Duties Act 2008
Western Australia
Duties Act 2008
Contents
Chapter 1 — Preliminary
1.Short title1
2.Commencement1
3.Terms used M, MC1
3A.Term used: land1
4.Relationship with Taxation Administration Act 20031
5.GST, effect of on value or consideration1
6.Determining family relationships1
7.References to being wound up1
8.Notes in text1
Chapter 2 — Transfer duty
Part 1 — Preliminary
9.Terms used1
Part 2 — Imposition of transfer duty
10.Transfer duty imposed1
Part 3 — Dutiable transactions and dutiable property
Division 1 — Dutiable transactions
11.Dutiable transaction1
12.Vesting of property by statute law1
14.Transactions as to chattels alone not usually dutiable1
Division 2 — Dutiable property
15.Dutiable property1
16.References to right1
17.New dutiable property1
18.Special dutiable property1
18A.Things fixed to land that are to be permanently removed1
Part 4 — Collection of transfer duty
Division 1 — Liability for transfer duty
19.When liability for duty arises1
20.Who is liable to pay duty1
21.Joint tenants to be treated as tenants in common in equal shares1
Division 2 — Lodging transaction records
22A.Terms used1
22.Transfer duty statement to be made if no instrument1
23.Instrument or statement for dutiable transaction, duty to lodge1
24.Form of dutiable transaction1
Division 3 — Payment of transfer duty
25.When duty must be paid1
Division 4 — Rate of transfer duty
26.Rate of transfer duty1
Division 5 — Dutiable value
Subdivision 1 — Dutiable value
27.Dutiable value of dutiable transactions, unless otherwise provided1
28.Dutiable value of certain dutiable transactions1
29.Dutiable value of certain dutiable transactions relating to corporation or unit trust scheme property on winding up1
Subdivision 2 — Consideration
30.Consideration for dutiable transaction1
31.Changes to consideration before transfer, consequences of1
32.Contingent consideration not paid, consequences of1
33.Agreement by instalments determined before final payment, consequences of1
34.Options conferred by dutiable transactions that are exercised or not renewed, consequences of1
35.Option to acquire dutiable property, duty paid on to be credited1
Subdivision 3 — Unencumbered value
36.Determining unencumbered value of property1
36A.Determining unencumbered value: fixtures and mining tenement fixtures1
Subdivision 4 — Miscellaneous
37.Aggregation of dutiable transactions1
38.Transactions as to dutiable and not dutiable property, duty on1
39.Partitions of property, dutiable values in case of1
40.Exchanges of dutiable property, duty on1
Division 6 — No double duty
41.No double duty — general1
42.No double duty — particular dutiable transactions1
43.Persons related to purchaser for s. 42(2)(a)1
Division 7 — Interim assessment of transfer duty
44A.Interim assessment of transfer duty1
Part 5 — Application of this Chapter to certain transactions
Division 1 — Simultaneous put and call options
Subdivision 1 — Terms used in this Division
44.Terms used1
Subdivision 2 — Simultaneous put and call options
45.Call option of simultaneous put and call option to be taken to be agreement for transfer of option property1
46.Simultaneous put and call option, dutiable value of1
47.Dutiable transaction referred to in s. 45, duty paid on to be credited1
48.Simultaneous put and call option not exercised or assigned, consequences of1
Subdivision 3 — Assignment of call option
49.Assignment of call option to be taken to be agreement for transfer of option property1
50.Assignment of call option, dutiable value of1
51.Dutiable transaction referred to in s. 49, duty paid on to be credited1
52.Assigned call option not exercised or further assigned, consequences of1
Division 2 — Discretionary trust acquisitions and surrenders
Subdivision 1 — Terms used in this Division
53.References to partnership or trust holding property1
54.References to taker in default1
55.References to trust acquisition1
56.References to trust surrender1
57.When discretionary trust holds indirect interest in dutiable property1
Subdivision 2 — Trust acquisitions and trust surrenders
58.When person acquires interest in discretionary trust1
59.Trust acquisition or trust surrender, dutiable value of1
60.References to interest in discretionary trust of taker in default1
61.Taker in default’s interest, value of for s. 59(b)1
62.When trust acquisition or trust surrender is not dutiable transaction1
Division 3 — Corporate trustees
Subdivision 1 — Terms used in this Division
63.Terms used1
64.References to trustee of discretionary trust holding property1
65.References to corporate trustee1
66.When corporate trustee holds indirect interest in dutiable property1
Subdivision 2 — Disposition of shares in a corporate trustee
67.Share disposition taken to be agreement for transfer of trust property1
68.Transaction referred to in s. 67, dutiable value of1
69.Person liable to pay duty on disposition of share1
Division 4 — Partnerships
Subdivision 1 — Terms used in this Division
70.Term used: dutiable property1
71.References to partnership or trust holding property1
72.References to partnership acquisition1
73.When partnership holds indirect interest in property1
74.References to partner’s partnership interest1
Subdivision 2 — Acquiring partnership interests
75.When person acquires partnership interest1
76.Partnership acquisition, dutiable value of1
77.Partnership interest, value of for s. 76(b)1
78.Dutiable value of transfer of dutiable property to retiring partner1
78A.Certain retained property taken to be transferred to retiring partner1
Division 5 — Western Australian business assets
Subdivision 1 — Terms used in this Division
79.Terms used1
Subdivision 2 — Particular transactions involving business assets
80.Some transactions involving business licences to be taken to be agreements for transfer1
81.Transactions for particular WA business assets that are not dutiable transactions1
Subdivision 3 — Dutiable value of dutiable transactions for business assets
82.Dutiable transaction for business asset, dutiable value of1
83.Certain business licences required by Cwlth law, dutiable value of for s. 82(a)1
84.Business licences required by WA law, dutiable value of for s. 82(b)1
85.Dutiable value of business asset where principal place of business is in WA1
86.Dutiable value of business asset where principal place of business is out of WA1
Division 6 — Conditional agreements
87.References to conditional agreement1
88A.General conditional agreements, no duty on if terminated on relevant grounds1
88.References to farming land conditional agreement1
89.References to mining tenement conditional agreement1
90.References to issue of title conditional agreement1
91.References to subdivision conditional agreement1
Division 7 — Rights relating to fixed infrastructure
91A.Terms used1
91B.Some transactions involving fixed infrastructure statutory licences to be taken to be agreements for transfer1
91C.Which transactions as to fixed infrastructure access rights and fixed infrastructure statutory licences are dutiable1
91D.Dutiable value of fixed infrastructure statutory licences1
Division 7A — Prospecting licences and related dutiable property
91DA.Transactions as to prospecting licences or related dutiable property alone not usually dutiable1
Division 8 — Derivative mining rights
91E.Agreement for transfer of mining tenement conditional on grant of derivative mining right to transferor1
91F.Agreement for transfer of mining tenement conditional on grant of derivative mining right to current right holder1
91G.Transfer or agreement for transfer of mining tenement to holder of derivative mining right1
91H.Acquisition of derivative mining right substantially the same as was held in relation to previous mining tenement1
91I.Failure to grant, or surrender of, derivative mining right after transfer of mining tenement1
Division 9 — Farm‑in agreements and farm‑in transactions
Subdivision 1 — Preliminary
91J.Introduction to Division1
91K.Terms used1
Subdivision 2 — Explanation of farm‑in agreements, farm‑in transactions and related concepts
91L.Farm‑in agreements and concessional farm‑in transactions1
91M.Farm‑in transactions and other concepts1
91N.Exploration requirement and exploration amount1
Subdivision 3 — Treatment of farm‑in agreements and farm‑in transactions for duty purposes
91O.Consideration1
91P.General rules relating to charging of duty1
91Q.Changes to consideration1
91R.No double duty1
Subdivision 4 — Variations and other events affecting farm‑in agreements and farm‑in transactions
91S.Farm‑in transaction added to farm‑in agreement1
91T.Variation to farm‑in transaction1
Subdivision 5 — Other provisions
91U.Farm‑in transactions relating to prospecting licences1
91V.Treatment of certain options under farm‑in agreements1
91W.Derivative mining right granted for purposes of exploration requirement for farm‑in transaction1
Part 6 — Exemptions, nominal duty and concessions
Division 1 — Exemptions
Subdivision 1 — Exemptions for public and governmental purposes
92.Public authorities, declaration of as exempt bodies1
93.Transactions for which exempt body would be solely liable1
94.Transactions for which exempt body and another party would be liable, duty reduction for etc.1
95.Transactions for charitable etc. purposes1
96A.What is a relevant body1
96B.Application for a beneficial body determination1
96C.Beneficial body determination1
Subdivision 2 — Certain transactions between spouses or de facto partners
96.Terms used1
97.Some transactions between spouses or de facto partners1
98.Application for exemption under this Subdivision1
Subdivision 3 — Family farm transactions
99.Terms used1
100.References to family member1
101A.References to primary production1
101.References to transferee1
102.References to exempt family farm transaction1
102A.Related entities for s. 1021
103.Exempt family farm transactions, exemption for1
104.No exemption for subsequent transactions for same farming property within 5 years1
105.Subsequent liability to duty in certain circumstances1
106.Application for exemption under this Subdivision1
Subdivision 4 — Other exempt transactions
107.Cancelled transactions1
108.Bankruptcy transactions1
109.Transfer etc. to foreign country’s representative etc.1
110.Financial Sector (Business Transfer and Group Restructure) Act 1999 (Cwlth) Part 4 transactions1
111.Special disability trust transactions1
112.Some transactions under other Acts1
113.Transactions effected by matrimonial instrument or de facto relationship instrument1
113A.Certain incorporated association transactions1
Division 2 — Nominal duty
Subdivision 1 — Certain trust transactions
114.Some transfers etc. on vesting or termination of discretionary trust1
115.Some transfers etc. on exercise of power of appointment by trustee of discretionary trust1
116.Some transfers etc. of dutiable property to beneficiary1
117.Transactions involving apparent purchaser1
118.Transfers to and from bare trustee1
118A.Transfers to and from bare trustee: failure to lodge subsequent transfer1
119.Transactions related to changes in trustees and managed investment schemes1
120.Transfer by way of security1
Subdivision 1A — Transfers to facilitate subdivision of land
120A.Transfers to facilitate subdivision of land1
120B.Land retained by transferee following transfer to facilitate subdivision1
120C.Transfers to facilitate subdivision: failure to lodge subsequent transfer within 5 years1
120D.Subdivisions of land excluded from s. 120A and 120B1
120E.References to transfer of land back to person1
Subdivision 2 — Certain superannuation transactions
121.Terms used1
122.Relevant superannuation transactions for consideration1
123.Subsequent liability in certain circumstances1
124.Some transfers etc. of dutiable property to superannuation fund without consideration1
125.Transfer from one superannuation fund to another1
126.Some transfers etc. of dutiable property between trustees and custodians of superannuation funds1
127.Some transfers etc. of dutiable property from superannuation fund to member, dependant or representative1
Subdivision 3 — Transactions related to the break‑up of a marriage or de facto relationship
128.Terms used1
129.References to matrimonial instrument1
130.References to de facto relationship instrument1
131.Transactions in accordance with matrimonial instrument or de facto relationship instrument1
132.Reassessment of transaction if s. 131 becomes applicable1
133.Evidence as to marriage or de facto relationship1
Subdivision 4 — Other transactions
134.Some transfers etc. of certain lots under planning scheme1
136.Business licences held under Fish Resources Management Act 19941
137.Transfers etc. to change joint tenancy to tenancy in common etc.1
138.Transactions to correct clerical errors in previous dutiable transactions1
139.Some transactions involving deceased estates1
139A.Some transfers and vestings under orders made under Guardianship and Administration Act 19901
140.Prescribed dutiable transactions1
Division 3 — First home owner concessions
141.Terms used1
142A.Concessional first home owners1
142.First home owner concessional transactions1
143.First home owner concessional rate of duty1
144.Application for first home owner concessional rate of duty1
145.Subsequent liability in certain circumstances1
146.Other provisions about first home owner concessions1
Division 4 — Residential or business concessions
147.Concessional rates for transactions referred to in Stamp Act 1921 s. 75AE1
Chapter 3 — Landholder duty
Part 1 — Preliminary
148.Terms used1
149.Determining entitlement to land assets and chattels1
149A.Determining entitlement to land assets: fixtures and mining tenement fixtures1
150.Unencumbered value of land assets or chattels1
Part 2 — Imposition of landholder duty
151.Landholder duty imposed1
Part 3 — Certain key concepts defined and related provisions
152.References to entity1
153.References to interest in landholder or other entity1
153A.References to interest in, or held by, trustee of discretionary trust1
153B.References to interest in, or held by, partnership1
154.Calculating interest in entity1
154A.Calculating total direct or indirect interest in entity1
154B.Determining interest in entity: uncompleted agreements1
Part 4 — Landholders to which this Chapter applies
155.Which entities are landholders1
156.Which entities are linked to an entity1
156A.Linked entities: acquisitions forming one arrangement1
157.Value of land assets of linked entity for s. 1551
Part 5 — Acquisitions to which this Chapter applies
Division 1 — Means by which interest acquired
160.How person acquires interest in entity1
160A.Acquisition of interest by merger of corporations1
Division 2 — Relevant acquisitions of interests in landholders
Subdivision 1 — Definitions
161.Term used: significant interest1
162.Related persons for s. 1631
Subdivision 2 — Relevant acquisitions
163.Relevant acquisitions1
Subdivision 3 — Exempt acquisitions
165.Term used: acquisition1
166.Effect of acquisition being exempt1
167.Exemption or reduction of duty if nominal duty would be chargeable on transfer1
168.Exemption or reduction of duty if transfer duty would not be chargeable1
169.Exemption if acquisition is dutiable under s. 671
170.Exemption relating to approved arrangements with creditors under Corporations Act1
171.Exemption of acquisition by family member of interest in landholder engaged in primary production1
Subdivision 4 — Further provisions in respect of exemptions under section 171
172.Calculation of duty where some land assets of landholder not used for primary production1
173.Reversal of exemption where certain changes made to discretionary trust1
174.No exemption where interest transferred within 5 years1
Part 6 — Collection of landholder duty
Division 1 — Preliminary
175.Term used: acquirer1
176.When acquisition occurs1
177.Certain transactions to be treated as agreements1
178.Exceptions to s. 1771
Division 2 — Liability
179.Who is liable to pay duty1
180.Application to Commissioner for determination of liability1
181.Determination of s. 180 application1
182.Powers of Commissioner where further information required for determination of s. 180 application1
Division 3 — Payment of landholder duty
183.When landholder duty must be paid1
Division 4 — Rates of landholder duty
184.Rates of landholder duty1
Division 5 — Calculation of landholder duty
185.References to interest of acquirer in landholder1
186.Value of landholder1
187.Determining value of further interest for duty calculation1
188.Calculating duty payable1
189.Reduction for s. 1881
193.Calculation of duty where statement lodged under s. 2011
194.Calculation of duty on certain acquisitions on winding up of corporation or unit trust scheme1
Division 6A — Interim assessment of landholder duty
195A.Interim assessment of landholder duty1
Division 6 — Assessment or reassessment of liability for landholder duty if uncompleted agreements terminated or completed
195B.Assessment of duty where s. 149(1) or 154B applied at acquisition time1
195C.Assessment of duty where s. 176(2) applied at acquisition time1
195.Reassessment of duty where s. 149(1) or 154B applied1
196.Reassessment of duty where s. 176(2) applied1
197.Condition precedent to reassessment under s. 195 or 1961
197A.Expired put and call options taken to be terminated1
198.Taxation Administration Act not affected1
Division 7 — Lodgment of statements
199.Term used: acquisition statement1
200.Acquisition statement or agreement to be lodged1
201.Acquisition of further interests, lodgment of periodical statements may be approved1
202.Lodgment obligations if s. 201 application refused1
203.Form of acquisition statements1
204.Failure to lodge acquisition statement1
Part 7 — Application of this Chapter to certain acquisitions
Division 1 — Rights relating to fixed infrastructure
204A.When fixed infrastructure access rights are taken into account in determining entitlement to land assets1
204B.When fixed infrastructure statutory licences are treated as land assets in calculating duty1
204C.Unencumbered value of fixed infrastructure statutory licences treated as land assets1
204D.Associated entities for s. 204A and 204B1
Division 2 — Derivative mining rights
204E.Unencumbered value of mining tenement subject to derivative mining right1
Division 3 — Acquisitions forming one arrangement
204F.Acquisitions in 2 or more entities forming one arrangement1
204G.Modified application of s. 176 if entity becomes landholder because of acquisitions forming one arrangement1
204H.Reassessment of landholder duty if amount of duty chargeable changes because of acquisitions forming one arrangement1
Chapter 3A — Additional duty for foreign persons
Part 1 — Preliminary
205A.Terms used1
205B.Associate1
205C.Foreign corporation1
205D.Foreign trust1
205E.Residential property1
Part 2 — Foreign transfer duty
Division 1 — Preliminary
205F.Terms used1
Division 2 — Imposition of foreign transfer duty
205G.Foreign transfer duty imposed1
Division 3 — Foreign dutiable transactions
205H.Foreign dutiable transaction1
205I.New residential property1
Division 4 — Collection of foreign transfer duty
205J.When liability for duty arises1
205K.Who is liable to pay duty1
205L.Joint tenants to be treated as tenants in common in equal shares1
205M.Foreign transfer duty declaration to be lodged1
205N.When duty must be paid1
205O.Rate of foreign transfer duty1
205P.Dutiable value1
205Q.No double foreign transfer duty1
205R.Interim assessment of foreign transfer duty1
205RA.Foreign transfer duty on deemed transaction under s. 120B(2)1
Division 5 — Application of Chapter 2 Part 5 to certain transactions
205S.Application of Chapter 2 Part 5 to foreign dutiable transactions1
205T.References to residential trust acquisition1
205U.References to residential trust surrender1
205V.Dutiable value of residential trust acquisition or residential trust surrender1
205W.Share disposition taken to be agreement for transfer of trust property1
205X.References to residential partnership acquisition1
Division 6 — Exemptions and reassessment
Subdivision 1 — Exempt transactions
205Y.Transactions on which minimum, nominal or no transfer duty payable1
205Z.Transactions relating to agreements for transfer of residential property1
Subdivision 2 — Exemptions relating to construction, refurbishment and subdivision
205ZA.Exemption relating to construction or refurbishment of 10 or more dwellings1
205ZB.Exemption relating to subdivision for purpose of constructing 10 or more dwellings1
Subdivision 3 — Reassessment
205ZC.Reassessment1
Part 3 — Foreign landholder duty
Division 1 — Preliminary
205ZD.Terms used1
Division 2 — Application of Chapter 3
205ZE.Application of Chapter 31
Division 3 — Imposition of foreign landholder duty
205ZF.Foreign landholder duty imposed1
Division 4 — Residential landholders to which this Part applies
205ZG.Which entities are residential landholders1
Division 5 — Acquisitions to which this Part applies
205ZH.Foreign landholder acquisitions1
Division 6 — Collection of foreign landholder duty
205ZJ.Rate of foreign landholder duty1
205ZK.Calculation of foreign landholder duty where landholder duty calculated under s. 1931
205ZKA.Modified application of s. 176 if entity becomes residential landholder because of acquisitions forming one arrangement1
Division 7 — Interim assessment of foreign landholder duty
205ZL.Interim assessment of foreign landholder duty1
Division 8 — Exemptions and reassessment
Subdivision 1 — Exempt acquisitions
205ZM.Exemption or reduction of foreign landholder duty if foreign transfer duty would not be chargeable1
205ZN.Exemption for certain acquisitions treated as made under agreement referred to in s. 176(2)1
