is all or a part of an income year that begins before 1 July 2001, then, despite the repeal of that Division, it continues to apply to that entity for that period.

820‑20Transitional provision—application of section 389 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936

If Division 16F or 16G of Part III of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 continues to apply to an entity for a period under section 820‑15, section 389 of that Act applies to that entity for that period as if that section has not been amended by the New Business Tax System (Thin Capitalisation) Act 2001.

820‑25Transitional provision—average value of a matter for the first income year

  1. (1)

    If:

    1. (a)

      Division 820 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 applies to an entity for a period that is all or a part of an income year; and

    2. (b)

      that income year begins before 1 July 2002 and ends before 30 June 2003;

the entity may, for the purposes of that application, choose to use the value of a particular matter as at the end of that period as if it were the average value of that matter for that period.

Note: This means that the entity may, for that period, apply subsection (1) instead of calculating an average value in accordance with Subdivision 820‑G of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

  1. (2)

    However, an entity making that choice must apply subsection (1) throughout that period for every matter for which an average value is required to be calculated for the purposes of that Division’s application to that entity.

  2. (3)

    This section alters the effect of that Division accordingly.

820‑30Transitional provision: average value of a matter for a resident TC group that includes an ADI or an Australian permanent establishment of a foreign bank

  1. (1)

    This section affects how the average value of a matter is determined for the purposes of Division 820 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, as it applies to a resident TC group for an income year beginning before 1 July 2002 and ending before 30 June 2003.

  2. (2)

    If:

    1. (a)

      the group is an outward investing entity (ADI) for that income year, or section 820‑565 of that Act applies Subdivision 820‑D of that Act to the group for that income year as if it were an outward investing entity (ADI); and

    2. (b)

      apart from this section, a day on which the group did not include at least one entity that is an ADI would be a measurement day for the group under section 820‑645 of that Act;

that day is treated as not being such a measurement day.

  1. (3)

    If:

    1. (a)

      section 820‑575 of that Act applies Subdivision 820‑E of that Act to the group for that income year as if it were an inward investing entity (ADI); and

    2. (b)

      apart from this section, a day on which the group did not include at least one Australian permanent establishment through which a foreign bank carries on its banking business in Australia would be a measurement day for the group under section 820‑645 of that Act;

that day is treated as not being such a measurement day.

820‑35Transitional provision—transitional debt interests

  1. (1)

    This section applies to an interest for the period starting from 1 July 2001 and ending immediately before 1 July 2004 (the transitional period) if:

    1. (a)

      the interest was issued before 1 July 2001; and

    2. (b)

      disregarding the debt and equity test amendments (within the meaning of Part 4 of Schedule 1 to the New Business Tax System (Debt and Equity) Act 2001), the interest would be:

      (i) an asset of an entity comprised by equity issued by another entity; or

      1. (ii)

        equity issued by an entity to another entity; and

    3. (c)

      the interest is a debt interest that remains on issue.

What happens if there is no election

  1. (2)

    If:

    1. (a)

      the issuer of the interest does not elect under paragraph 118(6)(b) of Schedule 1 to the New Business Tax System (Debt and Equity) Act 2001 to have that paragraph apply to the interest; and

    2. (b)

      at any time during the transitional period, Division 820 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 applies to an entity that is the issuer or the holder of the interest;

the interest must be treated as an equity interest for the purposes of applying that Division to that entity at that time.

What happens if there is an election

  1. (3)

    Subsections (4) to (6) apply if the issuer of the interest elects under paragraph 118(6)(b) of Schedule 1 to the New Business Tax System (Debt and Equity) Act 2001 to have that paragraph apply to the interest.

  2. (4)

    For the purposes of applying Division 820 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 at any time during the transitional period to an entity that is the issuer of the interest at that time, the interest must be treated as a debt interest at that time.

  3. (5)

    Except as provided by subsection (6), for the purposes of applying that Division at any time during the transitional period to an entity that is the holder of the interest at that time, the interest must be treated as an equity interest at that time.

  4. (6)

    Despite subsection (5), the interest must be treated as a debt interest at that time for the purposes of applying that Division to that holder at that time if:

    1. (a)

      apart from this section, the interest would be included in the associate entity debt of that holder at that time for those purposes; and

    2. (b)

      at that time, the issuer of the interest is not an Australian controlled foreign entity for which that holder is an Australian controller.

