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What is Section 100A and why does it matter for trust distributions?

Explains what Section 100A is and why it matters for trust distributions and tax risk

Section 100A of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (ITAA 1936) is an anti-avoidance provision that can apply where a trust beneficiary's present entitlement arises from a reimbursement agreement — that is, an arrangement where the economic benefit of the distribution does not actually flow to the beneficiary in a way consistent with ordinary dealing. If Section 100A applies, the trustee (not the beneficiary) is assessed on the distributed income at the top marginal tax rate of 45%, plus Medicare Levy. The ATO released Practical Compliance Guideline PCG 2022/2 in 2022, which sets out the ATO's risk framework and indicates the types of arrangements it is likely to scrutinise. ChangeGPS Section 100A implements PCG 2022/2 to help accountants identify which distributions are at risk before the trust's income year-end resolutions are finalised.


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