Subdivision 2 — Exemptions relating to construction, refurbishment and subdivision
205ZO.Exemption relating to construction or refurbishment of 10 or more dwellings1
205ZP.Exemption relating to subdivision for purpose of constructing 10 or more dwellings1
205ZQ.Calculation of duty where some land of landholder not part of parcel of land1
Subdivision 3 — Reassessment
205ZR.Reassessment1
Division 9 — Lodgment of declaration
205ZS.Foreign landholder duty declaration to be lodged1
205ZT.Failure to lodge foreign landholder duty declaration1
Chapter 4 — Insurance duty
Part 1 — Preliminary
206.Terms used1
Part 2 — Imposition of insurance duty
207.Insurance duty imposed1
208.Contract of insurance1
209.General insurance1
210.Additional insurance in life insurance policy is general insurance1
211.Premium1
212.When premium paid1
Part 3 — Collection of insurance duty
Division 1 — Liability
213.Who is liable to pay duty1
214.General insurer1
Division 2 — Amount of insurance duty
215.Amount of duty payable1
216.Policies effecting general insurance and other insurance, duty on1
Division 3 — Insurers
217.General insurers to apply to be registered1
218.Registration of general insurers1
219.Return period of registered insurer1
220.Registered insurers to lodge returns1
221.Time for payment of duty by insurers1
222.Cancelling registration of general insurers1
Division 4 — Insured persons
223.Some insured persons to lodge statements1
224.Time for payment of duty by insured persons1
Part 4 — General provisions as to insurance duty
225.Insurer and intermediary to notify Commissioner of contracts of insurance1
226.Refunds of duty if premium refunded1
227.Records to be kept1
Chapter 5 — Vehicle licence duty
Part 1 — Preliminary
228.Terms used1
Part 2 — Imposition of vehicle licence duty
229.Vehicle licence duty imposed1
230.Vehicle and licence1
Part 3 — Collection of vehicle licence duty
Division 1 — Preliminary
231.Terms used1
Division 2 — Liability
232.Who is liable to pay duty1
Division 3 — Assessment and payment of vehicle licence duty
233.Assessment of duty1
234.Applicant for licence to state dutiable value of vehicle etc.1
235.Payment of duty1
Division 4 — Amount of vehicle licence duty
236.Amount of duty payable1
Division 5 — Dutiable value of a vehicle
237.Certain new vehicles, dutiable value of1
238.Certain other vehicles, dutiable value of1
239.Specialised vehicles, dutiable value of1
Part 4 — Exemptions and nominal duty
Division 1 — Exemptions — general
240.If no vehicle licence fee payable under Vehicles Act1
241.If transfer is a reconstruction transaction1
242.If vehicle previously licensed to licence holder1
243.If licence is for certain heavy vehicle1
244A.If transfer is between spouses or de facto partners1
244B.If agreement for purchase of vehicle is terminated or vehicle is returned1
244.If licence is for prescribed class of person or vehicle etc.1
Division 2 — Exemptions — motor vehicle dealers
245.Use of vehicle includes for minor incidental purposes1
246.If licence is for vehicle in dealer’s trading stock, demonstrator vehicle or service demonstrator vehicle1
247.If licence is for vehicle used for charitable etc. purposes1
248.Change of permitted use of exempt vehicle, Commissioner to be notified1
249.Change of use of exempt vehicle to non‑permitted use, consequences of1
Division 3 — Nominal duty
250.Transactions chargeable with nominal duty1
Part 5 — General provisions as to vehicle licence duty
251.Failure to apply for transfer of licence1
252.Seller to state dutiable value of vehicle etc.1
253.Functions of CEO and Commissioner1
254.Form of certain declarations1
255.CEO’s duties1
256.Records to be kept by dealers1
Chapter 6 — Certain exemptions for connected entities
257.Terms used1
258.Members of family1
259.Relevant consolidation transaction1
260.Relevant reconstruction transaction1
260A.Consideration provided as loan1
261.Predetermining certain questions1
262.Application for exemption1
263.Grant of exemption1
264.Commissioner to be notified of certain events after exempt relevant transaction1
264A.Automatic revocation of exemption1
265.Revocation of exemption by Commissioner1
266.Liability for duty and tax if exemption revoked1
266A.Reduction of duty following automatic revocation or refusal of exemption1
266B.Reduction of duty following automatic revocation or refusal of exemption resulting from relevant acquisition1
266C.Property in relation to which landholder duty taken to be chargeable for s. 266B1
266D.Application of s. 266B and 266C to foreign transfer duty and foreign landholder duty1
Chapter 6A — Off‑the‑plan concession for transfer duty and foreign transfer duty
266E.Terms used1
266F.Concessional pre‑construction agreement1
266FA.Concessional under construction agreement1
266G.New residential unit or apartment1
266H.Concession day for agreement1
266I.Unadjusted duty amount for agreement1
266J.Determining when development for subdivision of land commences and is completed1
266K.Reduction of duty on concessional off‑the‑plan agreement1
266L.Concession amount1
266M.Concession amount for concessional off‑the‑plan agreement relating to 2 or more properties1
266N.Aggregation of transactions1
266O.Application for off‑the‑plan concession1
Chapter 7 — General anti‑avoidance provisions
267.Term used: scheme1
268.Tax avoidance scheme M, MC1
269.Deciding whether proposed scheme would be disregarded under s. 2701
270.Certain tax avoidance schemes, Commissioner may disregard1
271.Statement in relation to determination1
Chapter 8 — Other general provisions
Part 1 — Duty endorsement
272.Duty endorsed1
273A.Duty endorsement: electronic conveyancing instruments1
273.Endorsing transaction records as to duty paid etc.1
274.Endorsement of duty that depends on duty paid on another transaction1
275.Duty endorsement is evidence of certain matters1
Part 2 — Enforcement
276.Dutiable transactions etc. not to be registered etc. unless duty endorsed1
277.Business licences not to be registered etc. unless duty endorsed or instrument lodged1
278.Caveat as to dutiable transaction not to be registered unless transaction is duty endorsed or lodged1
279.Use of transaction records in civil proceedings1
280.Unlodged instruments, duty of non‑party to lodge1
Part 3 — Miscellaneous
281.Transaction records etc., Commissioner’s power to destroy1
282.Correction of errors1
283.Amounts expressed in foreign currency1
284.Application of Corporations Act s. 1070A(1)(a) limited1
285.Regulations1
286.Transitional provisions (Sch. 3)1
Schedule 1 — When liability for transfer duty on a dutiable transaction arises and the person liable to pay it
Schedule 2 — Rates of transfer duty
Division 1 — General rate
Division 2 — Concessional rates
Division 3 — Nominal duty
Schedule 3 — Transitional provisions
Division 1 — Provisions for Duties Act 2008
Subdivision 1 — Preliminary
1.Terms used1
Subdivision 2 — Provisions for Chapter 2
2.When Ch. 2 starts to apply1
3.No double duty1
4.Alteration of consideration (s. 31)1
5.Aggregation (s. 37)1
6.Exchanges (s. 40)1
7.Exempt bodies (s. 92)1
8.Family farm transactions (s. 104 and 105)1
9.Matrimonial and de facto relationship instruments (s. 129, 130)1
10.First home owners (Part 6 Div. 3)1
Subdivision 3 — Provisions for Chapter 3
11.When Ch. 3 starts to apply1
12.Acquisitions under an agreement made before 1 July 20081
Subdivision 4 — Provisions for Chapter 4
14.Terms used1
15.When Ch. 4 starts to apply1
16.Registration1
Subdivision 5 — Provisions for Chapter 5
17.Terms used1
18.When Ch. 5 starts to apply1
19.New vehicles (s. 228)1
20.Specialised vehicles (s. 239)1
21.Approval of philanthropic purposes (s. 247)1
22.Transfer of vehicles, nominal duty on (s. 250)1
23.Statements made under Stamp Act 1921 s. 76H (s. 252)1
Subdivision 6 — Provisions for Chapter 7
24.When Ch. 7 starts to apply1
Subdivision 7 — General
25.Some references to duty include stamp duty1
26.Application of some Ch. 8 provisions1
27.Regulations1
28.Stamp Act 1921, references to1
Division 4 — Provisions for Revenue Laws Amendment Act 2010 section 5
31.Terms used1
32.Certain relevant reconstruction transactions1
Division 5 — Provisions for Duties Amendment Act (No. 2) 2011
33.Term used: relevant period1
34.When transfer duty deemed to arise in certain cases1
35.When landholder duty deemed to arise in certain cases1
Division 6 — Provisions for Revenue Laws Amendment Act 2013 Part 2
36.Interim assessments1
Division 7 — Provisions for Taxation Legislation Amendment Act 2015
37.Terms used1
38.Duty on certain relevant acquisitions1
Division 8 — Provisions for Duties Amendment (Additional Duty for Foreign Persons) Act 2018
39.Terms used1
40.When Ch. 3A Pt. 2 starts to apply1
41.Agreements entered into before 1 January 20191
42.Declaration of trusts made before 1 January 20191
43.Other transactions before 1 January 20191
44.When Ch. 3A Pt. 3 starts to apply1
45.Application of some Ch. 8 provisions1
Division 9 — Provisions for Revenue Laws Amendment Act 2019
46.Terms used1
47.Application of amendments made by Revenue Laws Amendment Act 20191
48.Definition of land taken always to have included pastoral leases1
49.Validation of administration agreements entered into before commencement day1
50.Transfers of vehicle licences between spouses between 1 July 2014 and commencement day1
51.Provisions relating to exemptions for connected entities1
52.Provisions about validated assessments1
53.Application of s. 195B and 195 to acquisitions before commencement day1
54.Provisions about derivative mining rights1
Division 10 — Provisions relating to Duties Amendment Act 2022
55.Terms used1
56.Application of amendments made by Duties Amendment Act 2022 Part 21
57.Validation of certain reassessments and refunds of vehicle licence duty by CEO before commencement day1
58.Application of amendments made by Duties Amendment Act 2022 Part 31
59.Provisions relating to residential concession1
Division 11 — Provisions for Duties Amendment (Farm in Agreements) Act 2022
Subdivision 1 — Preliminary
60.Terms used1
61.Assessments1
Subdivision 2 — Provisions relating to Chapter 2 Part 5 Division 9
62.Application of section 91K(2)1
63.Application of Chapter 2 Part 5 Division 91
Subdivision 3 — Deemed section 13 farm‑in agreements
64.Certain agreements taken to be farm‑in agreements under section 131
65.Variations and other events affecting section 13 farm‑in agreements1
Subdivision 4 — Ongoing application of Act in relation to section 13 farm‑in agreements
66.Act to apply in relation to section 13 farm‑in agreements as if sections 4 to 13 of amending Act not enacted1
Subdivision 5 — Modifications of section 13
67.Restriction on activities regarded as exploration or development for purposes of section 13(2)1
68.Commissioner may allow expenditure on administrative costs to be regarded as expenditure on exploration or development for purposes of section 13(2)1
Subdivision 6 — Duty chargeable in relation to section 13 farm‑in agreements
69.Application of Schedule 1 to deemed section 13 farm‑in agreements1
70.Section 13 farm‑in agreements: modified rules relating to charging of duty1
71.Changes to consideration1
72.No double duty: exploration amount1
73.No double duty: mining tenements1
74.No double duty: derivative mining rights1
Division 12 — Provisions for Duties Amendment (Off‑the‑Plan Concession and Foreign Persons Exemptions) Act 2023
75.Terms used1
76.Provisions relating to amendments to Chapter 3A1
77.Provisions relating to Chapter 6A1
Division 13 — Provisions for Duties Amendment (First Home Owner Concessions) Act 2024
78.Terms used1
79.Relevant first home owner concessional transaction1
80.Application of amended concession provisions1
Notes
Compilation table1
Uncommenced provisions table1
Other notes1
Defined terms
Western Australia
Duties Act 2008
This is the Duties Act 2008.
This Act comes into operation as follows:
(a)sections 1 and 2 — on the day on which this Act receives the Royal Assent;
(b)the rest of the Act — on 1 July 2008.
In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears —
chattel does not include any of the following —
(a)chattels that are stock‑in‑trade;
(b)chattels held for use in manufacture;
(c)chattels under manufacture;
(d)chattels held or used in connection with the business of primary production;
(e)livestock;
(f)a vehicle the transfer or grant of a licence for which is chargeable with, or exempt from, vehicle licence duty;
(g)a ship or vessel;
(ga)a thing that is land to which section 3A(1)(f) applies;
(h)any other chattel prescribed for the purpose of this definition;
consideration means the amount of a monetary consideration or the value of a non‑monetary consideration;
corporate trustee has the meaning given in section 65;
corporation has the meaning given in the Corporations Act section 57A;
Corporations Act means the Corporations Act 2001 (Commonwealth);
court includes a tribunal;
derivative mining right means an authorisation of a kind described in the Mining Act 1978 section 118A (whether or not the authorisation purports to be made under that section);
director has the meaning given in the Corporations Act section 9;
discretionary trust means —
(a)a trust under which the vesting of the whole or any part of the capital of the trust property, or the whole or any part of the income from that capital, or both —
(i)is required to be determined by a person either in respect of the identity of the beneficiaries, or the quantum of interest to be taken, or both; or
(ii)will occur in the event that a discretion conferred under the trust is not exercised;
or
(b)a trust that is, by regulation, declared to be a discretionary trust for the purposes of this Act,
but does not include —
(c)a trust that is solely a charitable trust; or
(ca)a unit trust scheme; or
(d)a trust that is, by regulation, declared not to be a discretionary trust for the purposes of this Act;
diversification lease has the meaning given in the Land Administration Act 1997 section 92B(1);
diversification lessee has the meaning given in the Land Administration Act 1997 section 3(1);
duplicate of a transaction record for a dutiable transaction means an executed instrument that wholly reproduces the transaction record;
dutiable property has the meaning given in section 15;
dutiable transaction has the meaning given in section 11;
duties Act means this Act or the Taxation Administration Act;
duty means duty under this Act;
duty endorsed has the meaning given in section 272;
entitled means —
(a)in relation to a person as the trustee of a unit trust scheme or other trust — entitled for the purposes of the scheme or trust; and
(b)otherwise — beneficially entitled;
exempt body means —
(a)the State of Western Australia; or
(b)a public authority declared to be an exempt body under section 92; or
(c)a local government, except when it acts in its capacity as the trustee of a superannuation fund;
fixed infrastructure has the meaning given in section 91A;
fixed infrastructure access right has the meaning given in section 91A;
fixed infrastructure control right has the meaning given in section 91A;
fixed infrastructure statutory licence has the meaning given in section 91A;
foreign dutiable transaction has the meaning given in section 205H;
foreign landholder duty means duty under Chapter 3A Part 3;
foreign transfer duty means duty under Chapter 3A Part 2;
general rate of duty means the rate set out in Schedule 2 Division 1;
GST has the meaning given in the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Commonwealth) except that it includes notional GST of the kind for which payments may be made under the State Entities (Payments) Act 1999 by a person that is a State entity as defined in that Act;
industrial association means any of the following —
(a)an organisation registered under the Industrial Relations Act 1979 section 53 or 54;
(b)an association of employees, or an association of employers, registered as an organisation, or recognised, under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (Commonwealth);
(c)an association of employees registered or recognised as a trade union (however described) under the law of another State or a Territory;
(d)an association of employers registered or recognised as such (however described) under the law of another State or a Territory;
(e)an association of employees a principal purpose of which is the protection and promotion of the employees’ interests in matters concerning their employment;
land has a meaning affected by section 3A;
landholder duty means duty under Chapter 3;
lease does not include a strata lease;
local government means —
(a)a local government established under the Local Government Act 1995; or
(b)a regional local government or regional subsidiary established under the Local Government Act 1995 Part 3 Division 4; or
(c)an association constituted under the Local Government Act 1995 section 9.58;
lodge means lodge with the Commissioner, and if the Commissioner has established procedures for the electronic lodgment and recording of data on dutiable transactions, includes to lodge in accordance with those procedures;
majority shareholder, in relation to a corporation, means a person that would have a substantial holding in the corporation under the definition of substantial holding in the Corporations Act section 9 if the reference in that definition to 5% were a reference to 50%;
mining tenement means any of the following —
(a)a mining tenement held under the Mining Act 1978 being a mining tenement within the meaning of that Act or the Mining Act 1904 1;
(b)a mining tenement or right of occupancy continued in force by the Mining Act 1978 section 5;
nominal duty means the amount of duty referred to in Schedule 2 Division 3;
order includes determination, judgment or decree;
partnership has the meaning given in the Partnership Act 1895 section 7;
pastoral lease has the meaning given in the Land Administration Act 1997 section 3(1);
pastoral lessee has the meaning given in the Land Administration Act 1997 section 3(1);
political party means a body or organisation, whether incorporated or unincorporated, having as one of its objects or activities the promotion of the election to the Parliament of the Commonwealth, or to a Parliament of a State or Territory, of a candidate or candidates endorsed by it or by a body or organisation of which it forms part;
prescribed means prescribed by regulation;
prescribed financial market means a financial market, as defined in the Corporations Act section 767A(1), that is prescribed for this definition;
primary production has the meaning given in section 101A;
professional association means a body or organisation, whether incorporated or unincorporated, having as one of its objects or activities the promotion of the interests of its members in any profession;
promote trade, industry or commerce includes to carry out an undertaking a purpose of which includes the promotion of, or the advocacy for, trade, industry or commerce, whether generally or in respect of any particular kind of trade, industry or commerce;
public authority means —
(a)a trading concern, instrumentality or public utility of the State; or
(b)any other person or body, whether corporate or not, who or which, under the authority of a written law, administers or carries on for the benefit of the State, a social service or public utility;
public float has the meaning given in section 257;
registered scheme has the meaning given in the Corporations Act section 9;
related corporation has the meaning related body corporate is given in the Corporations Act section 9;
relevant body has the meaning given in section 96A;
relocatable home means a relocatable home as defined in the Residential Parks (Long-stay Tenants) Act 2006 Glossary;
residential park site means a site (as defined in the Residential Parks (Long-stay Tenants) Act 2006 Glossary) in a residential park (as defined in that Glossary);
residential property has the meaning given in section 205E;
security interest means the estate or interest of a mortgagee, chargee or other secured creditor;
share —
(a)in Chapter 2 Part 5 Division 3 — has the meaning given in section 63; and
(b)otherwise — means a share or stock of a corporation or an interest in a share or stock of a corporation;
strata lease has the meaning given in the Strata Titles Act 1985 section 3(1);
supply, in relation to an amount of GST, has the meaning given in the A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999 (Commonwealth);
Taxation Administration Act means the Taxation Administration Act 2003;
transaction includes an event;
transaction record, in relation to a dutiable transaction, means —
(a)an instrument that effects, or evidences, the dutiable transaction; or
(b)a transfer duty statement for the dutiable transaction; or
(c)a copy or memorandum that, under the Taxation Administration Act section 20, is treated as an instrument or statement referred to in paragraph (a) or (b);
transfer duty means duty under Chapter 2;
transfer duty statement means a statement referred to in section 22(1);
vehicle licence duty means duty under Chapter 5;
wound up has the meaning given in section 7(1).
Note for this section:
Other terms are defined or explained in the Chapters in which they are used. At the end of this Act there is an alphabetical list of all terms that are defined anywhere in this Act. See also section 4(2).
[Section 3 amended: No. 17 of 2010 s. 11; No. 33 of 2011 s. 4; No. 2 of 2014 s. 49; No. 1 of 2015 s. 10; No. 8 of 2015 s. 4; No. 26 of 2016 s. 50; No. 24 of 2018 s. 4; No. 12 of 2019 s. 4; No. 30 of 2018 s. 131; No. 4 of 2023 s. 113.]