820‑40Transitional provision—transitional equity interests

  1. (1)

    This section applies to an interest for the period starting from 1 July 2001 and ending immediately before 1 July 2004 (the transitional period) if:

    1. (a)

      the interest was issued before 1 July 2001; and

    2. (b)

      disregarding the debt and equity test amendments (within the meaning of Part 4 of Schedule 1 to the New Business Tax System (Debt and Equity) Act 2001), the interest would be:

      (i) an asset of an entity comprised by a debt owed to the entity by the issuer of the interest; or

      1. (ii)

        a debt owed by the issuer of the interest to another entity; and

    3. (c)

      the interest is an equity interest.

For the issuer

  1. (2)

    The interest must be treated as an equity interest at any time during the transitional period for the purposes of applying Division 820 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 to an entity that is the issuer of that interest at that time.

For the holder

  1. (3)

    Except as provided by subsection (4), the interest must be treated as a debt interest at any time during the transitional period for the purposes of applying that Division to an entity that is the holder of the interest at that time.

  2. (4)

    Despite subsection (3), that interest must be treated as an equity interest at that time for the purposes of applying that Division to that holder at that time if:

    1. (a)

      apart from this section, the interest would be included in the associate entity equity of that holder at that time for those purposes; and

    2. (b)

      at that time, the issuer of the interest is not an Australian controlled foreign entity for which that holder is an Australian controller.

Part 3Application provisions
  1. 23

    Application—section 128F of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936

    The amendment of section 128F of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 made by this Schedule applies only in relation to a debenture that is issued on or after 1 July 2001.

  2. 23A

    Application—section 160AF of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936

    The amendments of section 160AF of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 made by this Schedule apply in relation to assessable income of a year of income that begins on or after 1 July 2001.

  3. 24

    Application—section 160AFD of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936

    The amendment of section 160AFD of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 made by this Schedule applies to a class of assessable foreign income of a year of income that begins on or after 1 July 2001.

  4. 25

    Application—section 160ZZZJ and related provisions of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936

    (1) The amendments of sections 160ZZW and 160ZZZJ of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 made by this Schedule applies only to an amount of interest taken under section 160ZZZA of that Act to be paid to, and derived by, a foreign bank during an income year that begins on or after 1 July 2001.

    (2) Despite the repeals of sections 160ZZZB and 160ZZZD of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 by this Schedule, those sections continue to apply in relation to an amount of interest taken under section 160ZZZA of that Act to be paid to, and derived by, a foreign bank during an income year that began before 1 July 2001.

  5. 26

    Application—section 262A of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936

    The amendment of section 262A of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 made by this Schedule applies:

    1. (a)

      for records required to be kept under section 820‑960—in relation to an income year that begins on or after 1 July 2002; and

    2. (b)

      for records required to be kept under section 820‑980—in relation to an income year that begins on or after 1 July 2001.

Schedule 2Dictionary amendments

Income Tax Assessment Act 1997

1

Section 960‑100

Repeal the link note, substitute:

Subdivision 960‑FDistribution by corporate tax entities

Table of sections

960‑115 Meaning of corporate tax entity

960‑120 Meaning of distribution

960‑115Meaning of corporate tax entity

An entity is a corporate tax entity at a particular time if:

  1. (a)

    the entity is a company at that time; or

  2. (b)

    the entity is a *corporate limited partnership in relation to the income year in which that time occurs; or

  3. (c)

    the entity is a *corporate unit trust in relation to the income year in which that time occurs; or

  4. (d)

    the entity is a *public trading trust in relation to the income year in which that time occurs.

960‑120Meaning of distribution

  1. (1)

    What constitutes a distribution by various *corporate tax entities is set out in the following table:

Distribution

Item

Corporate tax entity

Distribution

1

company

a dividend, or something that is taken to be a dividend, under this Act

2

*corporate limited partnership

(a) a distribution made by the partnership, whether in money or in other property, to a partner in the partnership, other than a distribution, or so much of a distribution, as is attributable to profits or gains arising during a year of income in relation to which the partnership was not a corporate limited partnership

(b) something that is taken to be a dividend by the partnership under this Act

3

*corporate unit trust

a unit trust dividend, as defined in subsection 102D(1) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936

4

*public trading trust

a unit trust dividend, as defined in section 102M of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936

  1. (2)

    A *corporate tax entity makes a distribution in the form of a dividend on the day on which the dividend is paid, or taken to have been paid.

2

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

accounting standards has the same meaning as in the Corporations Law.

