In the 2009 Budget, the government announced changes to the non-commercial losses rules. These changes will further restrict the deductibility of business losses incurred in relation to non-profitable business activities. The measure will ensure excess deductions from unprofitable business activities cannot be used to reduce salary, wage and other income of high income earners.
From 1 July 2009, taxpayers with an adjusted taxable income of over $250,000 will instead have excess deductions quarantined to the business activity. The existing rules will continue to apply to taxpayers with an adjusted taxable income of $250,000 or less.
Taxpayers will still have the ability to apply to the Commissioner of Taxation for relief from the rules if there are exceptional circumstances or because the nature of the activities means that they are temporarily carrying on an uncommercial business but the activities they are undertaking are nonetheless independently assessed as commercially viable.
For more information refer to:
- Treasurer’s press release 067/2009
- An exposure draft has been released and interested parties are invited to comment. The closing date for submissions is 26 July 2009. Exposure draft – Non-Commercial Losses