[Modification, to section 3, to have effect under the Commonwealth Places (Mirror Taxes Administration) Act 1999 s. 7, see Commonwealth Places (Mirror Taxes Administration) Regulations 2007 r. 7 and endnote 1M.]
[Modification, to section 3, to have effect under the Commonwealth Places (Mirror Taxes) Act 1998 (Commonwealth) s. 8, see Commonwealth Places (Mirror Taxes) (Modification of Applied Laws (WA)) Notice 2007 cl. 8 and endnote 1MC.]
(1)In this Act, land includes the following —
(a)an estate or interest in land;
(b)a mining tenement;
(c)an estate or interest in a mining tenement;
(d)a pastoral lease;
(e)an interest of a pastoral lessee under a pastoral lease;
(ea)a diversification lease;
(eb)an interest of a diversification lessee under a diversification lease;
(f)anything fixed to land (including land the subject of a mining tenement, pastoral lease or diversification lease), whether or not the thing —
(i)constitutes a fixture at law; or
(ii)is owned separately from the land; or
(iii)is notionally severed or considered to be legally separate from the land as a result of the operation of any law of the State or the Commonwealth;
(g)an estate or interest in a thing to which subsection (1)(f) applies.
(2)In this Act, land does not include —
(a)a carbon right or a carbon covenant registered under the Carbon Rights Act 2003; or
(b)a derivative mining right.
(3)Without limiting subsection (1)(f), a thing is taken to be fixed to land if it has a physical connection to the land or is buried or partly buried under the surface of the land.
(4)Subsection (1)(f) does not apply to the following —
(a)a thing that is fixed to land on a temporary basis and only for the purpose of being used in construction works;
(b)a thing that does not constitute a fixture at law and that is held or used in connection with the business of primary production;
(c)a relocatable home fixed to a residential park site, or an addition or structure fixed or attached to the home or site for the use or enjoyment of the occupier of the home, that does not constitute a fixture at law;
(d)a thing of a kind prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.
(5)A paragraph of subsection (1) is not to be taken into account in determining the meaning of land when used in another paragraph of subsection (1).
[Section 3A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 5; amended: No. 4 of 2023 s. 114.]
4.Relationship with Taxation Administration Act 2003
(1)The Taxation Administration Act provides for the administration and enforcement of this Act.
(2)If a term has a meaning in the Taxation Administration Act, it has the same meaning in this Act unless the contrary intention appears in this Act.
Note for this subsection:
Under the Taxation Administration Act 2003 section 3(2), this Act is to be read with that Act as if they formed one Act.
(3)If this Act requires duty to be paid within a period, the duty is due for payment, for the purposes of the Taxation Administration Act, on the last day of that period.
5.GST, effect of on value or consideration
In ascertaining the value of anything or the consideration for anything, there is to be no discount for the amount of GST (if any) payable on the supply of that thing.
6.Determining family relationships
(1)In this section —
step‑child, of a person, means a child of a spouse or de facto partner of the person.
(2)In determining whether a person is a family member of, or related to, another person —
(a)an illegitimate person is to be treated as the legitimate child of that person’s parents; and
(b)it is irrelevant whether a relationship is of the whole or half‑blood, or whether it is a natural relationship or a relationship established by a written law.
(3)In determining for the purposes of section 43(1)(c) or (ca), 87(6)(a), (c) or (h) or 100(1)(a) or (c) whether a person is a child or remoter lineal descendant of another person, a step‑child of a person is to be treated as a child.
(4)In determining for the purposes of section 162(1)(b) whether the relationship between individuals is that of parent and child, a step‑child of a person is to be treated as a child.
[Section 6 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 6.]
7.References to being wound up
(1)A reference to being wound up is —
(a)in the case of a corporation — to it being wound up in accordance with its constitution (so far as it has a constitution that deals with its winding up) and in accordance with any law for the time being applicable; and
(b)in the case of a unit trust scheme — to it being terminated in accordance with the provisions of the trust deed or any other document constituting the scheme and in accordance with any law for the time being applicable.
(2)A winding up begins —
(a)in the case of a corporation — when the winding up is taken to begin under the Corporations Act; and
(b)in the case of a unit trust scheme —
(i)when any circumstance or event occurs, or any time arrives, that, because of the trust deed or other document constituting the scheme, requires the scheme to be wound up; or
(ii)when the holders of units issued under the scheme pass a resolution directing the trustee to wind up the scheme; or
(iii)when the trustee decides to wind up the scheme; or
(iv)when a court orders that the scheme be wound up,
whichever happens first.
[8A., 8B.1M Modification, to insert sections 8A and 8B, to have effect under the Commonwealth Places (Mirror Taxes Administration) Act 1999 s. 7, see Commonwealth Places (Mirror Taxes Administration) Regulations 2007 r. 8 and endnote 1M.]
[8A., 8B.1MC Modification, to insert sections 8A and 8B to have effect under the Commonwealth Places (Mirror Taxes) Act 1998 (Commonwealth) s. 8, see Commonwealth Places (Mirror Taxes) (Modification of Applied Laws (WA)) Notice 2007 cl. 9 and endnote 1MC.]
A note included in this Act is explanatory and is not part of this Act.
In this Chapter, unless the contrary intention appears —
concessional farm‑in transaction has the meaning given in section 91K(1);
concessional rate of duty means a rate set out in Schedule 2 Division 2;
conditional agreement has the meaning given in section 87;
consideration has a meaning affected by section 30;
de facto partner of 2 years, in relation to a person, means a person who is living in a de facto relationship with the person and has lived on that basis with the person for at least 2 years;
de facto partners of 2 years means 2 de facto partners of 2 years who are living in a de facto relationship with each other;
declaration of trust means any declaration (other than by a will) that any identified property vested or to be vested in the person making the declaration is or is to be held in trust for the person or persons, or the purpose or purposes, mentioned in the declaration although the beneficial owner of the property, or the person entitled to appoint the property, may not have joined in or assented to the declaration;
disposition, in relation to a share, has the meaning given in section 63;
dutiable value has the meaning given in Part 4 Division 5;
duty means duty under this Chapter;
entity has the meaning given in section 152;
exempt transaction means a dutiable transaction on which duty is not chargeable;
exploration requirement has the meaning given in section 91K(1);
Family Court Act means the Family Court Act 1997;
farmee has the meaning given in section 91K(1);
farming land conditional agreement has the meaning given in section 88;
general conditional agreement means any conditional agreement other than the following —
(a)a farming land conditional agreement;
(b)a mining tenement conditional agreement;
(c)an issue of title conditional agreement;
(d)a subdivision conditional agreement;
interest in a discretionary trust has the meaning given in section 60;
issue of title conditional agreement has the meaning given in section 90;
managed investment scheme has the meaning given in the Corporations Act section 9;
mining tenement conditional agreement has the meaning given in section 89;
new dutiable property has the meaning given in section 17;
partnership acquisition has the meaning given in section 72;
partnership interest has the meaning given in section 74;
person liable to pay duty, in respect of a dutiable transaction, has the meaning given in section 20;
right has the meaning given in section 16;
scheme property, in relation to a managed investment scheme, has the meaning given to that term in the Corporations Act in relation to a registered scheme;
simultaneous put and call option has the meaning given in section 44;
special dutiable property has the meaning given in section 18;
subdivision conditional agreement has the meaning given in section 91;
surrender includes the following —
(a)abandonment;
(b)abrogation;
(c)cancellation;
(d)extinguishment;
(e)forfeiture;
(f)redemption;
(g)relinquishment;
taker in default has the meaning given in section 54;
terminated on relevant grounds, in relation to a conditional agreement, has the meaning given in section 88A(2);
transfer includes assignment and exchange;
trust acquisition has the meaning given in section 55;
trust surrender has the meaning given in section 56;
unencumbered value has the meaning given in section 36;
Western Australian business has the meaning given in section 79;
Western Australian business asset has the meaning given in section 79.
[Section 9 amended: No. 17 of 2010 s. 4; No. 37 of 2022 s. 4.]
Part 2 — Imposition of transfer duty
Duty is imposed on dutiable transactions.
Part 3 — Dutiable transactions and dutiable property
Division 1 — Dutiable transactions
(1)Subject to subsection (2), any of the following is a dutiable transaction —
(a)a transfer of dutiable property;
(b)an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property, whether conditional or not;
(c)a declaration of trust over dutiable property;
(d)a vesting of dutiable property —
(i)by, or expressly authorised by, statute law of this or another jurisdiction, whether inside or outside Australia; or
(ii)by, or as a consequence of, a court order of this or another jurisdiction, whether inside or outside Australia;
(e)a foreclosure of a mortgage over dutiable property;
(f)an acquisition of new dutiable property, on its creation, grant or issue;
(g)a surrender of special dutiable property;
(h)a trust acquisition or trust surrender;
(i)a partnership acquisition;
(j)a concessional farm‑in transaction.
(2)The following transactions are not dutiable transactions —
(a)a transaction the subject of which is a right if no consideration is paid, or agreed to be paid, for the transaction;
(b)a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, a lease if no consideration is paid, or agreed to be paid, for the transfer or agreement;
(c)a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, a security interest, if the consideration for the transfer, or agreement, is equal to or greater than the market value of the security interest;
(d)a transaction the subject of which is a unit in a unit trust scheme;
(e)a transaction prescribed as an excluded transaction for the purposes of this section.
(3)Subsection (2)(a) does not apply to a right referred to in section 16(1)(h), (i) or (j) or (3)(aa).
(4)Subsection (2)(b) does not apply to a pastoral lease or diversification lease.
[Section 11 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 7; No. 37 of 2022 s. 5; No. 4 of 2023 s. 115.]
12.Vesting of property by statute law
(1)Without limiting section 11(1)(d)(i), property is vested under statute law if the law vests the property in an entity that the law states is the successor in law of, continuation of or same entity as, the entity in which the property was previously vested.
(2)However, property is not vested under statute law on the registration of a company under the Corporations Act Chapter 5B Part 5B.
(3)The merger of a corporation (company A) with and into another corporation (company B) in circumstances where neither subsection (4) nor subsection (5) applies is taken to be a vesting of the property in Western Australia of company A in company B by statute law.
(4)A merger of corporations (the merging corporations) in circumstances where another corporation (company C) results as a consequence of the merger is taken to be a vesting of the property in Western Australia of the merging corporations in company C by statute law.
(5)A merger of corporations (the merging corporations) with and into each other in circumstances where each of the merging corporations continues in existence is taken to be a vesting in the merging corporations, jointly, of 50% (in value) of the property in Western Australia of the merging corporations by statute law.
[13.Deleted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 6.]
14.Transactions as to chattels alone not usually dutiable
(1)Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a transaction is not a dutiable transaction if the only dutiable property the subject of the transaction is a chattel in Western Australia.
(2)A transaction referred to in subsection (1) is a dutiable transaction if, under section 37, it is aggregated with a transaction that is a dutiable transaction and the transactions are treated as a single dutiable transaction.
(3)A transaction referred to in subsection (1) is a dutiable transaction if —
(a)there is a relevant acquisition for the purposes of Chapter 3 or an agreement for the making of such an acquisition; and
(b)the transaction and the acquisition or agreement together form, evidence, give effect to or arise from what is, substantially one arrangement.
(4)Without limiting subsection (3), unless the Commissioner is satisfied to the contrary, a transaction and an acquisition or agreement together form, evidence, give effect to or arise from what is, substantially one arrangement if —
(a)the transaction has taken place, and the acquisition or agreement has been made, within 12 months; and
(b)in respect of both the transaction and the acquisition or agreement, the person liable to pay duty is the same person (whether that person is the only person liable to pay duty or is liable to pay duty with the same or different persons).
(5)A reference in subsection (4) to a person liable to pay duty on the transaction is a reference to a person that would be liable to pay duty if the transaction were a dutiable transaction.
[Section 14 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 9.]
Division 2 — Dutiable property
Any of the following is dutiable property —
(a)land in Western Australia;
(b)a right;
(c)a chattel in Western Australia;
(d)a Western Australian business asset.
(1)A reference to a right is to any of the following —
(a)an option to acquire dutiable property, unless the option is part of a simultaneous put and call option over dutiable property;
(b)a right of pre‑emption for dutiable property;
(c)a right to acquire dutiable property;
(d)a right under a joint venture relating to dutiable property of the joint venture;
(e)a right to exploit dutiable property;
(f)a right to income from dutiable property;
(g)a right to the capital growth of dutiable property;
(h)a fixed infrastructure control right;
(i)a fixed infrastructure access right;
(j)a fixed infrastructure statutory licence.
(2)A right referred to in subsection (1)(a) to (g) exists in relation to dutiable property only if the transfer of the property would be a dutiable transaction.
(3)Without limiting subsection (1), a right includes the following —
(a)a right under an application under the Mining Act 1978 for a mining tenement;
(aa)a derivative mining right;
(b)a licence, or a water entitlement under a licence, under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 section 5C;
(ba)a part of, or an interest in, a right referred to in subsection (1) or this subsection;
(c)any other thing prescribed for the purposes of this section.
(4)Subsection (1)(a) to (g) do not apply to a right to the extent that the right is a fixed infrastructure control right, a fixed infrastructure access right or a fixed infrastructure statutory licence.
[Section 16 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 10.]
(1)Any of the following is new dutiable property —
(a)land in Western Australia;
(b)the following rights —
(i)an option to acquire dutiable property, unless the option is part of a simultaneous put and call option over dutiable property;
(ii)a right to acquire dutiable property;
(iia)a fixed infrastructure control right;
(iib)a fixed infrastructure access right;
(iic)a derivative mining right;
(iii)any other right prescribed for the purposes of this subsection;
(c)in section 81(4) and (5), the following Western Australian business assets —
(i)intellectual property;
(ii)a restraint of trade arrangement;
(iii)a business identity.
(2)The following are not new dutiable property —
(a)a security interest in dutiable property;
(aa)an estate in land created as a community lot in a community titles scheme on the registration of the community titles scheme or an amendment of the community titles scheme under the Community Titles Act 2018;
Note for this subparagraph:
Common property created on the registration or amendment of a community titles scheme is also not new dutiable property.
(ab)an estate in land referred to in the Community Titles Act 2018 section 154(2)(b)(ii), (c)(ii) or (d)(iii) created on termination of a community titles scheme under that Act;
(ac)an estate in land created as a strata lot in a freehold or a leasehold scheme on the registration of the strata titles scheme or an amendment of the strata titles scheme under the Strata Titles Act 1985;
Note for this paragraph:
Common property created on the registration or amendment of a strata titles scheme is also not new dutiable property.
(ad)an estate in land created on termination of a strata titles scheme under the Strata Titles Act 1985;
(b)a partner’s interest in a partnership;
(c)a lease (including a diversification lease but not including a pastoral lease) if no consideration is paid, or agreed to be paid, for the grant of the lease;
(ca)a pastoral lease, or an interest of a pastoral lessee under a pastoral lease, if the grant of the lease under the Land Administration Act 1997 section 101 is not subject to the payment of a sale price;
(d)a mining tenement;
[(e)deleted]
(f)a licence, or a water entitlement under a licence, under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 section 5C;
(g)a profit à prendre created under a timber sharefarming agreement under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 or the Forest Products Act 2000, unless a profit à prendre had been previously created in respect of a crop of trees to which the agreement applies;
(h)a plantation interest, created under an agreement under the Tree Plantation Agreements Act 2003, unless the interest had been previously created in respect of a plantation to which the agreement applies;
(i)any other dutiable property prescribed as excluded property for the purposes of this section.
(3)Without limiting section 11(1)(f), new dutiable property that is land in Western Australia includes an extension of the term of a strata lease for a lot in a leasehold scheme by the postponement of the expiry day for the scheme as referred to in the Strata Titles Act 1985 section 50(3).
[Section 17 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 11; No. 30 of 2018 s. 132; No. 32 of 2018 s. 204; No. 4 of 2023 s. 116.]
Any of the following is special dutiable property —
(a)a life interest in land;
(b)a remainder interest in land;
(c)a lease (other than a pastoral lease or diversification lease), if consideration is paid, or agreed to be paid, by the lessor for the surrender of the lease;
(caa)a pastoral lease or diversification lease (the old lease), in whole or in part, if —
(i)the surrender of the old lease is made as part of an agreement, arrangement or understanding that a pastoral lease or diversification lease (the new lease) be granted to another person; and
(ii)there is, or will be, consideration for the surrender of the old lease; and
(iii)in the case where the new lease is a pastoral lease, the grant of the new lease under the Land Administration Act 1997 section 101 is not subject to the payment of a sale price, or, in the case where the new lease is a diversification lease, there is not, and will not be, any consideration for the grant of the new lease;
(ca)a strata lease;
(d)an easement;
(e)a right of way;
(f)a mining tenement in whole or in part, if the surrender is made in contemplation of, or as part of an agreement that, the tenement, or the part of the tenement, be granted to, or acquired by, another person;
(g)a right under an application under the Mining Act 1978 for a mining tenement;
(ga)a fixed infrastructure control right, if consideration is paid, or agreed to be paid, for the surrender of the right;
(gb)a fixed infrastructure access right, if consideration is paid, or agreed to be paid, for the surrender of the right;
(gc)a derivative mining right, if consideration is paid, or agreed to be paid, for the surrender of the right;
(h)any other dutiable property prescribed for the purposes of this section.
[Section 18 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 12; No. 30 of 2018 s. 133; No. 4 of 2023 s. 117.]
18A.Things fixed to land that are to be permanently removed
(1)Despite section 3A(1)(f) and (g), a thing fixed to land, or an estate or interest in such a thing, is taken not to be land in relation to a particular transaction if —
(a)the transaction is the transfer, or an agreement for the transfer, of the thing or the estate or interest in the thing; and
(b)none of the following are transferred as part of the transaction or another transaction that is aggregated with the transaction under section 37 —
(i)the land, or an estate or interest in the land, to which the thing is fixed;
(ii)if the land to which the thing is fixed is land the subject of a mining tenement — the mining tenement, or an estate or interest in the mining tenement;
and
(c)there is an agreement, arrangement or understanding relating to the transaction under which the thing is to be permanently removed from the land.
(2)Subsection (1) applies whether or not the thing constitutes a fixture at law.
(3)If subsection (1) applies to a thing fixed to land, or an estate or interest in such a thing, the thing is taken to be a chattel for the purposes of this Act.
(4)Subsection (1) ceases to apply to a thing fixed to land, or an estate or interest in such a thing, if the thing is not permanently removed from the land within —
(a)the period of 90 days after the day on which the transfer referred to in subsection (1)(a) occurs; or
(b)any longer period allowed, on application within the period referred to in paragraph (a), by the Commissioner on any conditions the Commissioner thinks fit.
(5)If a failure to remove a thing as referred to in subsection (4) occurs, the transferee must lodge a notice of the failure in the approved form within 2 months after the last day of the period that applies under subsection (4)(a) or (b).
Penalty for this subsection: a fine of $20 000.
(6)Subject to the Taxation Administration Act section 17, the Commissioner must make any reassessment necessary as a result of the operation of subsection (4).
[Section 18A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 13.]
Part 4 — Collection of transfer duty
Division 1 — Liability for transfer duty
19.When liability for duty arises
(1)Subject to subsection (2), liability for duty chargeable on a dutiable transaction described in Schedule 1 column 2, arises at the earlier of —
(a)the time referred to opposite the transaction in column 3; or
(b)if the transaction is, or will be, effected by an instrument, when the instrument is executed.