3

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

adjusted average debt has the meaning given by sections 820‑85, 820‑120, 820‑185 and 820‑225.

4

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

adjusted average equity capital has the meaning given by sections 820‑300, 820‑330 and 820‑562.

5

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

adjusted on‑lent amount has the meaning given by sections 820‑100, 820‑200 and 820‑210.

6

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

allowable OB deduction has the meaning given by subsection 121EF(2) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.

7

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

arm’s length capital amount:

  1. (a)

    for an *outward investing entity (ADI)—has the meaning given by section 820‑315; and

  2. (b)

    for an *inward investing entity (ADI)—has the meaning given by section 820‑410.

8

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

arm’s length debt amount:

  1. (a)

    for an *outward investing entity (non‑ADI)—has the meaning given by section 820‑105; and

  2. (b)

    for an *inward investing entity (non‑ADI)—has the meaning given by section 820‑215.

9

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

associate entity has the meaning given by section 820‑905.

10

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

associate entity debt has the meaning given by section 820‑910.

11

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

associate entity equity has the meaning given by section 820‑915.

12

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

associate entity excess amount has the meaning given by section 820‑920.

13

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

associate interest has the meaning given by section 820‑905.

14

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

Australian controlled foreign entity has the meaning given by section 820‑745.

15

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

Australian controller:

  1. (a)

    of a *controlled foreign company mentioned in paragraph 820‑745(a)—has the meaning given by section 820‑750; and

  2. (b)

    of a *controlled foreign trust—has the meaning given by section 820‑755; and

  3. (c)

    of a *controlled foreign corporate limited partnership—has the meaning given by section 820‑760.

16

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

Australian entity has the same meaning as in Part X of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.

17

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

Australian permanent establishment, of an entity, means a *permanent establishment of the entity that is in Australia .

18

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

Australian trust has the same meaning as in Part X of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.

19

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

average equity capital has the meaning given by sections 820‑395, 820‑420 and 820‑575.

20

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

controlled foreign company has the same meaning as in Part X of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.

21

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

controlled foreign corporate limited partnershiphas the meaning given by section 820‑760.

22

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

controlled foreign entity debt, of an entity and at a particular time, means the total amount of *debt interests *on issue at that time that have been issued to the entity by any *Australian controlled foreign entities of which it is an *Australian controller at that time.

23

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

controlled foreign entity equity,of an entity and at a particular time, means the total value of *equity interests that the entity holds, at that time, in any *Australian controlled foreign entities of which it is an *Australian controller at that time.

24

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

controlled foreign trusthas the same meaning as in Part X of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.

25

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

corporate tax entity has the meaning given by section 960‑115.

26

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

debt capital, of an entity and at a particular time, means any *debt interests issued by the entity that are still *on issue at that time.

27

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

debt deduction has the meaning given by section 820‑40.

28

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

distribution,by a *corporate tax entity, has the meaning given by section 960‑120.

29

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

equity capital, of an entity and at a particular time, means:

  1. (a)

    if the entity is a company that is not an *outward investing entity (ADI) at that time:

    (i) the total value of the entity’s *paid‑up share capital, retained earnings, general reserves and asset revaluation reserves as at that time; minus

    1. (ii)

      the value of the entity’s *debt capital that is part of the entity’s paid‑up share capital at that time; or

  2. (b)

    if the entity is a company that is an outward investing entity (ADI) at that time:

    (i) the total value of all the entity’s tier 1 capital (within the meaning of the *prudential standards) as at that time; minus

    1. (ii)

      the value of the entity’s debt capital that is part of the entity’s tier 1 capital at that time; or

  3. (c)

    if the entity is a trust or partnership at that time:

    (i) the total value of the entity’s capital and reserves as at that time; minus

    1. (ii)

      the value of the entity’s debt capital that is part of the entity’s capital at that time.

30

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

equity interest in an entity that is a trust or partnership has the meaning given by section 820‑930.

31

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

financial entity, at a particular time, means an entity other than an *ADI that is any of the following at that time:

  1. (a)

    a registered corporation under the Financial Corporations Act 1974;

  2. (b)

    a *securitisation vehicle;

  3. (c)

    an entity that:

    (i) holds a dealer’s licence granted under Part 7.3 of the Corporations Law; and

    1. (ii)
    1. carries on a *business of dealing in securities; and

    2. (iii)

      does not carry on that business predominantly for the purposes of dealing in securities with, or on behalf of, the entity’s *associates.

