There has been a recent controversy in the tax field due to a remarkable case in which a taxpayer, defying the odds, obtained a deduction for a significant loss from the sale of her home. In this blog, we will investigate the specifics of this surprising development and its potential influence on property owners.
Unpacking the Tribunal Decision
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal shook things up when it ruled in favour of a taxpayer who sold her apartment at a loss and claimed a whopping $265,935 deduction in her tax return. The crux of her argument rested on framing the apartment’s purchase and subsequent sale as a short-term profit-making venture, making the loss eligible for a tax deduction.
While tax rules typically permit deductions for losses tied to commercial activities, the private or capital nature of a loss usually disqualifies it. In this case, the taxpayer justified the deduction by asserting that her apartment acquisition was driven by a short-term profit motive, even though she resided in it during her ownership period. Naturally, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) had a different viewpoint.
The Case Timeline
Let’s walk through the timeline of events that led to this contentious decision:
- July 2015 – The taxpayer resided in a large family home. After her husband passed away, she entered into a contract to purchase an apartment off the plan, intended to be completed by 30 June 2019.
- December 2016 – The taxpayer was notified that completion of the off-the-plan apartment was delayed until 30 June 2020.
- May 2018 – The taxpayer settles on the sale of her family home on advice from her real estate agent that it was an excellent time to sell.
- May 2018 – The taxpayer settled on another apartment, as a purchaser, in the same complex that had been completed. She had money from the sale of her family home that she could use and only intended to keep the property for a short period as she needed to use the funds to settle the off-the-plan apartment. Her position was that it was an opportunity to make a profit.
- April 2020 – The taxpayer entered into a contract to sell the apartment at a loss during the first COVID lockdown.
- July 2020 – Settlement on sale of the apartment occurred.
- July 2020 – The purchase of the off-the-plan apartment was completed and settled. A substantial portion of the sale of the other apartment and some of the proceeds of the sale of the family home were used to settle the off-the-plan apartment.
The ATO’s Standpoint and Tribunal’s Verdict
The Tax Commissioner argued that a profit-driven approach would involve not residing in the apartment and waiting for a favourable market to sell. However, the Tribunal set a low bar for proving a profit-making intention, emphasising that living in the property was secondary to the taxpayer’s profit motive.
Broader Ramifications for Property Owners
This case’s controversy extends beyond a single taxpayer’s claimed loss. It raises concerns about the ATO potentially deeming transactions as commercial and taxing any profit as ordinary income, bypassing Capital Gains Tax (CGT) provisions. For property ‘flippers’ or those renovating homes, this could mean facing significant personal tax bills on gains without access to CGT concessions.
Key Takeaways and Looking Forward
Living in a property no longer guarantees CGT treatment or eligibility for the main residence exemption. The implications of this case are far-reaching, particularly for property enthusiasts engaging in buy-and-sell strategies. Whether the ATO appeals the decision or not, understanding the tax implications of property transactions is crucial, and seeking advice beforehand is prudent.
Our team of experts can help you navigate the complex tax landscape and ensure you’re making informed decisions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the advice you need to maximise your property investments.