(2)If a general conditional agreement is terminated on relevant grounds before an instrument is required to be lodged under section 23 in respect of the agreement then liability for duty does not arise in respect of the general conditional agreement.
[Section 19 amended: No. 17 of 2010 s. 5.]
The person liable to pay duty chargeable on a dutiable transaction described in Schedule 1 column 2 is the person described opposite that transaction in Schedule 1 column 4, unless another person is required under this Chapter to pay the duty.
21.Joint tenants to be treated as tenants in common in equal shares
For the purpose of charging duty, joint tenants of dutiable property are taken to hold the dutiable property as tenants in common in equal shares.
Division 2 — Lodging transaction records
In this Division —
digitally sign has the meaning given in the Electronic Conveyancing Act 2014 section 3(1);
electronic conveyancing instrument means an instrument in electronic form that, on being digitally signed, has, under the Electronic Conveyancing Act 2014 section 9(2), the same effect as if a paper document having the equivalent effect had been executed as provided in section 9(2)(a) or (b) of that Act.
[Section 22A inserted: No. 2 of 2014 s. 50.]
22.Transfer duty statement to be made if no instrument
(1)The person liable to pay duty on a dutiable transaction must make a transfer duty statement in the approved form within the time provided under section 23 for lodging the statement unless the transaction is effected, or evidenced, by an instrument in hard copy form.
Penalty: a fine of $20 000.
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1) and section 23(1)(a), an electronic conveyancing instrument that has been digitally signed is to be taken to be an instrument in hard copy form.
[Section 22 amended: No. 2 of 2014 s. 51.]
23.Instrument or statement for dutiable transaction, duty to lodge
(1)Subject to subsection (2), the person liable to pay duty on a dutiable transaction must lodge —
(a)if the transaction is effected by an instrument in hard copy form — that instrument and if there is more than one such instrument, each of them; or
(b)if the transaction is not effected by an instrument in hard copy form — an instrument in hard copy form that evidences the transaction and if there is more than one instrument, each of them, or a transfer duty statement for the transaction,
within 2 months after the day on which liability for duty on the transaction arises.
Penalty: a fine of $5 000.
(2)A person is not required to lodge an instrument in respect of a general conditional agreement in respect of which liability for duty does not arise under section 19(2).
(3)If a transaction is effected by an electronic conveyancing instrument, the person liable to pay duty on the transaction is to be taken to have complied with subsection (1) when the instrument is digitally signed.
[Section 23 amended: No. 17 of 2010 s. 6; No. 2 of 2014 s. 52.]
24.Form of dutiable transaction
It does not matter whether a dutiable transaction —
(a)is effected by an instrument or another way; or
(b)involves one party, or more than one party.
Division 3 — Payment of transfer duty
(1)A person liable to pay duty on a dutiable transaction is to pay the duty within one month after the date of the assessment notice issued in relation to an assessment of the duty, unless a later time is provided under subsection (2) or (3) in respect of the transaction.
(2)Unless subsection (3) applies, duty is to be paid within 12 months after the day on which liability for duty on the transaction arises if the transaction is —
(a)a conditional agreement; or
(b)a dutiable transaction referred to in section 11(1)(a), (b), (c) or (d) if a document relating to the transaction must be registered under —
(i)the Mining Act 1978; or
(ii)the Registration of Deeds Act 1856; or
(iii)the Transfer of Land Act 1893.
(3)Duty is to be paid within 3 years after the day on which liability for duty on the transaction arises if the transaction is —
(a)a subdivision conditional agreement; or
(b)an issue of title conditional agreement.
[Section 25 inserted: No. 17 of 2010 s. 7; amended: No. 10 of 2013 s. 4.]
Division 4 — Rate of transfer duty
(1)Unless otherwise provided in this Chapter, duty is chargeable —
(a)by reference to the dutiable value of a dutiable transaction; and
(b)at the general rate of duty.
(2)The general rate of duty, concessional rates of duty and the amount of nominal duty are set out in Schedule 2.
Subdivision 1 — Dutiable value
27.Dutiable value of dutiable transactions, unless otherwise provided
Unless otherwise provided in this Chapter, the dutiable value of a dutiable transaction is —
(a)the consideration for the dutiable transaction; or
(b)the unencumbered value of the dutiable property the subject of the transaction when liability for duty on the transaction arises if —
(i)there is no consideration for the transaction; or
(ii)the consideration cannot be ascertained when liability for duty on the transaction arises; or
(iii)the unencumbered value is greater than the consideration for the transaction.
28.Dutiable value of certain dutiable transactions
(1)If the value of a dutiable transaction referred to in section 11(1)(d)(ii) or (e) is stated in a court order the value stated in the order is the dutiable value of the transaction.
(2)Subject to subsection (1), the dutiable value of a dutiable transaction that is the foreclosure of a mortgage over dutiable property is the unencumbered value of the dutiable property and not the value of the debt secured by the mortgaged property.
(3)The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction that is the surrender of a lease (other than a pastoral lease or diversification lease) is the consideration for the surrender of the lease paid or payable by the lessor.
(3A)The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction that is the surrender of a pastoral lease or diversification lease in the circumstances referred to in section 18(caa) is the consideration for the surrender of the lease referred to in section 18(caa)(ii).
(4)The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction that is the grant of a lease (other than a pastoral lease or diversification lease) is the total of the following amounts —
(a)the amount of any consideration for the grant of the lease;
(b)any amount paid or payable under the lease as rent that —
(i)is in excess of a fair market rent for the leased property; and
(ii)represents an amount paid or payable for the grant of the lease.
(4A)The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction that is the grant of a pastoral lease is the sale price subject to the payment of which the lease is granted under the Land Administration Act 1997 section 101.
(4B)The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction that is the grant of a diversification lease is the consideration for the grant of the lease.
(5)The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction under a discretionary trust that would be a transaction described in section 114(1) or 115 except that —
(a)consideration is paid or payable for the transaction; and
(b)that consideration is consideration referred to in section 30(1),
is that consideration.
(6)The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction that is a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property from the trustee of a superannuation fund on which nominal duty would be chargeable under section 127 but for section 127(2)(d), is the amount by which the unencumbered value of the dutiable property transferred exceeds the value of the member’s interest in the superannuation fund.
[Section 28 amended: No. 30 of 2008 s. 24; No. 32 of 2012 s. 4; No. 12 of 2019 s. 14; No. 4 of 2023 s. 118.]
29.Dutiable value of certain dutiable transactions relating to corporation or unit trust scheme property on winding up
(1)A reference in this section to a transfer of corporation or unit trust scheme property is to a transfer, or agreement for the transfer, of property (some or all of which is dutiable property) by —
(a)the liquidator of the corporation to any of its shareholders in the course of a distribution of its assets as a consequence of the winding up of the corporation; or
(b)the trustee of a unit trust scheme to any unit holder in the scheme in the course of the winding up of the unit trust scheme.
(2)The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction that is a transfer of corporation or unit trust scheme property is —
(a)in relation to a corporation — determined in accordance with the following formula —
where —
DV is the dutiable value;
A is the greater of the following amounts —
(i)the amount (if any) by which the value, when the winding up begins, of all the assets distributed, or to be distributed, to the shareholder exceeds the value, at that time, of the shareholder’s entitlement to the net assets of the corporation; or
(ii)the amount that is the total of —
(I)the amount (if any) owing to the shareholder that the shareholder has released the corporation from paying in the relevant period; and
(II)the amount (if any) of any liability that the shareholder, or a person related to the shareholder, has assumed or discharged on behalf of the corporation in the relevant period;
X is the unencumbered value of all dutiable property the subject of the transfer;
Y is the unencumbered value of all property the subject of the transfer;
and
(b)in relation to a unit trust scheme — determined in accordance with the following formula —
where —
DV is the dutiable value;
A is the greater of the following amounts —
(i)the amount (if any) by which the value, when the winding up begins, of all the assets distributed, or to be distributed, to the unit holder exceeds the value, at that time, of the unit holder’s entitlement to the net assets held by the trustee of the unit trust scheme as trustee of that trust; or
(ii)the amount that is the total of —
(I)the amount (if any) owing to the unit holder that the unit holder has released the trustee of the unit trust scheme from paying in the relevant period; and
(II)the amount (if any) of any liability that the unit holder, or a person related to the unit holder, has assumed or discharged on behalf of the trustee of the unit trust scheme in the relevant period;
X is the unencumbered value of all dutiable property the subject of the transfer;
Y is the unencumbered value of all property the subject of the transfer.
Note for this subsection:
For example, Company X has 2 equal shareholders A and B. The company has total assets of $800 000, total liabilities of $100 000 and net assets of $700 000. The shareholder entitlement of each of A and B is $350 000.
There are no liquid assets to satisfy the liability and the liquidator distributes the assets subject to the liability. A receives assets of $450 000 ($100 000 in excess of A’s entitlement) comprising $400 000 of dutiable property and $50 000 non‑dutiable property and assumes the whole mortgage. B receives assets comprising dutiable property of $350 000.
A’s duty assessment:
$100 000 (excess entitlement) x $400 000 (value of dutiable property)
$450 000 (value of all property received)
Transfer duty is charged on $88 888.
B’s duty assessment:
Nominal duty is charged, as B has received a distribution of assets equal to the shareholder entitlement.
(3)In subsection (2) —
person related, to a shareholder or unit holder, means that the person and the shareholder or unit holder are related persons within the meaning of section 162(1)(a) to (g);
relevant period means the period beginning on the day that is 12 months before the day on which the winding up begins and ending on the day that the property is transferred.
(4A)For the purposes of paragraph (a)(ii)(II) or (b)(ii)(II) of the definition of the variable “A” in subsection (2), the Commissioner may exclude part or all of the amount of any liability that a person related to a shareholder or unit holder, as the case requires, has assumed or discharged if the Commissioner is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so having regard to the application of subsection (2) to all other transfers of corporation or unit trust scheme property in respect of the same corporation or unit trust scheme.
(4)Subject to subsection (2), nominal duty is chargeable on a dutiable transaction that is a transfer of corporation or unit trust scheme property if —
(a)in relation to a transfer of corporation property — the total value of the transaction to the shareholder, when the winding up begins, is equal to or less than the value of the shareholder’s entitlement to the net assets of the corporation at that time; or
(b)in relation to a transfer of unit trust scheme property — the total value of the transaction to the unit holder, when the winding up begins, is equal to or less than the value of the unit holder’s entitlement to the net assets held in the unit trust scheme at that time.
(5)This section does not apply to a transfer of corporation or unit trust scheme property if the Commissioner is satisfied that the corporation or unit trust scheme is being wound up as a scheme or arrangement, or part of a scheme or arrangement, for which a dominant purpose of any party was the reduction of the duty otherwise chargeable on the transaction.
(6)In considering whether or not the Commissioner is satisfied for the purposes of subsection (5), the Commissioner may have regard to any of the following in relation to a corporation —
(a)the duration of the shareholder’s shareholding in the corporation;
(b)whether or not the shareholder held shares in a related corporation of the corporation that owned the property before it was owned by the corporation;
(c)the period for which the property has been owned by the corporation or a related corporation of the corporation;
(d)any dealing in shares of the corporation or a related corporation of the corporation by any one or more of the following —
(i)the shareholder;
(ii)a previous owner of the property;
(e)whether there is any commercial efficacy to a scheme or arrangement of transactions involving any one or more of the following —
(i)the corporation;
(ii)the shareholder;
(iii)a related corporation of the corporation;
(iv)a person that has a substantial holding (within the meaning given in the Corporations Act) in a person referred to in subparagraph (i), (ii) or (iii),
in relation to the winding up, other than to reduce the duty otherwise chargeable on the transfer;
(f)whether the transfer is pursuant to a right, attaching to any of the shares in the corporation, to select or receive any particular property of the corporation;
(g)any other matters the Commissioner considers relevant.
(7)In considering whether or not the Commissioner is satisfied for the purposes of subsection (5), the Commissioner may have regard to any of the following in relation to a unit trust scheme —
(a)the duration of the unit holder’s unit holding in the unit trust scheme;
(b)whether or not the unit holder held units in a related unit trust scheme that owned the property before it was owned by the trustee of the unit trust scheme;
(c)the period for which the property has been owned by the trustee of the unit trust scheme or a related unit trust scheme of the unit trust scheme;
(d)any dealing in units of the unit trust scheme or a related unit trust scheme of the unit trust scheme by any one or more of the following —
(i)the unit holder;
(ii)a previous owner of the property;
(e)whether there is any commercial efficacy to a scheme or arrangement of transactions involving any one or more of the following —
(i)the trustee of the unit trust scheme;
(ii)the unit holder;
(iii)a related unit trust scheme,
in relation to the winding up, other than to reduce the duty otherwise chargeable on the transfer;
(f)whether the transfer is pursuant to a right, attaching to any of the units in the unit trust scheme, to select or receive any particular property held by the trustee of the unit trust scheme as trustee of that trust;
(g)any other matters the Commissioner considers relevant.
(8)For the purposes of subsection (7), unit trust schemes are related if a unit trust holder in one unit trust scheme holds units that provides the holder to an entitlement to the capital of another unit trust scheme if it were to be wound up.
[Section 29 2 amended: No. 29 of 2012 s. 4.]
30.Consideration for dutiable transaction
(1)The consideration for a dutiable transaction includes —
(a)the amount of any liabilities assumed under the transaction, including an obligation, whether contingent or otherwise, to pay any unpaid purchase money payable under an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property; and
(b)the amount or value of any debt to the extent it is released or extinguished under the transaction.
(2)If the consideration, or any part of the consideration, for a dutiable transaction on which duty is chargeable consists of an amount payable periodically and the total amount to be paid can be ascertained, the consideration or part of the consideration is the total amount.
(3)It does not matter whether the consideration for a transaction on which duty is chargeable is paid or given or is required to be paid or given.
31.Changes to consideration before transfer, consequences of
(1)If after an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property is entered into and before the property is transferred —
(a)the consideration under the agreement is reduced and the reduced consideration is not less than the unencumbered value of the dutiable property when the consideration was reduced; or
(b)the consideration under the agreement is reduced because the parties have agreed not to transfer some of the dutiable property previously agreed to be transferred and the reduced consideration is not less than the unencumbered value of the dutiable property that remained to be transferred when the consideration was reduced,
the Commissioner is to assess or, on the application of the taxpayer, reassess the liability to duty of the agreement in accordance with the reduced consideration.
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of an agreement to which section 32 applies.
(3)If after an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property is entered into and before the property is transferred —
(a)the consideration under the agreement is reduced and the reduced consideration is less than the unencumbered value of the dutiable property when the consideration was reduced; or
(b)the consideration under the agreement is reduced because the parties have agreed not to transfer some of the dutiable property previously agreed to be transferred and the reduced consideration is less than the unencumbered value of the dutiable property that remained to be transferred when the consideration was reduced,
the Commissioner is to assess or, on the application of the taxpayer, reassess the liability to duty of the agreement in accordance with the dutiable value of the agreement being the unencumbered value when the consideration was reduced.
(4)If after an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property is entered into and before the property is transferred —
(a)the consideration under the agreement is increased; and
(b)the increased consideration is not less than the unencumbered value of the dutiable property when the agreement was entered into,
the Commissioner is to assess or reassess the liability to duty of the agreement in accordance with the increased consideration.
(5)If after a dutiable transaction is duty endorsed the consideration under the transaction is increased as referred to in subsection (4), the person liable to pay duty must lodge —
(a)if the increase in consideration is effected by an instrument in hard copy form — that instrument and if there is more than one such instrument, each of them; or
(b)if the increase in consideration is not effected by an instrument in hard copy form — an instrument in hard copy form that evidences the increase in consideration and if there is more than one such instrument each of them, or a transfer duty statement for the transaction that shows the increase in consideration,
within 2 months after the day on which consideration under the transaction is increased.
Penalty: a fine of $20 000.
(6)Duty is chargeable on a reassessment under this section in relation to a transaction at the same rate and using the same thresholds that applied when liability for duty on the transaction initially arose.
32.Contingent consideration not paid, consequences of
(1)If an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property is duty endorsed and any part of the consideration under the agreement was dependent on the happening of a future event (the contingent consideration) and —
(a)the contingent consideration has not been paid; and
(b)the event did not happen, or did not happen within the time specified for the happening of the event, in an instrument effecting or evidencing the agreement; and
(c)either —
(i)the event cannot happen in the future; or
(ii)the time specified for the happening of the event in an instrument effecting or evidencing the agreement has passed or expired;
and
(d)the taxpayer makes an application for a reassessment under this section in the approved form,
the Commissioner is to reassess the liability to duty of the agreement in accordance with the consideration not including the contingent consideration.
(2)For the purposes of this section, the Taxation Administration Act section 17 applies as if the original assessment had been made when liability to duty on the agreement arose.
(3)In this section, a reference to the happening of an event includes a reference to an event not happening.
33.Agreement by instalments determined before final payment, consequences of
(1)In this section —
agreement by instalments means an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property —
(a)wholly or partly in consideration of the making of 2 or more payments at intervals specified in an instrument effecting or evidencing the agreement; and
(b)which is subject to the right of the purchaser or transferee to determine the agreement at any time before the property is transferred on making such of the payments as are due and payable at the time of the determination.
(2)If, after an agreement by instalments has been duty endorsed, the agreement is determined before the final payment had become due and payable under the agreement, the Commissioner, on the application of the taxpayer, is to reassess the liability to duty of the agreement in accordance with the consideration paid, or due and payable, when the agreement is determined.
(3)For the purposes of this section, the Taxation Administration Act section 17 applies as if the original assessment had been made when the determination was made.
34.Options conferred by dutiable transactions that are exercised or not renewed, consequences of
(1)If —
(a)after a dutiable transaction that —
(i)confers on a person the right of an option to acquire dutiable property; and
(ii)provides for the renewal of that right on one, or more than one, occasion specified in an instrument effecting or evidencing the transaction,
is duty endorsed based on the consideration for the transaction which includes the sum of the amounts paid by way of consideration for the right of the option and the amount or amounts, as the case may be, payable for the renewal or renewals of the option; and
(b)the person on whom the right of the option was conferred under the transaction, before the occurrence of the final occasion specified in an instrument effecting or evidencing the transaction —
(i)exercised the option; or
(ii)failed to renew the right of option,
the Commissioner, on the application of the taxpayer, is to reassess the liability to duty of the transaction as if the consideration was an amount equal to the amount paid or payable in respect of any occasion or occasions specified in an instrument effecting or evidencing the transaction that have occurred before the person exercised the option, or failed to renew the right of option.
(2)For the purposes of this section, the Taxation Administration Act section 17 applies as if the original assessment had been made when the person exercised the option, or failed to renew the right of option.
35.Option to acquire dutiable property, duty paid on to be credited
If —
(a)a transaction record for the grant or renewal of an option to acquire dutiable property is duty endorsed; and
(b)the consideration for the grant or renewal will form part of the consideration for the transaction if the option is exercised; and
(c)the option is exercised,
the amount of duty payable on the transfer of, or the agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property is to be reduced by the amount of duty paid on the grant or renewal of the option to acquire the property.
Note for this section:
For example, consideration is paid for the grant of an option to acquire dutiable property. The transaction provides for the renewal of the right for further consideration.
The transaction also provides that the consideration paid for the grant and renewal of the option forms part of the consideration for the property if the option is exercised.
Duty of $200 is charged on the total consideration for the grant and renewal of the option (the first dutiable transaction).
The option is exercised after the renewal of the option and an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property is entered into for consideration (the second dutiable transaction).
The amount of duty payable on the second dutiable transaction is reduced by the amount of duty paid on the first dutiable transaction.