32

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

foreign bank means an *ADI that is a *foreign entity.

33

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

foreign controlled Australian company has the meaning given by section 820‑785.

34

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

foreign controlled Australian entity has the meaning given by section 820‑780.

35

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

foreign controlled Australian partnership has the meaning given by section 820‑795.

36

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

foreign controlled Australian trust has the meaning given by section 820‑790.

37

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

foreign entitymeans an entity that is not an *Australian entity.

38

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

general partner means a partner of a *corporate limited partnership whose liability in relation to the partnership is not limited.

39

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

inward investing entity (ADI) has the meaning given by section 820‑395.

40

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

inward investing entity (non‑ADI) has the meaning given by sections 820‑185 and 820‑550.

41

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

inward investment vehicle (financial) has the meaning given by sections 820‑185 and 820‑550.

42

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

inward investment vehicle (general) has the meaning given by sections 820‑185 and 820‑550.

43

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

inward investor (financial) has the meaning given by section 820‑185.

44

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

inward investor (general) has the meaning given by section 820‑185.

45

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

maximum allowable debt:

  1. (a)

    for an *outward investing entity (non‑ADI)—has the meaning given by section 820‑90 (or that section as applied by section 820‑120); and

  2. (b)

    for an *inward investing entity (non‑ADI) covered by paragraph 820‑185(1)(a) (or 820‑225(1)(a))—has the meaning given by section 820‑190 (or that section as applied by section 820‑225).

46

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

maximum TC group has the meaning given by section 820‑500.

47

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

minimum capital amount:

  1. (a)

    for an *outward investing entity (ADI)—has the meaning given by section 820‑305 (or that section as applied by section 820‑330); and

  2. (b)

    for an *inward investing entity (ADI)—has the meaning given by section 820‑400 (or that section as applied by section 820‑420).

48

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

non‑debt liabilities, of an entity and at a particular time, means liabilities that the entity has at that time, other than:

  1. (a)

    any *debt capital of the entity; or

  2. (b)

    any *equity interest in the entity; or

  3. (c)

    a provision for a *distribution of profit if the entity is a *corporate tax entity; or

  4. (d)

    any liability of the entity under a securities loan arrangement if, as at that time, the entity:

    (i) has received amounts for the sale of securities (other than any fees associated with the sale) under the arrangement; and

    1. (ii)

      has not repurchased the securities under the arrangement.

49

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

OB activity has the meaning given by section 121D of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.

50

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

on‑lent amount, of an entity and at a particular time, means the value, as at that time, of:

  1. (a)

    all the assets of the entity that are comprised by *debt interests issued by other entities; and

  2. (b)

    all the assets of the entity that are comprised by leases for the hire of goods that are not covered by paragraph (a) and in relation to which the following subparagraphs are satisfied:

    (i) each of the leases is for a term of 6 months or more;

    1. (ii)

      the leases are part of the *business of hiring goods that the entity carries on;

    2. (iii)

      the entity’s business of hiring goods is not carried on predominantly for the purposes of hiring goods to the entity’s *associates; and

  3. (c)

    all the securities that were held by the entity that:

    (i) have been sold by the entity under a reciprocal purchase agreement (otherwise known as a repurchase agreement), sell‑buyback arrangement or securities loan arrangement; but

    1. (ii)

      have not yet been repurchased by the entity under the agreement or arrangement.

51

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

outward investing entity (ADI) has the meaning given by sections 820‑300 and 820‑550.

52

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

outward investing entity (non‑ADI) has the meaning given by sections 820‑85 and 820‑550.

53

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

outward investor (financial)has the meaning given by sections 820‑85 and 820‑550.

54

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

outward investor (general) has the meaning given by sections 820‑85 and 820‑550.

55

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

overseas permanent establishment, of an entity, means a *permanent establishment of the entity that is in a country other than Australia .

56

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

prudential capital deduction, for an entity and at a particular time, means the total amounts that must be deducted in calculating the following in accordance with the *prudential standards as in force at that time:

  1. (a)

    the eligible tier 1 capital of the entity at that time (within the meaning of those standards);

  2. (b)

    the sum of the eligible tier 1 and tier 2 capital of the entity at that time (within the meaning of those standards).

56A

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

registered scheme has the same meaning as in the Corporations Act 2001.

56B

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

responsible entity, of a *registered scheme, has the same meaning as in the Corporations Act 2001.

