iscover ATO circles distributions from foreign trusts
TaxThe ATO is keeping a close eye on distributions from foreign trusts, reminding tax professionals to ensure clients understand their tax obligations.
Over the weekend the ATO issued a statement, notifying tax professionals that it is currently monitoring distributions from foreign trusts.
Any amount (or value of an asset) received by an Australian beneficiary from a foreign trust, either directly or indirectly, may need to be included as assessable income in the income year that it is received, the ATO said.
“If your clients receive money (or assets) from overseas, it’s important they understand their tax obligations,” the ATO explained.
“There are a number of payments made from overseas that may need to be included in your client’s assessable income, such as distributions from foreign trusts.
“Your client might not identify the amount (or asset) they’ve received as a trust distribution but see it as a gift or loan from a family member.”
The ATO said tax professionals can help clients recognise whether these amounts should be included in their tax return by ensuring they identify three key factors.
Firstly, who paid the money or transferred the asset.
“For example, is the amount (or asset) from a foreign trust directly or has it been received indirectly from a foreign trust through another entity or person,” the ATO said.
Secondly, whether they are a beneficiary of the foreign trust; and thirdly, what the money represents.
“For example, is it payment for services, a gift, a distribution or a loan,” the ATO said.
Emma Musgrave
Emma Ryan is the deputy head of content at Momentum Media and editor of the company's legal publication, Lawyers Weekly.
Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015 and has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences.
A journalist by training, Emma has spent her career connecting with key industry stakeholders across a variety of platforms, including online, podcast and radio. She graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism).