If the duty payable on the second dutiable transaction would be $2 000, it is reduced by the duty of $200 paid on the first dutiable transaction. The duty payable on the agreement to transfer the property is therefore $1 800.
Subdivision 3 — Unencumbered value
36.Determining unencumbered value of property
(1)The unencumbered value of property is the value of the property determined without regard to —
(a)any encumbrance to which the property is subject, whether contingently or otherwise; or
(b)any overriding power of revocation or reconveyance; or
(c)any scheme or arrangement —
(i)that results in the reduction of the value of the property; and
(ii)for which a dominant purpose of any party to the scheme or arrangement was, in the opinion of the Commissioner, the reduction of the value of the property.
Note for this subsection:
Example for paragraph (c) —
A owns land that B wishes to purchase. The land is valued at $1m. Before the purchase, A grants B a 50 year lease of the land. B is not required to pay any rent under the lease. A and B then enter into an agreement for the transfer of the land for $50 000, being the value of A’s interest in the land taking into account that it is subject to the lease to B.
The unencumbered value of the land is determined without regard to the grant of the lease if the Commissioner is of the opinion there is a scheme or arrangement under which A or B’s purpose in entering into it was to reduce the value of the land.
(2)Subsection (1)(c) does not apply to or in respect of a scheme or arrangement that was entered into before 27 December 1996.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (1)(c), the Commissioner may have regard to —
(a)the duration of the scheme or arrangement before the dutiable transaction or the relevant transaction concerning the property; and
(b)whether the scheme or arrangement has been entered into with a related person within the meaning given in section 162; and
(c)whether there is any commercial efficacy to the making of the scheme or arrangement other than to reduce duty; and
(d)any other matters the Commissioner considers relevant.
(4)When determining the unencumbered value of property —
(aa)the ordinary principles of valuation apply, except to the extent that those principles are modified due to the operation of another paragraph of this subsection; and
(a)the unencumbered value of an undivided share in the property, whether held jointly or in common, is to be ascertained by multiplying the total unencumbered value of the property by the share expressed as a fraction; and
(b)it is to be assumed that a hypothetical purchaser would, when negotiating the price of property, have knowledge of all existing information relating to the property; and
(ca)information relating to the property (including the right to and use of the information) —
(i)will be regarded as an attribute of the property; and
(ii)will not be regarded as something to which an independent value can be ascribed.
(5)When determining the unencumbered value of property that is land —
(a)if the land is the subject of an agreement for transfer, any improvement made to the land at the expense of the purchaser or transferee before the date liability to duty arises on the agreement is to be taken not to have been made to the land; and
(b)if the land is the subject of a transfer, any improvement made to the land at the expense of the transferee before the land is transferred is to be taken not to have been made to the land; and
(c)the value is to be determined having regard to the use of the land that would best enhance its commercial value; and
(d)the value is to be determined having regard to commercial advantages (such as goodwill) that —
(i)attach to the location or other aspects of the land; and
(ii)would affect the price that a reasonable purchaser would be willing to pay for the land;
and
(e)if section 36A applies, the value is to be determined having regard to that section.
[Section 36 amended: No. 1 of 2015 s. 24; No. 12 of 2019 s. 15.]
36A.Determining unencumbered value: fixtures and mining tenement fixtures
(1)In this section —
mining tenement fixture, in relation to a mining tenement, means a thing that —
(a)under the authority (whether direct or indirect) of the mining tenement, is fixed to land that is the subject of the mining tenement; and
(b)would be part of that land as a fixture if the mining tenement were a freehold estate in the land.
(2)In determining the unencumbered value of dutiable property that is land, anything that is part of the land as a fixture is to be taken into account even if the dutiable transaction does not, or purports not to, apply to the fixture as well as the land.
(3)Subsection (2) does not apply if the value of the fixture would, apart from that subsection, be taken into account separately in determining the dutiable value of the dutiable transaction relating to the land or another dutiable transaction that is aggregated with that dutiable transaction under section 37.
(4)In determining the unencumbered value of dutiable property that is a mining tenement or an estate or interest in a mining tenement, anything that is a mining tenement fixture in relation to the mining tenement is to be taken into account even if the dutiable transaction does not, or purports not to, apply to the mining tenement fixture as well as the mining tenement or the estate or interest in the mining tenement.
(5)Subsection (4) does not apply if the value of the mining tenement fixture would, apart from that subsection, be taken into account separately in determining the dutiable value of the dutiable transaction relating to the mining tenement or the estate or interest in the mining tenement or another dutiable transaction that is aggregated with that dutiable transaction under section 37.
(6)In this section, a reference to land does not include anything that is land under section 3A(1)(b), (c), (f) or (g).
[Section 36A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 16.]
37.Aggregation of dutiable transactions
(1)Dutiable transactions relating to separate items of dutiable property that together form, evidence, give effect to or arise from what is, substantially one arrangement are to be aggregated and treated as a single dutiable transaction.
(2)Without limiting subsection (1), unless the Commissioner is satisfied to the contrary, dutiable transactions relating to separate items of dutiable property together form, evidence, give effect to or arise from what is, substantially one arrangement if —
(a)the transactions have taken place within 12 months; and
(b)in respect of each of the transactions, the person liable to pay duty is the same person (whether that person is the only person liable to pay duty or is liable to pay duty with the same or different persons).
(3)Dutiable transactions relating to separate items of dutiable property are not to be aggregated under this section unless the transactions to be aggregated —
(a)are all chargeable at the same rate of duty; or
(b)are all chargeable with nominal duty; or
(c)are all exempt transactions.
(4)If dutiable transactions are aggregated, then they are to be treated as a single dutiable transaction that took place at the time that the last of the aggregated transactions took place.
(5)This section does not apply to a dutiable transaction to the extent that it relates to the grant of an option to acquire dutiable property, other than as required under section 34.
(6)Duty chargeable on the dutiable transaction aggregated under this section is to be —
(a)assessed on the total of the dutiable values for each of the transactions (calculated as if each transaction was a dutiable transaction) at the time when liability for duty on each transaction arose; and
(b)apportioned between the transactions as decided by the Commissioner.
(7)The amount of duty payable in accordance with this section is to be reduced by the amount of any duty paid on a previous dutiable transaction that is, or previous dutiable transactions that are, aggregated under this section.
(8)Transactions aggregated and treated as a single dutiable transaction under this section may include a transaction that would not otherwise be a dutiable transaction, and where such a transaction is included, that transaction is taken to be a dutiable transaction and is liable to duty accordingly.
38.Transactions as to dutiable and not dutiable property, duty on
If a dutiable transaction relates to dutiable property and property that is not dutiable property, duty is chargeable only to the extent that the transaction relates to dutiable property.
39.Partitions of property, dutiable values in case of
(1)For the purposes of this section, a partition occurs when property (some or all of which is dutiable property) that is held by persons jointly (as joint tenants or tenants in common) and beneficially is transferred or agreed to be transferred to one or more of those persons.
(2)The dutiable value of a partition is to be determined in accordance with the following formula —
where —
DV is the dutiable value;
A is the greater of the following amounts —
(i)the sum of the amounts by which the unencumbered value of the property transferred or agreed to be transferred to a person exceeds the unencumbered value of the interest held by the person in all of the property immediately before the partition; or
(ii)the sum of any consideration for the partition paid by any of the parties;
X is the unencumbered value of all dutiable property the subject of the partition;
Y is the unencumbered value of all property the subject of the partition.
(3)The minimum amount of duty payable on a transaction that effects a partition is the amount of nominal duty.
Note for this section:
For example, A and B own lot 1 which has an unencumbered value of $400 000 and a boat that has an unencumbered value of $300 000.
The total value of the property being partitioned is $700 000 and A and B are each entitled to $350 000.
A is taking lot 1 by way of partition and the value of that lot exceeds A’s entitlement by $50 000.
A’s duty assessment:
$50 000 (excess entitlement) x $400 000 (value of dutiable property)
$700 000 (value of all property)
The dutiable value for the transfer of land to A is $28 571.
(4)This section does not apply to a transaction if section 78 or 78A applies to the transaction or if the transaction is a subsequent transfer referred to in section 120A.
[Section 39 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 17.]
40.Exchanges of dutiable property, duty on
Duty is chargeable on any dutiable transactions effecting an exchange of dutiable property for any other dutiable property as if the exchange involved —
(a)the transfer of the first‑mentioned property for consideration equal to the unencumbered value of that property; and
(b)the transfer of the second‑mentioned property for consideration equal to the unencumbered value of that property.
(1)If a transaction for property constitutes more than one dutiable transaction for the property and the charging of duty on all of the dutiable transactions for the property would result in duty being imposed more than once on the transaction, the Commissioner is to decide the dutiable transaction on which duty is imposed and duty is not chargeable on the other dutiable transaction, or dutiable transactions.
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1), the Commissioner is to decide the dutiable transaction for the property that is the most applicable dutiable transaction having regard to this Chapter and the sole or dominant purpose of the transaction.
42.No double duty — particular dutiable transactions
(1)Duty is not chargeable on the transfer of dutiable property to a transferee in conformity with an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property if that agreement is duty endorsed.
(2)Duty is not chargeable on the transfer of dutiable property to a transferee under an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property if —
(a)when liability for duty on the agreement arises, the transferee and the purchaser of the property under the agreement are related as referred to in section 43; and
(b)the agreement is duty endorsed on the basis that duty has been paid or is payable at the general or a concessional rate (that is, under Schedule 2 Division 1 or 2); and
(c)duty would, but for this section, be chargeable on the transfer of the property at the rate at which duty was chargeable on the agreement.
(3)If an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property is duty endorsed and either, or both, of the following applies —
(a)there is a difference in the parties liable to duty under the agreement and the transferees under the transfer, and subsection (2)(a) does not apply;
(b)there is a difference between the division of the property between the transferees under the transfer and the division of the property between the parties liable to duty under the agreement, and subsection (2)(a) does not apply,
duty is not chargeable on the transfer of the property except to the extent of the change between the agreement and the transfer.
Note for this subsection:
Example for subsection (3) —
On 1 July, under an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property, A agrees to sell land in Western Australia to B and C as tenants in common in the undivided shares of 90/100 to B and 10/100 to C for $100 000.
At settlement, under the transfer, B and a new party, D are tenants in common in equal shares.
Transfer duty is chargeable on the transfer of the property only to the extent of the change in the interests in the property between the agreement and the transfer.
Transfer duty would be chargeable on the transfer of the property on 50/100 X $100 000, which is $50 000 i.e. 10/100 from C to D and 40/100 from B to D.
(4A)If, but for this subsection, subsections (1) and (3) would both apply to the transfer of dutiable property, subsection (1) does not apply.
(4B)If an agreement is for the transfer of dutiable property to a purchaser acting in the purchaser’s own capacity, but the property is transferred to the purchaser acting in a capacity as a trustee of a trust, subsection (1) does not apply to the transfer of the property unless —
(a)the purchaser is an individual and the trust is a unit trust scheme in which the purchaser is the sole unit holder; or
(b)the trust is a unit trust scheme in which the purchaser is a unit holder and each of the other unit holders are related, as referred to in section 43(1)(a), (b), (c), (ca), (cb), (d) or (e), to the purchaser; or
(c)the trust is not a discretionary trust or a unit trust scheme and each beneficiary of the trust is related, as referred to in section 43(1)(a), (b), (c), (ca), (cb), (d) or (e), to the purchaser.
(4C)A reference in subsection (4B) to a unit holder or to a beneficiary is limited to a reference to a unit holder or beneficiary acting in their own capacity and not as agent, trustee or otherwise on behalf of any other person.
(4)If an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property is duty endorsed, duty is not chargeable on the subsequent transfer of the property if, when liability for duty on the agreement arose, the person named in the instrument effecting, or evidencing, the agreement as the purchaser was acting as the agent of the transferee of the subsequent transfer.
(5)If —
(a)an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property is duty endorsed; and
(b)the person named in the agreement as the purchaser entered into the agreement with the intention that the property would be transferred to —
(i)a corporation that the person intended to be incorporated; or
(ii)a dormant corporation, the shares in which the person intended to be acquired,
and that property will not be held by the corporation as trustee of a trust; and
(c)when liability for duty on the agreement arose, action was being taken to —
(i)incorporate the corporation referred to in paragraph (b)(i); or
(ii)acquire the shares in the corporation referred to in paragraph (b)(ii),
duty is not chargeable on the subsequent transfer of the property to the corporation referred to in paragraph (b)(i) or (ii).
(6)In subsection (5) —
dormant corporation means a corporation that, since it was incorporated —
(a)has not had any assets or liabilities other than share capital for subscriber shares or shares issued to replace subscriber shares of the same value on their redemption; and
(b)has not been party to an agreement or a beneficiary or trustee of a trust; and
(c)has not issued or sold any shares or rights relating to shares other than subscriber shares, rights relating to subscriber shares or shares issued to replace subscriber shares of the same value on their redemption.
(7)Duty is not chargeable on a transfer of dutiable property by the vendor under an agreement for the transfer of the property that results in the property becoming scheme property for a managed investment scheme if —
(a)the Commissioner is satisfied that a managed investment scheme has been, or is to be, established by means of an offer to subscribe to the scheme made to the public; and
(b)the Commissioner is satisfied that before the establishment of the scheme —
(i)the person named as purchaser in an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property entered into that agreement; or
(ii)the person promoting the scheme arranged for that agreement to be entered into by the person named in the agreement,
with the intention that the property concerned would become scheme property; and
(c)the agreement provides to the effect that, if the scheme is not established, the agreement is terminated; and
(d)the agreement is duty endorsed.
(8)If —
(a)there is an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property (the first agreement); and
(b)after the first agreement takes place, one or more dutiable transactions over all or part of the dutiable property the subject of the first agreement takes place (the intervening transactions); and
(c)to give effect to the first agreement and the intervening transactions, one or more transfers of dutiable property (the transfers) are effected by one or more parties to the first agreement and the intervening transactions; and
(d)the first agreement and the intervening transactions are duty endorsed,
duty is not chargeable on the transfers.
Note for this subsection:
Example for subsection (8) —
On 1 July, under an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property, A agrees to sell land in Western Australia to B for $100 000. Settlement is to take place on 31 July. On 7 July, under an agreement for transfer, B agrees to sell the land to C for $120 000. Again, settlement is to take place on 31 July. Before 31 July, B directs A, that at settlement, A transfer the land to C.
The agreement between A and B is the first agreement. The agreement between B and C is the intervening transaction. Transfer duty is not chargeable on the transfer from A to C if the first agreement and intervening transactions are duty endorsed.
(9)Duty is not chargeable on a transfer to a trustee of dutiable property subject to a declaration of trust in respect of the same dutiable property if the declaration of trust is duty endorsed, or under subsection (11) duty is not chargeable on the declaration of trust.
(10)Duty is not chargeable on a declaration of trust that declares the same trusts as those upon and subject to which the same dutiable property was transferred, or agreed to be transferred, to the person declaring the trust if the transfer, or agreement, is duty endorsed.
(11)Duty is not chargeable on a declaration of trust if —
(a)the declaration of trust supersedes another declaration of trust which is duty endorsed and declares the same trusts as were declared under the superseded declaration of trust; and
(b)the beneficiary under the declaration of trust is the same as under the superseded declaration of trust; and
(c)the dutiable property subject to the declaration of trust —
(i)is wholly or substantially the same as the property that was the subject of the superseded declaration of trust at the time of the declaration of the superseded declaration of trust; or
(ii)represents the proceeds of re‑investment of property that was the subject of the superseded declaration of trust at the time of the declaration of the superseded declaration of trust; or
(iii)is property to which both subparagraphs (i) and (ii) apply.
(12)Duty is not chargeable on a transfer of dutiable property resulting from a dutiable transaction referred to in section 11(1)(d) if the vesting of the dutiable property is duty endorsed.
(13)Duty is not chargeable on a transfer of dutiable property in accordance with a foreclosure order if the foreclosure order is duty endorsed.
(14)Duty is not chargeable on a transfer of dutiable property in accordance with a partnership acquisition if the partnership acquisition is duty endorsed.
[(15)deleted]
(16)Duty is not chargeable in respect of a dutiable transaction prescribed, on such condition and under such circumstances as are prescribed, if the dutiable transaction is one of 2 dutiable transactions that relate to the same transaction for the same dutiable property.
[Section 42 amended: No. 32 of 2012 s. 5 and 6; No. 12 of 2019 s. 18; No. 37 of 2022 s. 7.]
43.Persons related to purchaser for s. 42(2)(a)
(1)For the purposes of section 42(2)(a), the following persons are related to a purchaser who is an individual —
(a)the purchaser’s spouse or de facto partner;
(b)a parent or remoter lineal ancestor of —
(i)the purchaser; or
(ii)the purchaser’s spouse or de facto partner;
(c)a child or remoter lineal descendant of the purchaser;
(ca)a spouse or de facto partner of a child, or remoter lineal descendant, of the purchaser;
(cb)a spouse or de facto partner of a parent, or remoter lineal ancestor, of the purchaser;
(d)a sibling of —
(i)the purchaser; or
(ii)the purchaser’s spouse or de facto partner;
(e)a spouse or de facto partner of a sibling mentioned in paragraph (d);
(f)a corporation if —
(i)the purchaser is the sole shareholder of the corporation; or
(ii)the purchaser is a shareholder of the corporation and is related (within the meaning of this section) to each of the other shareholders;
(g)a trustee of a unit trust scheme in the trustee’s capacity as trustee of the unit trust scheme if —
(i)the purchaser is the sole unit holder in the unit trust; or
(ii)the purchaser is a unit holder in the unit trust and is related (within the meaning of this section) to each of the other unit holders.
(2)For the purposes of section 42(2)(a), a person is related to a purchaser that is a corporation if —
(a)the person is the sole shareholder of the corporation; or
(b)the person is a shareholder of the purchaser and, if the person were a purchaser, would be related (within the meaning of this section) to each of the other shareholders.
(3)For the purposes of section 42(2)(a), a person is related to a purchaser that is the trustee of a unit trust scheme if —
(a)the person is the sole unit holder in the unit trust scheme; or
(b)the person is a unit holder in the unit trust scheme and, if the person were a purchaser, would be related (within the meaning of this section) to each of the other unit holders.
(4)However, persons referred to in subsection (1), (2) or (3) are not related for the purpose of section 42(2)(a) if the dutiable property the subject of the transaction is to be held by a person on behalf of another person (the beneficiary) —
(a)as the trustee of a discretionary trust; or
(b)as a trustee of a unit trust scheme, other than as referred to in subsection (1)(g); or
(c)as a trustee other than a trustee referred to in paragraph (a) or (b), unless —
(i)the purchaser and the transferee are related as referred to in subsection (1)(a), (b), (c), (ca), (cb), (d) or (e); and
(ii)the purchaser and the beneficiary are related as referred to in subsection (1)(a), (b), (c), (ca), (cb), (d) or (e).
[Section 43 amended: No. 32 of 2012 s. 7; No. 12 of 2019 s. 19.]
Division 7 — Interim assessment of transfer duty
[Heading inserted: No. 10 of 2013 s. 5.]
44A.Interim assessment of transfer duty
(1)The Commissioner may make an assessment (an interim assessment) of a portion of the duty payable on a dutiable transaction if —
(a)the Commissioner is satisfied that duty is payable on the transaction; and
(b)one of the following applies —
(i)more than 6 months have elapsed since the day on which a transaction record was lodged under section 23;
(ii)more than 6 months have elapsed since the day on which a transaction record ought to have been lodged under section 23;
(iii)the Commissioner is satisfied that it will not be possible to obtain the information necessary to determine the dutiable value of the transaction within the 6 months referred to in subparagraph (ii);
and
(c)the Commissioner is satisfied that a portion of the dutiable value of the transaction can be determined.
