Division 7A is still an evolving area of tax law. In this article, we discuss an emerging risk area for Division 7A where private companies are partners in a partnership, in the context of an unpublished change in the ATO’s view. We include in this article our views on this risk and as well as practical mitigation strategies for taxpayers. ...

Following on from his previous published views on a correct interpretation of section 100A, West Garbutt Principal – Director, Mark West has provided further comment following the BBlood decision (by Thawley J), the decision by the Full Federal Court in the Guardian AIT appeal and the issue by the ATO of its final ruling TR 2022/4. Mark submits there remain significant unresolved inconsistencies between the ATO's approach in TR 2022/4  - and the words of section 100A and the case law. To access this document, please click: Section 100A update ...

West Garbutt Senior Associate, Alex Whitney, wrote and presented a paper on trust deed drafting mistakes and how to fix them for Legalwise on 28 February 2023. The paper will help readers on how to identify and fix bad drafting and the limits on doing so. To access this document, please click: Trust Drafting ...

West Garbutt Principal - Director, Mark West has authored the following paper on the 'ordinary family or commercial dealing' exceptions in section 100A of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936. The decision of BBlood Enterprises Pty Ltd v Commissioner of Taxation [2022] FCA 1112 is thoroughly analysed by Mark on the basis of valuable guidance in relation to this section of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936. To access this document, please click: BBlood Enterprises Decision ...

West Garbutt Principal - Director, Mark West has authored the following paper for Taxation in Australia Vol 56(11). This paper challenges the view that tax purpose limits the extent of the "ordinary family and commercial dealing" exclusion from the meaning of "reimbursement agreement" in s 100A of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936. This “tax purpose based” view is central to the position reflected in the ATO’s TR 2002/D1 and PCG 2022/D1. But a disciplined analysis of the exact words of s 100A in the context of the approach to statutory interpretation prescribed by the High Court, and past case...