*Please note that the links to the content in this Part will direct you to Westlaw AU. If you are still using Legal Online, the links can be found in the LOLA PDF at the bottom of this post.
The latest issue of the Australian GST Journal (Volume 12 Part 4) contains the following material:
Articles
GST and compulsory acquisitions of land: Can you have an “involuntary supply� – Christopher Sievers
Since the introduction of the GST in 2000, the interaction between GST and real property transactions has raised numerous difficult issues for taxpayers, practitioners and the Revenue. Some of the issues have been resolved by the courts and some by amendment to the legislation. Many issues remain at large, including the GST treatment of compulsory acquisitions of land under the various State statutory regimes. A review of the cases and the Commissioner’s public ruling show there is no simple solution and that each case needs to be considered in light of its own facts. Further, these difficulties will remain while the scope of “supply†within the meaning of s 9-10 of A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Cth) remains uncertain.
To purchase this article, complete the Individual Article Sale order form and email it to [email protected].
Eliminating the impossible – Australian GST, residential premises, and the improbable solution – Naomi Kewley
Australia’s GST treatment of residential premises has fostered uncertainty for more than a decade. The natural interpretations of several key legislative expressions in this area support outcomes that are either impractical or commercially unacceptable, leaving the judiciary little choice but to seek an alternative construction. While a consensus in the treatment of residential property is emerging, certain “solutions†provide no excuse for poor legislative drafting and leave many questions unanswered. Without legislative clarification, uncertainty will inevitably persist. Doubts also remain as to the policy effectiveness in aspects of the Australian approach. This article evaluates both the clarity of certain legislative provisions and the policy effectiveness of current interpretation. Analysis of ambiguity involves three specific areas of legislation. These relate to the use of the word “residentialâ€, the GST treatment of vacant land, and identification of the relevant intention in predicting the future use of residential property. In view of this analysis, recommendations are made for rewording problematic phrases to improve clarity. From a policy perspective, the article also evaluates Australia’s exclusive focus on the physical characteristics of a residence in establishing a prediction of its future use. It is advised that the consideration of physical attributes be expanded to include other objective criteria which provide insight into recipient intention and will thereby create a more complete indication of future use.
To purchase this article, complete the Individual Article Sale order form and email it to [email protected].
Sections
- Qantas: A landmark case or deja vu?
- The Future of Indirect Taxation: Recent Trends in VAT and GST Systems Around the World by T Ecker, M Lang and I Lejeune
For the pdf version of the table of contents, click here: LOLA – AGSTJ Vol 12 Pt 4 Contents and WAU – AGSTJ Vol 12 Pt 4 Contents.