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1)(b)(ii), the day on which a transaction record ought to have been lodged is the last day of the 2‑month period referred to in section 23(1).
(3)For the purpose of being satisfied of the matter in subsection (1)(c), the Commissioner may have regard to any information that the Commissioner considers relevant, including the following —
(a)the value, as agreed between the Commissioner and the taxpayer, of anything;
(b)the consideration (if any) given for the dutiable transaction;
(c)any evidence, whether provided by the taxpayer or obtained by the Commissioner, of the value of anything;
(d)any document or other record kept by or on behalf of a party to the dutiable transaction;
(e)any information held by a regulatory authority in the State, another Australian jurisdiction or an overseas jurisdiction;
(f)any information that is publicly available.
(4)For the purposes of making an interim assessment, the duty payable is to be determined as if the portion of the dutiable value of the dutiable transaction were the full dutiable value of the transaction.
(5)Section 37 may apply, when relevant, for the purposes of this section, and when so applying, the reference in section 37(6)(a) to the dutiable value for a transaction includes a reference to a portion of the dutiable value for a transaction.
[Section 44A inserted: No. 10 of 2013 s. 5.]
Part 5 — Application of this Chapter to certain transactions
Division 1 — Simultaneous put and call options
Subdivision 1 — Terms used in this Division
(1)In this Division —
call option means the right referred to in subsection (2)(a);
option property means —
(a)the dutiable property to which the call option applies; or
(b)if the put option applies only to a part of the dutiable property to which the call option applies, that part of the dutiable property;
put option means the right referred to in subsection (2)(b).
(2)Subject to subsection (3), a put option and a call option constitute a simultaneous put and call option if, at the same time —
(a)a person (A) has a right to require another person (B) to sell dutiable property to A, or to a person that has an agreement, arrangement or understanding with A relating to the dutiable property; and
(b)B has a right to require A, or a person referred to in paragraph (a), to purchase —
(i)the dutiable property; or
(ii)a part of the dutiable property; or
(iii)property that includes the dutiable property,
from B.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (2), it is irrelevant when the call option or the put option is exercisable.
Subdivision 2 — Simultaneous put and call options
45.Call option of simultaneous put and call option to be taken to be agreement for transfer of option property
(1)When a simultaneous put and call option comes into existence, the call option is taken to be an agreement for the transfer of the option property to A and is liable to duty accordingly, unless —
(a)the call option and the put option are only for the purpose of obtaining finance or making other financial arrangements; or
(b)the call option and the put option form part of a scheme of call options and put options given by the proprietors of a business that —
(i)are only for the purpose of facilitating the continuation of the business by one or some of the proprietors (the continuing proprietor or proprietors); and
(ii)are not exercisable except on the occurrence of an event specified in them that would cause the continuing proprietor or proprietors to seek to acquire the interest of another of the proprietors.
(2)In subsection (1)(b) —
proprietor means —
(a)in the case of a partnership — a partner; or
(b)in the case of a company — a shareholder; or
(c)in the case of a unit trust scheme — a unit holder; or
(d)in any other case — a person the Commissioner determines to be a proprietor of the business.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (1), it is irrelevant whether or not the call option is assigned as referred to in section 49.
46.Simultaneous put and call option, dutiable value of
The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction referred to in section 45 is —
(a)the sum of —
(i)the amount paid by way of consideration for the granting of the call option in respect of the option property; and
(ii)the amount payable in the event of the call option being exercised in respect of the option property;
or
(b)the unencumbered value of the option property at the time when liability for duty on the transaction arises, if —
(i)there are no amounts paid or payable under paragraph (a); or
(ii)the amounts paid or payable under paragraph (a) cannot be ascertained when liability for duty on the transaction arises; or
(iii)the unencumbered value is greater than the sum of the amounts paid or payable under paragraph (a).
47.Dutiable transaction referred to in s. 45, duty paid on to be credited
If —
(a)a transaction record for a dutiable transaction referred to in section 45 for option property is duty endorsed (the first dutiable transaction); and
(b)as a result of the call option or the put option being exercised either, or both, of the following occur (the second dutiable transaction) —
(i)an agreement for the transfer of the option property is executed;
(ii)the option property is transferred,
the amount of duty payable on the second dutiable transaction is to be reduced by the amount of duty paid on the first dutiable transaction.
48.Simultaneous put and call option not exercised or assigned, consequences of
(1)If, in relation to a call option of a simultaneous put and call option taken to be an agreement for the transfer of option property under section 45 —
(a)the call option and the put option of the simultaneous put and call option —
(i)both expire without being exercised; or
(ii)are rescinded or cancelled by agreement, or either is rescinded or cancelled and the other expires without being exercised;
and
(b)the call option has not been assigned as referred to in section 49,
this Division does not apply and the Commissioner, on the application of the taxpayer, is to assess or reassess the liability to duty of the call option.
(2)For the purposes of this section, the Taxation Administration Act section 17 applies as if the original assessment had been made when the call option and the put option had both expired or were rescinded or cancelled.
Subdivision 3 — Assignment of call option
49.Assignment of call option to be taken to be agreement for transfer of option property
(1)If, in respect of a simultaneous put and call option —
(a)A has assigned the call option to another person (C) so that C has a right to require B to sell the option property to C, or to a person that has an agreement, arrangement or understanding with C relating to the property; and
(b)B has a right to require C, or a person referred to in paragraph (a), to purchase the option property from B,
the assignment of the call option is taken to be an agreement for the transfer of the option property to C and is liable to duty accordingly.
(2)If subsection (1) applies, section 45 does not apply in relation to the rights of C and B referred to in subsection (1).
50.Assignment of call option, dutiable value of
The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction referred to in section 49 is —
(a)the sum of —
(i)the amount paid by way of consideration for the assignment of the call option in respect of the option property; and
(ii)the amount payable in the event of the exercise of the call option in respect of the option property;
or
(b)the unencumbered value of the option property at the time when liability for duty on the transaction arises, if —
(i)there are no amounts paid or payable under paragraph (a); or
(ii)the amounts paid or payable under paragraph (a) cannot be ascertained when liability for duty on the transaction arises; or
(iii)the unencumbered value is greater than the sum of the amounts paid or payable under paragraph (a).
51.Dutiable transaction referred to in s. 49, duty paid on to be credited
If —
(a)a transaction record for a dutiable transaction referred to in section 49 for option property is duty endorsed (the first dutiable transaction); and
(b)as a result of the put option, or the assigned call option, being exercised either, or both, of the following occur (the second dutiable transaction) —
(i)an agreement for the transfer of the option property is executed;
(ii)the option property is transferred,
the amount of duty payable on the second dutiable transaction is to be reduced by the amount of duty paid on the first dutiable transaction.
52.Assigned call option not exercised or further assigned, consequences of
(1)If, in relation to an assignment of a call option taken to be an agreement for the transfer of the option property under section 49 —
(a)the call option and the put option of the simultaneous put and call option —
(i)both expire without being exercised; or
(ii)are rescinded or cancelled by agreement, or either is rescinded or cancelled and the other expires without being exercised;
and
(b)the call option has not been further assigned as referred to in section 49,
this Division does not apply and the Commissioner, on the application of the taxpayer, is to assess or reassess the liability to duty of the assignment of the call option.
(2)For the purposes of this section, the Taxation Administration Act section 17 applies as if the original assessment had been when the call option and the put option had both expired or were rescinded or cancelled.
Division 2 — Discretionary trust acquisitions and surrenders
Subdivision 1 — Terms used in this Division
53.References to partnership or trust holding property
A reference to a partnership or trust holding property is a reference to the holding of the property by the partners for the partnership or the trustees under the trust.
54.References to taker in default
A reference to a taker in default is to a beneficiary of a discretionary trust that has an interest in the discretionary trust in default of an appointment by the trustee, or trustees, of the discretionary trust.
55.References to trust acquisition
A reference to a trust acquisition is to the acquisition by a taker in default of an interest in a discretionary trust that holds —
(a)dutiable property; or
(b)an indirect interest in dutiable property.
56.References to trust surrender
A reference to a trust surrender is to the surrender by a taker in default of an interest in a discretionary trust that holds —
(a)dutiable property; or
(b)an indirect interest in dutiable property.
57.When discretionary trust holds indirect interest in dutiable property
(1)A discretionary trust holds an indirect interest in dutiable property if an entity linked to the trustee of the discretionary trust is entitled to dutiable property.
(2)Sections 156 and 156A apply where it is necessary to determine whether an entity is linked to a trustee of a discretionary trust for the purposes of subsection (1) or section 59(a)(ii) or 61(b).
(3)In applying sections 156 and 156A, the trustee of the discretionary trust is the main entity, despite section 152(2) and (3).
[Section 57 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 20.]
Subdivision 2 — Trust acquisitions and trust surrenders
58.When person acquires interest in discretionary trust
A person acquires an interest in a discretionary trust if the person —
(a)becomes a taker in default of the discretionary trust —
(i)on creation of the discretionary trust; or
(ii)otherwise, other than because of the surrender of another person’s interest in the discretionary trust for which duty has been paid or in respect of which duty was not chargeable;
or
(b)is a taker in default of the discretionary trust whose interest increases, other than because of the surrender of another person’s interest in the discretionary trust for which duty has been paid or in respect of which duty was not chargeable.
59.Trust acquisition or trust surrender, dutiable value of
The dutiable value of a trust acquisition or trust surrender is —
(a)the consideration for the acquisition or surrender so far as the consideration relates to dutiable property —
(i)held by the discretionary trust; or
(ii)to which an entity linked to the trustee of the discretionary trust is entitled;
or
(b)the value of the taker in default’s interest in the discretionary trust at the time when liability for duty on the transaction arises if —
(i)there is no consideration for the acquisition or surrender; or
(ii)the consideration cannot be ascertained when liability for duty on the transaction arises; or
(iii)the value of the taker in default’s interest is greater than the consideration for the acquisition or surrender.
60.References to interest in discretionary trust of taker in default
(1)A reference to an interest in a discretionary trust of a taker in default in the discretionary trust is —
(a)the percentage of —
(i)the trust income; or
(ii)the trust property,
that the taker in default would receive in default of appointment by the trustee; or
(b)if the taker in default would receive both trust income and trust property in default of appointment by the trustee, the percentage of either the trust income or the trust property that the taker in default would receive that is the greater.
(2)Despite subsection (1), if the Commissioner considers it appropriate to do so, an interest in a discretionary trust of a taker in default is to be determined by the Commissioner taking into account the rights or entitlements of the taker in default under the trust.
61.Taker in default’s interest, value of for s. 59(b)
For the purposes of section 59(b), the value of the taker in default’s interest in a discretionary trust is the total of the following amounts —
(a)in respect of the dutiable property held by the discretionary trust — an amount determined by applying the interest in the discretionary trust of the taker in default to the unencumbered value, when liability for duty on the transaction arises, of the dutiable property;
(b)in respect of the dutiable property to which an entity linked to the trustee of the discretionary trust is entitled — an amount determined by applying the interest in the discretionary trust of the taker in default to an amount determined by applying section 157 as if a reference in that section —
(i)to land assets were a reference to dutiable property; and
(ii)to the main entity’s total direct or indirect interest in the linked entity calculated under section 154A were a reference to the total direct or indirect interest that the trustee of the discretionary trust has in the linked entity, calculated under section 154A(2) to (5) as if the trustee of the discretionary trust were a higher entity referred to in that section.
Note for this section:
For example, if the taker in default had a 50% interest in the trust and the trust held dutiable property of $1 000 000, the value of the taker in default’s interest would be $500 000.
[Section 61 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 21.]
62.When trust acquisition or trust surrender is not dutiable transaction
(1)Duty is not chargeable on a trust acquisition or trust surrender if the trust acquisition or trust surrender is a result of —
(a)a person becoming or ceasing to be a member of a class of beneficiaries of the discretionary trust because of the birth or death of the person; or
(b)a person becoming or ceasing to be a member of a class of beneficiaries of the discretionary trust because of the marriage or divorce of the person, or the beginning or ending of a de facto relationship of the person.
(2)In subsection (1)(b) —
de facto relationship means a de facto relationship that comes within the Family Court Act section 205Z(1)(a), (b) or (c).
Division 3 — Corporate trustees
Subdivision 1 — Terms used in this Division
In this Division —
authorised trustee corporation means a corporation declared under the Corporations Act to be an authorised trustee corporation for any provision of that Act;
disposition, in relation to a share, includes —
(a)a transfer or other disposition of the share; and
(b)the allotment or issue of the share; and
(c)the redemption, surrender or cancellation of the share; and
(d)the variation, abrogation or alteration of a right pertaining to the share with respect to the capital of the corporate trustee; and
(e)any means by which a share is disposed of or the rights of its holder are diminished;
share means —
(a)a share or stock of an unlisted corporation; or
(b)an interest in such a share or stock;
unlisted corporation means a corporation not listed on an official list of a prescribed financial market.
64.References to trustee of discretionary trust holding property
A reference to a trustee of a discretionary trust holding property is a reference to the holding of the property by the trustee under the trust.
65.References to corporate trustee
A reference to a corporate trustee is to the trustee of a discretionary trust if that trustee —
(a)is an unlisted corporation, other than an authorised trustee corporation; and
(b)holds —
(i)dutiable property; or
(ii)an indirect interest in dutiable property.
66.When corporate trustee holds indirect interest in dutiable property
(1)A corporate trustee holds an indirect interest in dutiable property if an entity linked to the trustee is entitled to dutiable property.
(2)Sections 156 and 156A apply where it is necessary to determine whether an entity is linked to a corporate trustee for the purposes of subsection (1).
(3)In applying sections 156 and 156A, the corporate trustee is the main entity, despite section 152(2) and (3).
[Section 66 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 22.]
Subdivision 2 — Disposition of shares in a corporate trustee
67.Share disposition taken to be agreement for transfer of trust property
(1)A disposition of a share in a corporate trustee is taken to be an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property and is liable to duty accordingly if it is a transaction, or part of a transaction, that is a scheme or arrangement, or part of a scheme or arrangement, that results, or will or may result, in a change in any beneficial interest, whether vested or contingent, in dutiable property held directly or indirectly by the corporate trustee of a discretionary trust.
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to the disposition of a share by which the personal representative of a deceased person disposes of a share to a beneficiary in the administration of the estate of the deceased.
[Section 67 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 23.]
68.Transaction referred to in s. 67, dutiable value of
(1)The dutiable value of a transaction referred to in section 67 is the proportion of the dutiable value of the dutiable property held, directly or indirectly, by the corporate trustee at the time of the share disposition that is equivalent to the proportion of the total issued capital of the corporate trustee represented by the share.
(2)The dutiable value of the dutiable property held indirectly by a corporate trustee is an amount determined by applying section 157 as if a reference in that section —
(a)to land assets were a reference to dutiable property; and
(b)to the main entity’s total direct or indirect interest in the linked entity calculated under section 154A were a reference to the total direct or indirect interest that the corporate trustee has in the linked entity, calculated under section 154A(2) to (5) as if the corporate trustee were a higher entity referred to in that section.
(3)In determining the proportion of the total issued capital of a corporate trustee represented by a share for the purposes of subsection (1), the respective rights and obligations pertaining to the share and the other shares in the capital of the corporate trustee are to be taken into account.
[Section 68 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 24.]
69.Person liable to pay duty on disposition of share
The person liable to pay duty on a disposition of a share in a corporate trustee referred to in section 67 is each person that holds a share in the corporate trustee.
Subdivision 1 — Terms used in this Division
70.Term used: dutiable property
In this Division, other than section 78 —
dutiable property means each of the following —
(a)land in Western Australia;
(b)a chattel in Western Australia;
(c)a fixed infrastructure control right;
(d)a fixed infrastructure access right;
(e)a fixed infrastructure statutory licence;
(f)a derivative mining right.
[Section 70 amended: No. 17 of 2010 s. 12; No. 12 of 2019 s. 25.]
71.References to partnership or trust holding property
A reference to a partnership or trust holding property is a reference to the holding of the property by the partners for the partnership or the trustees under the trust.
72.References to partnership acquisition
A reference to a partnership acquisition is to a person acquiring a partnership interest in a partnership that holds —
(a)land in Western Australia; or
(b)a fixed infrastructure control right; or
(c)a fixed infrastructure access right; or
(d)a derivative mining right; or
(e)an indirect interest in property referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d).
[Section 72 amended: No. 17 of 2010 s. 13; No. 12 of 2019 s. 26.]
73.When partnership holds indirect interest in property
(1)A partnership holds an indirect interest in property of a kind referred to in section 72(a), (b), (c) or (d) if an entity linked to the partnership is entitled to property of that kind.
(2)Sections 156 and 156A apply where it is necessary to determine whether an entity is linked to a partnership for the purposes of subsection (1) or section 76(a)(ii) or 77(1)(b).
(3)In applying sections 156 and 156A, the partnership is the main entity, despite section 152(2) and (3).
[Section 73 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 27.]
74.References to partner’s partnership interest
A reference to a partner’s partnership interest is to the greater of —
(a)the percentage of the capital of the partnership the partner has contributed or is obliged to contribute; or
(b)the percentage of the losses of the partnership the partner is required to bear.
Subdivision 2 — Acquiring partnership interests
75.When person acquires partnership interest
(1)A person acquires a partnership interest if a partnership is formed or the person’s partnership interest increases.
(2)Without limiting subsection (1) —
(a)a partnership may be formed on —
(i)a change in the membership of a partnership; or
(ii)the merger of 2 or more partnerships;
or
(b)a person’s partnership interest may increase —
(i)under the terms of a partnership agreement; or
(ii)on the retirement of a partner from a partnership; or
(iii)on a change in the terms of a partnership agreement effecting a change in the interests of the partners.
76.Partnership acquisition, dutiable value of
The dutiable value of a partnership acquisition is —
(a)the consideration for the acquisition so far as the consideration relates to dutiable property —
(i)held by the partnership; or
(ii)to which an entity linked to the partnership is entitled;
or
(b)the value of the partnership interest the subject of the acquisition at the time when liability for duty on the transaction arises if —
(i)there is no consideration for the acquisition; or
(ii)the consideration cannot be ascertained when liability for duty on the transaction arises; or
(iii)the value of the partnership interest is greater than the consideration for the acquisition.
77.Partnership interest, value of for s. 76(b)
(1)For the purpose of section 76(b), the value of a partnership interest the subject of a partnership acquisition is the total of the following amounts —
(a)in respect of the dutiable property held by the partnership — an amount determined by applying the partner’s partnership interest to the unencumbered value, when liability for duty on the transaction arises, of the dutiable property;
(b)in respect of the dutiable property to which an entity linked to the partnership is entitled — an amount determined by applying the partner’s partnership interest to an amount determined by applying section 157 as if a reference in that section —
(i)to land assets were a reference to dutiable property; and
(ii)to the main entity’s total direct or indirect interest in the linked entity calculated under section 154A were a reference to the total direct or indirect interest that the partnership has in the linked entity, calculated under section 154A(2) to (5) as if the partnership were a higher entity referred to in that section.
(2)In determining the value of a partnership interest the subject of a new partner’s partnership acquisition on formation of a partnership, the value of any dutiable property the partner contributed to the partnership on its formation (other than any joint property) is to be disregarded.