57

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

risk‑weighted assets, of an entity and at a particular time, means the sum of the entity’s risk exposures that the entity has at that time, as is determined in accordance with:

  1. (a)

    if the entity is an *Australian entity that is not a *foreign controlled Australian entity—the *prudential standards; or

  2. (b)

    in any other case—either of the following:

    (i) the prudential standards;

    1. (ii)

      the prudential standards determined by the prudential regulator in the country of which the entity, or the *foreign bank that has *TC control interests of at least 40% in the entity, is a resident.

58

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

resident TC group for an income year means 2 or more entities that, because of a choice under section 820‑500, are to be treated as a resident TC group for that income year.

59

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

safe harbour capital amount:

  1. (a)

    for an *outward investing entity (ADI)—has the meaning given by section 820‑310; and

  2. (b)

    for an *inward investing entity (ADI)—has the meaning given by section 820‑405; and

  3. (c)

    for a *resident TC group to which section 820‑575 applies—has the meaning given by that section.

60

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

safe harbour debt amount:

  1. (a)

    for an *outward investor (general)—has the meaning given by section 820‑95; and

  2. (b)

    for an *outward investor (financial)—has the meaning given by section 820‑100; and

  3. (c)

    for an *inward investment vehicle (general)—has the meaning given by section 820‑195; and

  4. (d)

    for an *inward investment vehicle (financial)—has the meaning given by section 820‑200; and

  5. (e)

    for an *inward investor (general)—has the meaning given by section 820‑205; and

  6. (f)

    for an *inward investor (financial)—has the meaning given by section 820‑210.

61

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

securitised asset has the meaning given by section 820‑942.

62

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

securitisation vehicle has the meaning given by section 820‑942.

62A

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

subordinated debt interest means a *debt interest issued to:

  1. (a)

    an unsecured creditor; or

  2. (b)

    a secured creditor who, in the event of the liquidation of the entity issuing the interest, can only make a claim regarding that interest after the claims of other secured creditors regarding other debt interests issued by that entity have been met.

63

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

TC control interest has the meaning given by section 820‑815 (which is affected by sections 820‑820 to 820‑835).

64

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

TC control tracing interest has the meaning given by section 820‑875.

65

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

TC direct control interest:

  1. (a)

    for a company—has the meaning given by section 820‑855; and

  2. (b)

    for a trust—has the meaning given by section 820‑860; and

  3. (c)

    for a partnership—has the meaning given by section 820‑865.

66

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

TC indirect control interest has the meaning given by section 820‑870.

67

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

tier 1 prudential capital deduction, for an entity and at a particular time, means the amounts that must be deducted in the calculation of the eligible tier 1 capital (within the meaning of the *prudential standards) of the entity at that time in accordance with the prudential standards as in force at that time.

68

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

top entity of a *maximum TC group has the meaning given by section 820‑500.

69

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

total debt amount has the meaning given by sections 820‑100, 820‑200 and 820‑210.

69A

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

valuation days, in relation to the calculation of the average value of a matter for an entity under Division 820, means the particular days at which the value of that matter is measured under Subdivision 820‑G for the purposes of that calculation.

70

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

worldwide capital amount, for an *outward investing entity (ADI), has the meaning given by section 820‑320.

71

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

worldwide debt, of an entity and at a particular time, means the total of the following amounts:

  1. (a)

    all the *debt interests issued by the entity:

    (i) to entities other than any *Australian controlled foreign entities (the controlled entities) of which the entity is an *Australian controller at that time; and

    1. (ii)

      that are still *on issue at that time;

(b) all the debt interests issued by the controlled entities:

(i) to entities other than the entity or other controlled entities; and

  1. (ii)

    that are still *on issue at that time.

72

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

worldwide equity, of an entity and at a particular time, means the total of the following amounts:

  1. (a)

    all the *equity capital of the entity as at that time, other than *paid‑up share capital of the entity held by *Australian controlled foreign entities (the controlled entities) of which the entity is an *Australian controller at that time;

  2. (b)

    all the equity capital of the controlled entities as at that time, other than paid‑up share capital of the controlled entities held by:

    (i) the entity; or

    1. (ii)

      other controlled entities.

73

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

worldwide gearing debt amount, for an *outward investing entity (non‑ADI), has the meaning given by section 820‑110.

74

Subsection 995‑1(1)

Insert:

zero‑capital amount has the meaning given by section 820‑942.

[Minister’s second reading speech made in—

House of Representatives on 28 June 2001

Senate on 8 August 2001]

(131/01)

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