(2A)In determining the value of a partnership interest the subject of a new partner’s partnership acquisition on formation of a partnership, the value determined under subsections (1) and (2) is to be reduced, for each interest in joint property the new partner contributed to the partnership on its formation, by —
(a)the unencumbered value, when liability for duty on the transaction arises, of that interest; or
(b)if the amount determined under paragraph (a) is greater than the amount (the cap amount) determined by applying the new partner’s partnership interest to the total unencumbered value, when liability for duty on the transaction arises, of the joint property to which that interest relates — the cap amount.
(2B)For the purposes of subsections (2) and (2A), joint property is property held by the new partner jointly with 1 or more other partners.
(3)For the purposes of subsections (2) and (2A), a person is a new partner only if —
(a)the person was not in partnership with any partners of the partnership immediately before its formation; or
(b)on the person’s partnership acquisition, the person becomes a partner in an additional partnership to a partnership in which the person is a partner with any partners of the additional partnership immediately before its formation.
(4)However, subsection (3)(b) does not apply to a person that makes a partnership acquisition in a partnership that was formed because of a change in the membership of the partners of another partnership (the old partnership) if the person had a partnership interest in the old partnership.
(5)In determining the value of a partner’s partnership interest the subject of an acquisition that is an increase in the partner’s partnership interest, the partner’s partnership interest is taken to be the increase in the partner’s partnership interest.
[Section 77 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 28.]
78.Dutiable value of transfer of dutiable property to retiring partner
(1)This section applies if —
(a)a person (the retiring partner) ceases to be a partner in a partnership because of the retiring partner’s retirement from the partnership or its dissolution; and
(b)on the retirement or dissolution, dutiable property (the transfer property) of the partnership is transferred or agreed to be transferred to the retiring partner; and
(c)the transfer property is, or is an interest in, a particular item of dutiable property (the relevant partnership property) held by the partnership immediately before the retirement or dissolution.
(2)In determining the dutiable value of the dutiable transaction that is the transfer or agreement referred to in subsection (1)(b), the unencumbered value of the transfer property is to be determined as follows —
(a)first, the aggregate unencumbered value of the following is to be determined —
(i)the transfer property;
(ii)if the transfer property is an interest in the relevant partnership property — relevant retained property (if any) in relation to the transfer property;
(b)second, the value determined in accordance with paragraph (a) is to be reduced by an amount calculated by applying the retiring partner’s partnership interest in the partnership to the unencumbered value, immediately before the retirement or dissolution, of the relevant partnership property.
(3)Property is relevant retained property in relation to the transfer property for the purposes of subsection (2)(a)(ii) if —
(a)the property is also an interest in the relevant partnership property; and
(b)immediately before the retirement or dissolution, the retiring partner was the legal owner of the property and held it for the partnership; and
(c)immediately after the retirement or dissolution, the retiring partner remains the legal owner of the property but no longer holds it for the partnership.
(4)This section does not apply to a transfer that is taken to occur under section 78A(2).
[Section 78 inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 29.]
78A.Certain retained property taken to be transferred to retiring partner
(1)This section applies if —
(a)a person (a retiring partner) ceases to be a partner in a partnership because of the retiring partner’s retirement from the partnership or its dissolution; and
(b)immediately before the retirement or dissolution, the retiring partner was the legal owner of dutiable property (the retained property) and held the property for the partnership; and
(c)immediately after the retirement or dissolution, the retiring partner remains the legal owner of the retained property but no longer holds it for the partnership; and
(d)the retained property is, or is an interest in, a particular item of dutiable property (the relevant partnership property) held by the partnership immediately before the retirement or dissolution; and
(e)the retained property is or includes property referred to in section 72(a) to (d).
(2)When the retirement or dissolution occurs, there is taken to be a dutiable transaction consisting of the transfer of the retained property to the retiring partner.
(3)In determining the dutiable value of a dutiable transaction under subsection (2) (a deemed transaction), the unencumbered value of the retained property is to be determined as follows —
(a)first, the unencumbered value of the retained property when liability for duty on the deemed transaction arises is to be determined;
(b)second, the value determined in accordance with paragraph (a) is to be reduced by an amount calculated by applying the retiring partner’s partnership interest in the partnership to the unencumbered value, immediately before the retirement or dissolution, of the relevant partnership property.
(4)This section does not apply to retained property if the unencumbered value of the retained property is to be taken into account in determining the dutiable value of a transaction to which section 78 applies.
[Section 78A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 29.]
Division 5 — Western Australian business assets
Subdivision 1 — Terms used in this Division
In this Division —
business asset means any of the following —
(a)goodwill of a business;
(b)a restraint of trade arrangement for a business;
(c)a business identity;
(d)a business licence;
(e)a right of a business under an uncompleted agreement to supply commodities or provide services;
(f)intellectual property of a business;
(g)things that a business has that are in the nature of rent rolls and client lists,
but does not include a trade debt;
business identity means a business name, trading name or internet domain name, or a right to use a business name, trading name or internet domain name;
business licence —
(a)means a licence, permit or authority which is issued, granted or given under —
(i)a written law and which is required by a written law to be held by a person carrying out an activity for gain or reward; or
(ii)a law of the Commonwealth and which is required by a law of the Commonwealth to be held by a person carrying out an activity in Western Australia for gain or reward;
but
(b)does not include a fixed infrastructure access right, a fixed infrastructure control right or a fixed infrastructure statutory licence;
circuit layout right means an exclusive right under the Circuit Layouts Act 1989 (Commonwealth) for an eligible layout under that Act;
commodities includes land, money, credit and goods and any interest in them;
franchise arrangement means an agreement or other arrangement under which a person (the franchisor) that carries on a business authorises or permits another person (the franchisee) —
(a)to engage in the business of producing, supplying or providing commodities or services, or both, at a place other than the place of business of the franchisor as long as the franchisee does so under —
(i)a stated marketing, business or technical plan or system; and
(ii)a common format or common procedure, or both;
and
(b)to use a mark or common trade name in such a way that the business carried on by the franchisee is or is capable of being identified by the public as being substantially associated with the mark or name identifying, commonly connected with or controlled by the franchisor or a person that is a related person to the franchisor;
intellectual property means —
(a)a patent, trademark, industrial design, copyright, registered design, plant breeder right or circuit layout right; or
(b)anything else that has the following characteristics —
(i)it is in the nature of a strategy, process, procedure, mode of operation or way of working that enables a commodity or service to be produced, supplied or provided or that enhances the production, supply, provision or quality of a commodity or service;
(ii)it was created, devised or developed to be used for business purposes or, having been created, devised or developed for other purposes, has been applied, adapted or modified for use for business purposes;
or
(c)a right to use or exploit —
(i)anything mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b); or
(ii)an adaptation or modification of anything mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b);
plant breeder right means —
(a)a plant breeder’s right under the Plant Breeder’s Rights Act 1994 (Commonwealth); or
(b)a plant breeder’s right corresponding to a right mentioned in paragraph (a);
related person has the meaning given in section 162;
restraint of trade arrangement for a business means a restraint of trade arrangement which, in the opinion of the Commissioner, enhances or is likely to enhance the value of the business;
Western Australian business, in relation to a dutiable transaction, means —
(a)a business that, in the year preceding the transaction has —
(i)been carried on in or from Western Australia; or
(ii)supplied commodities or provided services to customers in Western Australia;
or
(b)carrying out an activity for gain or reward under a licence referred to in paragraph (a) of the definition of business licence; or
(c)carrying out an activity in Western Australia for gain or reward under a licence referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition of business licence;
Western Australian business asset means a business asset of a Western Australian business.
[Section 79 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 30.]
Subdivision 2 — Particular transactions involving business assets
80.Some transactions involving business licences to be taken to be agreements for transfer
When a person agrees to relinquish a business licence held by that person, or agrees not to apply for a renewal of such a business licence, so that it, or another business licence in respect of the same kind of activity, can be issued, granted or given to another person that agreement is taken to be an agreement for the transfer to the other person of the business licence that is to be relinquished or is not to be renewed.
[Section 80 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 31.]
81.Transactions for particular WA business assets that are not dutiable transactions
(1)The transfer, or an agreement for the transfer, of a Western Australian business asset from a franchisor in accordance with a franchise arrangement, is not a dutiable transaction unless another person has relinquished, or agreed not to extend, that business asset or a business asset of the same kind so that the franchisee could acquire that business asset.
(2)A transaction is not a dutiable transaction if the only dutiable property the subject of the transaction is intellectual property of a business.
(3)A transaction referred to in subsection (2) is a dutiable transaction if, under section 37, it is aggregated with a transaction that is a dutiable transaction for a Western Australian business asset, a fixed infrastructure control right, a fixed infrastructure access right or a fixed infrastructure statutory licence, and the transactions are treated as a single dutiable transaction.
(4)For the purposes of section 11(1)(f), new dutiable property that is a Western Australian business asset referred to in section 17(1)(c) is not acquired unless subsection (5) applies.
(5)If a person —
(a)carries on, or has carried on, a business (the first business); and
(b)creates intellectual property, a restraint of trade arrangement or a business identity related to the first business for the purpose of the carrying on of the first business or another business by another person,
then, subject to subsections (2) and (3), the creation of the intellectual property, restraint of trade arrangement or business identity is the acquisition by that other person of a Western Australian business asset of the first business.
[Section 81 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 32.]
Subdivision 3 — Dutiable value of dutiable transactions for business assets
82.Dutiable transaction for business asset, dutiable value of
The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction for a business asset is to be determined —
(a)under section 83 if —
(i)the business asset is a business licence referred to in paragraph (b) of the definition of that term in section 79; and
(ii)the asset is of a Western Australian business referred to in paragraph (c) of the definition of that term in section 79;
or
(b)under section 84 if the business asset is a business licence referred to in paragraph (a) of the definition of that term in section 79; or
(c)under section 85 or 86, as is relevant; or
(d)if the Commissioner decides that it is not appropriate to determine the dutiable value of a dutiable transaction for business assets under any of those sections, on such other basis as the Commissioner decides is appropriate.
83.Certain business licences required by Cwlth law, dutiable value of for s. 82(a)
The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction referred to in section 82(a) is the greater of the following —
(a)the value of the business licence so far as it authorises the carrying out of an activity in Western Australia; or
(b)the portion of the consideration for the transaction that relates to the carrying out of an activity in Western Australia under the authority of the business licence.
84.Business licences required by WA law, dutiable value of for s. 82(b)
The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction referred to in section 82(b) is —
(a)the consideration for the dutiable transaction; or
(b)the unencumbered value of the business licence the subject of the transaction at the time when liability for duty on the transaction arises if —
(i)there is no consideration for the transaction; or
(ii)the consideration cannot be ascertained when liability for duty on the transaction arises; or
(iii)the unencumbered value is greater than the consideration for the transaction.
85.Dutiable value of business asset where principal place of business is in WA
The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction for a business asset where the principal place of business or head office of the Western Australian business is in Western Australia is to be determined using the following formula —
where —
DV is the dutiable value;
CUV is —
(a)the consideration for the transaction; or
(b)the unencumbered value of the business asset the subject of the transaction if —
(i)there is no consideration for the transaction; or
(ii)the consideration cannot be ascertained when liability for duty on the transaction arises; or
(iii)the unencumbered value is greater than the consideration for the transaction;
TS is the gross amount (in Australian dollars) of all the commodities supplied and services provided by the business in the last 3 completed financial years preceding the transaction;
IS is the gross amount (in Australian dollars) of the commodities supplied and services provided by the business to customers elsewhere in Australia in the last 3 completed financial years preceding the transaction.
86.Dutiable value of business asset where principal place of business is out of WA
The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction for a business asset where neither the principal place of business nor the head office of the Western Australian business is in Western Australia is to be determined using the following formula —
where —
DV is the dutiable value;
CUV is —
(a)the consideration for the transaction; or
(b)the unencumbered value of the business asset the subject of the transaction if —
(i)there is no consideration for the transaction; or
(ii)the consideration cannot be ascertained when liability for duty on the transaction arises; or
(iii)the unencumbered value is greater than the consideration for the transaction;
TS is the gross amount (in Australian dollars) of all the commodities supplied and services provided by the business in the last 3 completed financial years preceding the transaction;
WAS is the gross amount (in Australian dollars) of the commodities delivered and services provided by the business to customers in Western Australia in the last 3 completed financial years preceding the transaction.
Division 6 — Conditional agreements
87.References to conditional agreement
(1)A reference to a conditional agreement is to an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property where —
(a)completion of the agreement is conditional on the happening of one or more of the events described in subsection (2) and specified in an instrument effecting or evidencing the agreement; and
(b)the parties to the agreement do not have control over the happening of the event, except to the extent that they are required under the agreement to use their best endeavours to secure the happening of the event; and
(c)a person related to a party to the agreement does not have control over the happening of the event,
unless —
(d)it is a call option of a simultaneous put and call option taken to be an agreement for the transfer of option property under section 45; or
(e)it is an agreement that is subject to a condition which, in the opinion of the Commissioner, constitutes a scheme or arrangement, or part of a scheme or arrangement, the sole or dominant purpose of which is to defer the payment of duty.
(2)The following events are specified for the purposes of subsection (1)(a) —
(a)the obtaining by a purchaser under the agreement of a satisfactory private taxation ruling by the Commissioner of Taxation of the Commonwealth as to the consequences of the agreement with respect to taxation under a law of the Commonwealth;
(b)the obtaining, to the satisfaction of a purchaser under the agreement, of funds or of approval to obtain funds to finance the purchase;
(c)the obtaining by a purchaser under the agreement of a satisfactory building inspection, geotechnical or environmental report from a third party in relation to the property the subject of the agreement;
(d)the obtaining by a vendor under the agreement of the consent of the Minister responsible for administering the Land Administration Act 1997 to transfer a lease of leasehold land to a purchaser under the agreement;
(e)the authorisation of the payment to a purchaser under the agreement of a first home owner grant under the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000 in relation to a property the subject of the agreement;
(f)the obtaining by a purchaser under the agreement of a licence to trade or the grant of a franchise;
(g)where the subject of the agreement is a commercial property, the obtaining by a vendor under the agreement of the renewal of an existing lease of the property;
(h)the obtaining from the landlord of a leasehold business by a vendor of the business the subject of the agreement, of a new lease, or of an assignment of the current lease to a purchaser under the agreement;
(i)the sale of another property by a purchaser under the agreement;
(j)the obtaining by a vendor under the agreement of —
(i)the approval under the Planning and Development Act 2005 section 135 for the subdivision of the land, or part of the land, the subject of the agreement; or
(ia)the registration of a community titles scheme or an amendment of a community titles scheme under the Community Titles Act 2018; or
(ii)the registration of a strata titles scheme or an amendment of a strata titles scheme under the Strata Titles Act 1985;
(k)the obtaining by a purchaser under the agreement of approval from a regulatory body;
(l)the results of the making of due diligence inquiries by a purchaser under the agreement where the results are to be measured against objective criteria set out in an instrument that effects or evidences the agreement;
(m)the issue of a certificate of title (however described) for the property the subject of the agreement;
(n)the obtaining by a purchaser of consent required under the Mining Act 1978 for the transfer of a mining tenement the subject of the agreement;
(o)a prescribed event.
[(3), (4)deleted]
(5)For the purposes of subsection (1)(c), the following persons are related persons —
(a)joint owners of property;
(b)individuals who are in partnership with each other;
(c)participants in the same joint venture;
(d)family members;
(e)related corporations;
(f)a trustee and another trustee if there is any beneficiary common to the trusts of which they are trustees, whether the beneficiary has a vested share or is contingently entitled or may benefit from a discretionary trust;
(g)an individual and a corporation, if the individual is a majority shareholder, director or secretary of the corporation or a related corporation;
(h)an individual and a trustee, if the individual is a beneficiary under the trust of which the trustee is a trustee, whether the beneficiary has a vested share or is contingently entitled or is a potential beneficiary under a discretionary trust;
(i)a corporation and a trustee if —
(i)the corporation or a majority shareholder, director or secretary of the corporation is a beneficiary under the trust of which the trustee is a trustee; or
(ii)a related corporation to the corporation is a beneficiary under the trust of which the trustee is a trustee,
whether the beneficiary has a vested share or is contingently entitled or is a potential beneficiary under a discretionary trust.
(6)A reference in subsection (5)(d) to a family member of a person is to —
(a)a child or remoter lineal descendant of the person; or
(b)a parent or remoter lineal ancestor of the person; or
(c)a brother or sister of the person or a child or remoter lineal descendant of a brother or sister of the person; or
(d)an aunt or uncle of the person; or
(e)the spouse, former spouse, de facto partner or former de facto partner of the person; or
(f)a family member referred to in paragraph (b), (c) or (d) of a person referred to in paragraph (e); or
(g)the spouse or de facto partner of a person mentioned in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d); or
(h)a child or remoter lineal descendant of a former spouse or former de facto partner of a person,
or more than one of them.
[Section 87 amended: No. 17 of 2010 s. 8; No. 12 of 2019 s. 33; No. 30 of 2018 s. 134; No. 32 of 2018 s. 205.]
88A.General conditional agreements, no duty on if terminated on relevant grounds
(1)Duty is not chargeable on a general conditional agreement if, after an instrument effecting or evidencing the agreement has been lodged under section 23 but before duty on the transaction is paid, or is due to be paid, under section 25 (whichever is the earlier in time) —
(a)the agreement is terminated on relevant grounds; and
(b)the Commissioner is notified of the termination of the agreement in the approved form.
(2)A general conditional agreement is terminated on relevant grounds if —
(a)it is not carried into effect because the condition to which it is or was subject cannot be fulfilled for reasons that are not within the control of a party to the agreement, or a person that is related (within the meaning given in section 87(5)) to a party to the agreement; and
(b)duty is not chargeable on the agreement under section 107 because it is a cancelled transaction.
[Section 88A inserted: No. 17 of 2010 s. 9.]
88.References to farming land conditional agreement
A reference to a farming land conditional agreement is to a conditional agreement the subject of which is solely or dominantly farming land within the meaning of section 99(1).
89.References to mining tenement conditional agreement
A reference to a mining tenement conditional agreement is to a conditional agreement the subject of which is a mining tenement.
90.References to issue of title conditional agreement
A reference to an issue of title conditional agreement is to a conditional agreement —
(a)for the sale of land conditional on the happening of one or more of the events described in section 87(2)(j) or (m); or
(ab)for —
(i)the sale of a lot in a community titles (building) scheme (within the meaning of the Community Titles Act 2018); and
(ii)the construction on the lot, after liability for duty on the agreement arises, of a building for commercial, residential or mixed use purposes;
or
(b)for —
(i)the sale of a lot in a strata scheme (within the meaning of the Strata Titles Act 1985); and
(ii)the construction on the lot, after liability for duty on the agreement arises, of a building for commercial, residential or mixed use purposes.
[Section 90 inserted: No. 17 of 2010 s. 10; amended: No. 30 of 2018 s. 135; No. 32 of 2018 s. 206.]
91.References to subdivision conditional agreement
A reference to a subdivision conditional agreement is to a conditional agreement for the sale of land conditional on the obtaining by a purchaser under the agreement of approval from the relevant authorities to the subdivision of the land, or part of the land, the subject of the agreement.
Division 7 — Rights relating to fixed infrastructure
[Heading inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 34.]
(1)In this Division —
fixed infrastructure means dutiable property that is land in Western Australia that is a thing to which section 3A(1)(f) applies;
fixed infrastructure access right means a licence or other right that authorises access to or use of any land for —
(a)a purpose related to the control, operation, use, construction, inspection, testing, maintenance or repair of fixed infrastructure or of things used in conjunction with fixed infrastructure; or
(b)any other purpose associated with fixed infrastructure;
fixed infrastructure control right —
(a)means a lease, licence or other right that enables the holder to have the day‑to‑day control, and the operation or use, of fixed infrastructure; but
(b)does not include —
(i)a security interest; or
(ii)a fixed infrastructure statutory licence;
fixed infrastructure statutory licence means a licence, permit or authority that is issued, granted or given under a written law or a law of the Commonwealth (the issuing law) if —
(a)the licence, permit or authority authorises the ownership, control, operation or use of a thing (the relevant activity); and
(b)the issuing law prohibits a person that does not hold such a licence, permit or authority from engaging in the relevant activity; and
(c)the thing referred to in paragraph (a) is fixed infrastructure;
landholder has the meaning given in section 148(1);
linked entity has the meaning given in section 148(1).
(2)In the definition of fixed infrastructure access right in subsection (1), a reference to land does not include anything that is land under section 3A(1)(f) or (g).
(3)Despite subsection (1), anything that is land is not a fixed infrastructure control right, fixed infrastructure access right or fixed infrastructure statutory licence.
(4)The regulations may prescribe classes of right that, despite subsection (1), are excluded from the definition of fixed infrastructure access right, fixed infrastructure control right or fixed infrastructure statutory licence in that subsection.
[Section 91A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 34.]
91B.Some transactions involving fixed infrastructure statutory licences to be taken to be agreements for transfer
When a person agrees to relinquish a fixed infrastructure statutory licence held by that person, or agrees not to apply for a renewal of such a fixed infrastructure statutory licence, so that it, or another, can be issued, granted or given to another person, that agreement is taken to be an agreement for the transfer to the other person of the fixed infrastructure statutory licence that is to be relinquished or is not to be renewed.
[Section 91B inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 34.]
91C.Which transactions as to fixed infrastructure access rights and fixed infrastructure statutory licences are dutiable
(1)For the purposes of this section, a transaction (the fixed infrastructure transaction) is not a dutiable transaction to the extent that the fixed infrastructure transaction relates to dutiable property that consists of a fixed infrastructure access right or a fixed infrastructure statutory licence unless subsection (2), (3) or (4) applies.
(2)This subsection applies if the dutiable property to which the fixed infrastructure transaction relates also includes any of the following —
(a)fixed infrastructure (relevant fixed infrastructure) to which the fixed infrastructure access right or fixed infrastructure statutory licence relates;
(b)an estate or interest in relevant fixed infrastructure;
(c)a fixed infrastructure control right that relates to relevant fixed infrastructure.
(3)This subsection applies if —
(a)there is another transaction that is a dutiable transaction and that relates to any dutiable property referred to in subsection (2)(a), (b) or (c); and
(b)the fixed infrastructure transaction and the other transaction together form, evidence, give effect to or arise from what is, substantially one arrangement.
(4)This subsection applies if —
(a)there is a relevant acquisition of an interest in a landholder for the purposes of Chapter 3 or an agreement for the making of such an acquisition; and
(b)the landholder, or a linked entity in respect of the landholder, is entitled to any property referred to in subsection (2)(a), (b) or (c); and
(c)the fixed infrastructure transaction and the acquisition or agreement together form, evidence, give effect to or arise from what is, substantially one arrangement.
(5)Section 37(2) applies in relation to transactions referred to in subsection (3)(b) as if the fixed infrastructure transaction were a dutiable transaction.
(6)Section 14(4) and (5) apply in relation to a fixed infrastructure transaction and acquisition or agreement referred to in subsection (4)(c) as if they were a transaction and acquisition or agreement referred to in section 14(3).
(7)For the purposes of the application of this section to a transaction that is a partnership acquisition, the partnership acquisition is taken to relate to the property of a kind referred to in section 72(a) to (d) held by the partnership or in which the partnership has an indirect interest under section 73.
[Section 91C inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 34.]
91D.Dutiable value of fixed infrastructure statutory licences
(1)The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction for a fixed infrastructure statutory licence issued, granted or given under a law of the Commonwealth is the greater of —
(a)the value of the fixed infrastructure statutory licence so far as it authorises the ownership, control, operation or use of fixed infrastructure (a fixed infrastructure activity); or
(b)the portion of the consideration for the transaction that relates to the carrying out of a fixed infrastructure activity under the authority of the licence.
(2)The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction for a fixed infrastructure statutory licence issued, granted or given under a law of Western Australia is —
(a)the consideration for the dutiable transaction; or
(b)the unencumbered value of the fixed infrastructure statutory licence at the time when liability for duty on the transaction arises if —
(i)there is no consideration for the transaction; or
(ii)the consideration cannot be ascertained when liability for duty on the transaction arises; or
(iii)the unencumbered value is greater than the consideration for the transaction.
[Section 91D inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 34.]
Division 7A — Prospecting licences and related dutiable property
[Heading inserted: No. 16 of 2022 s. 19.]
91DA.Transactions as to prospecting licences or related dutiable property alone not usually dutiable
(1)Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a transaction is not a dutiable transaction if the only dutiable property the subject of the transaction consists of any or all of the following —
(a)a prospecting licence granted under the Mining Act 1978 section 40;
(b)an estate or interest in a prospecting licence granted under the Mining Act 1978 section 40;
(c)a derivative mining right in relation to a prospecting licence granted under the Mining Act 1978 section 40;
(d)a right under an application for a prospecting licence under the Mining Act 1978 section 41;
(e)a part of, or an interest in, a right of a kind referred to in paragraph (c) or (d).
(2)A transaction referred to in subsection (1) is a dutiable transaction if, under section 37, it is aggregated with a transaction that is a dutiable transaction and the transactions are treated as a single dutiable transaction.
(3)A transaction referred to in subsection (1) is a dutiable transaction if —
(a)there is a relevant acquisition for the purposes of Chapter 3 or an agreement for the making of such an acquisition; and
(b)the transaction and the acquisition or agreement together form, evidence, give effect to or arise from what is, substantially one arrangement.
(4)Without limiting subsection (3), unless the Commissioner is satisfied to the contrary, a transaction and an acquisition or agreement together form, evidence, give effect to or arise from what is, substantially one arrangement if —
(a)the transaction has taken place, and the acquisition or agreement has been made, within 12 months; and
(b)in respect of both the transaction and the acquisition or agreement, the person liable to pay duty is the same person (whether that person is the only person liable to pay duty or is liable to pay duty with the same or different persons).
(5)A reference in subsection (4) to a person liable to pay duty on the transaction is a reference to a person that would be liable to pay duty if the transaction were a dutiable transaction.
[Section 91DA inserted: No. 16 of 2022 s. 19.]
Division 8 — Derivative mining rights
[Heading inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 34.]
91E.Agreement for transfer of mining tenement conditional on grant of derivative mining right to transferor
(1)This section applies if —
(a)there is an agreement for the transfer of a mining tenement from a person (person A) to another person (person B); and
(b)it is a condition of the agreement for the transfer that after the transfer person B is to grant a derivative mining right (the prospective right) in relation to the mining tenement to person A.
(2)In determining the dutiable value of the agreement referred to in subsection (1)(a), the unencumbered value of the mining tenement is to be determined, despite section 36(1), having regard to the effect of the prospective right on the value of the mining tenement, as if the prospective right were in force when liability for duty on the agreement arose.
(3)If the agreement referred to in subsection (1)(a) is duty endorsed, duty is not chargeable on the acquisition of the prospective right on its grant by person B.
[Section 91E inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 34.]
91F.Agreement for transfer of mining tenement conditional on grant of derivative mining right to current right holder
(1)This section applies if —
(a)there is an agreement for the transfer of a mining tenement to a person (person A); and
(b)it is a condition of the agreement for the transfer that after the transfer person A is to grant a derivative mining right (the prospective right) in relation to the mining tenement to another person (person B) who —
(i)when the agreement is made, holds a derivative mining right (the previous right) in relation to the mining tenement that is substantially the same as the prospective right; and
(ii)will hold the previous right until immediately before the transfer of the mining tenement.
(2)In determining the dutiable value of the agreement referred to in subsection (1)(a), the unencumbered value of the mining tenement is to be determined, despite section 36(1), having regard to the effect of the previous right on the value of the mining tenement when liability for duty on the agreement arose.
(3)Duty is not chargeable on the acquisition of the prospective right on its grant by person A if both of the following are duty endorsed —
(a)the agreement referred to in subsection (1)(a);
(b)the acquisition, on its grant, of the previous right.
[Section 91F inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 34.]
91G.Transfer or agreement for transfer of mining tenement to holder of derivative mining right
(1)This section applies if —
(a)a person (person A) holds a derivative mining right (the previous right) in relation to a mining tenement held by another person (person B); and
(b)the acquisition of the previous right, on its grant, is duty endorsed; and
(c)there is a transfer, or agreement for the transfer, of the mining tenement from person B to person A; and
(d)person A holds, or will hold, the previous right until immediately before the transfer of the mining tenement.
(2)In determining the dutiable value of a transfer referred to in subsection (1)(c), the unencumbered value of the mining tenement is to be determined, despite section 36(1), having regard to the effect of the previous right on the value of the mining tenement, as if the previous right were in force when liability for duty on the transfer arose.
(3)In determining the dutiable value of an agreement referred to in subsection (1)(c), the unencumbered value of the mining tenement is to be determined, despite section 36(1), having regard to the effect of the previous right on the value of the mining tenement when liability for duty on the agreement arose.
[Section 91G inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 34.]
91H.Acquisition of derivative mining right substantially the same as was held in relation to previous mining tenement
(1)Duty is not chargeable on an acquisition of a derivative mining right by a person (person A) on its grant by another person (person B) if —
(a)the derivative mining right relates to a mining lease granted to person B; and
(b)before the grant of the mining lease, person B held a prospecting licence or an exploration licence in relation to land including the land the subject of the mining lease; and
(c)person A held a derivative mining right in relation to the prospecting licence or exploration licence that was substantially the same as the derivative mining right in relation to the mining lease; and
(d)the acquisition of the derivative mining right in relation to the prospecting licence or exploration licence, on its grant, is duty endorsed or is not a dutiable transaction.
(2)A reference in this section to a mining lease, prospecting licence or exploration licence is to a mining lease, prospecting licence or exploration licence (as the case requires) granted or continued under the Mining Act 1978.
[Section 91H inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 34; amended: No. 16 of 2022 s. 20.]
91I.Failure to grant, or surrender of, derivative mining right after transfer of mining tenement
(1)In this section —
mining tenement valuation provision means section 91E(2) or 91F(2);
prospective right, in relation to a mining tenement valuation provision, means the prospective right referred to in whichever of section 91E(1)(b) or 91F(1)(b) is relevant.
(2)A mining tenement valuation provision that applies to an agreement for the transfer of a mining tenement when liability for duty on the agreement arises ceases to apply to the agreement if —
(a)the prospective right is not granted within the period that applies under subsection (3); or
(b)the prospective right is surrendered for no consideration within 12 months after the day on which the mining tenement is transferred.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (2)(a), the period is —
(a)the period of 90 days starting on the day on which the mining tenement is transferred; or
(b)any longer period allowed, on application within the period referred to in paragraph (a), by the Commissioner on any conditions the Commissioner thinks fit.
(4)If a failure to grant the prospective right referred to in subsection (2)(a) occurs, the transferee in respect of the agreement for transfer referred to in subsection (2) must lodge a notice of the failure in the approved form within 2 months after the last day of the period that applies under subsection (3).
Penalty for this subsection: a fine of $20 000.
(5)If a surrender referred to in subsection (2)(b) occurs, the person who surrenders the prospective right must lodge a notice of the surrender in the approved form within 2 months after the day on which the surrender occurs.
Penalty for this subsection: a fine of $20 000.
(6)Subject to the Taxation Administration Act section 17, the Commissioner must make any reassessment necessary as a result of the operation of subsection (2).
[Section 91I inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 34.]
Division 9 — Farm‑in agreements and farm‑in transactions
[Heading inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
[Heading inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
This Division —
(a)explains farm‑in agreements, farm‑in transactions and related concepts; and
(b)includes various provisions dealing with the treatment of farm‑in agreements and farm‑in transactions for duty purposes.
[Section 91J inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
(1)In this Division —
concessional farm‑in transaction has the meaning given in section 91L(3), subject to section 91L(4), Subdivision 4 and section 91U;
exploration includes development that is carried out solely —
(a)for the purpose of facilitating exploration; or
(b)otherwise incidentally to exploration;
exploration amount has the meaning given in section 91N(5), subject to section 91N(6);
exploration licence means an exploration licence granted under the Mining Act 1978 section 57;
exploration requirement has the meaning given in section 91N(1) to (4), subject to section 91N(6);
farmee has the meaning given in section 91L(1)(b);
farm‑in agreement has the meaning given in section 91L(1) and (2);
farm‑in transaction has the meaning given in section 91M(1), subject to section 91M(2) to (5);
farmor has the meaning given in section 91L(1)(a);
minerals has the meaning given in the Mining Act 1978 section 8(1);
mining has the meaning given in the Mining Act 1978 section 8(1);
primary farmor —
(a)means a person who is the holder, or 1 of the holders, of a mining tenement; and
(b)includes a person (the transferee) who is not the holder, or 1 of the holders, of a mining tenement in a case where —
(i)there is a transfer of an interest in the mining tenement to the transferee in order to make the transferee the holder, or 1 of the holders, of the mining tenement; and
(ii)the transfer is still to be registered under the Mining Act 1978 section 103C; and
(iii)but for the application of the Mining Act 1978 section 103C(8) to the transfer, the transferee would be the holder, or 1 of the holders, of the mining tenement; and
(iv)subsection (2) of this section applies to the transfer;
and
(c)includes a person who is the applicant, or 1 of the applicants, under the Mining Act 1978 for a mining tenement in a case where the application is still to be determined;
prospecting licence means a prospecting licence granted under the Mining Act 1978 section 40;
purchase agreement has the meaning given in section 91M(9);
relevant derivative mining right, in relation to a farm‑in transaction, means a derivative mining right that is a relevant derivative mining right for the farm‑in transaction under section 91M(1)(a)(ii), subject to subsection (3) of this section;
relevant mining tenement, in relation to a farm‑in transaction, means a mining tenement that is a relevant mining tenement for the farm‑in transaction under section 91M(1)(a)(i), subject to subsection (3) of this section;
replacement derivative mining right has the meaning given in section 91M(7) and (8);
replacement mining tenement has the meaning given in section 91M(6);
vary, in relation to an agreement, includes to modify the agreement’s effect.
(2)This subsection applies to a transfer for the purposes of paragraph (b)(iv) of the definition of primary farmor in subsection (1) if —
(a)the transfer is made to the transferee —
(i)under a farm‑in transaction as contemplated in section 91M(1)(c)(i); and
(ii)without limiting subparagraph (i), after the transferee has fulfilled the exploration requirement;
or
(b)the transfer is made to the transferee as a purchaser of the interest in the mining tenement.
(3)In sections 91M(1)(c) and (d) and (3) to (5), 91N(2) and (4), 91Q(2), 91T(3) and (4)(b) and 91V(1), references to a relevant mining tenement or relevant derivative mining right include, respectively —
(a)a replacement mining tenement for the relevant mining tenement; or
(b)a replacement derivative mining right for the relevant derivative mining right.
(4)In this Division, references to a mining tenement or derivative mining right being granted to replace another mining tenement or derivative mining right include cases where the mining tenement or derivative mining right is granted in substitution, conversion or renewal of the other mining tenement or derivative mining right.
(5)In this Division, references to exploration of a mining tenement or derivative mining right are to exploration of land the subject of the mining tenement or derivative mining right.
[Section 91K inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
Subdivision 2 — Explanation of farm‑in agreements, farm‑in transactions and related concepts
[Heading inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
91L.Farm‑in agreements and concessional farm‑in transactions
(1)A farm‑in agreement is an agreement, whether conditional or not, that is made between the following persons and contains 1 or more farm‑in transactions —
(a)a person (the farmor) who is either or both of the following —
(i)a primary farmor for 1 or more mining tenements;
(ii)the holder, or 1 of the holders, of 1 or more derivative mining rights;
(b)another person (the farmee).
(2)In addition to the 1 or more farm‑in transactions, a farm‑in agreement may contain other types of transactions.
(3)A farm‑in transaction contained in a farm‑in agreement is a concessional farm‑in transaction.
(4)Despite subsection (3), a farm‑in transaction contained in a farm‑in agreement is not a concessional farm‑in transaction if, when the farm‑in agreement is made —
(a)the farmee —
(i)is a primary farmor for a relevant mining tenement; or
(ii)is the holder, or 1 of the holders, of a derivative mining right that authorises exploitation of land the subject of a relevant mining tenement; or
(iii)otherwise has any interest in a relevant mining tenement or in a derivative mining right of the type referred to in subparagraph (ii);
or
(b)the farmee —
(i)is 1 of the holders of a relevant derivative mining right; or
(ii)is a primary farmor for a mining tenement to which a relevant derivative mining right relates; or
(iii)is the holder, or 1 of the holders, of a derivative mining right (other than a relevant derivative mining right) that authorises exploitation of land the subject of a mining tenement of the type referred to in subparagraph (ii); or
(iv)otherwise has any interest in a relevant derivative mining right, in a mining tenement of the type referred to in subparagraph (ii) or in a derivative mining right of the type referred to in subparagraph (iii).
[Section 91L inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
91M.Farm‑in transactions and other concepts
(1)A farm‑in transaction is an agreement, whether conditional or not, to the effect that —
(a)as set out in paragraphs (b) to (d), the agreement relates to either or both of the following —
(i)the mining tenement, or 1 or more of the mining tenements, referred to in section 91L(1)(a)(i) (each such mining tenement to which the agreement relates being a relevant mining tenement);
(ii)the derivative mining right, or 1 or more of the derivative mining rights, referred to in section 91L(1)(a)(ii) (each such derivative mining right to which the agreement relates being a relevant derivative mining right);
and
(b)the farmee is to fulfil, or has the option of fulfilling, an exploration requirement; and
(c)if paragraph (a)(i) applies — after the farmee fulfils the exploration requirement, the farmor is to do, or the farmee has the option of requiring the farmor to do, either or both of the following —
(i)transfer to the farmee an interest in each relevant mining tenement;
(ii)grant the farmee a derivative mining right in relation to each relevant mining tenement;
and
(d)if paragraph (a)(ii) applies — after the farmee fulfils the exploration requirement, the farmor is to arrange, or the farmee has the option of requiring the farmor to arrange, for the farmee to acquire an interest in each relevant derivative mining right.
(2)Despite subsection (1), an agreement is not a farm‑in transaction if —
(a)otherwise than under a purchase agreement, the farmee is to acquire, or has the option of acquiring, a beneficial interest without fulfilling the exploration requirement; and
(b)the beneficial interest corresponds (wholly or partly) to a legal interest that the farmee is to acquire, or has the option of acquiring, after fulfilling the exploration requirement as contemplated in subsection (1)(c)(i) or (ii) or (d).
(3)The requirement of subsection (1)(c)(i) is met only if —
(a)the agreement specifies —
(i)the interest or interests to be transferred; or
(ii)the way in which the interest or interests are to be determined;
and
(b)in relation to each relevant mining tenement, the interest to be transferred is, or will be, such that, were the transfer to be made, the farmor and farmee would both be, or would still both be, holders of the relevant mining tenement.
(4)The requirement of subsection (1)(c)(ii) is met only if —
(a)the agreement specifies —
(i)the mining to be authorised by each derivative mining right; or
(ii)the way in which that mining is to be determined;
and
(b)in relation to each relevant mining tenement, were the derivative mining right to be granted, the grant would not result in the farmee having, at any time, substantially the same authority to carry out mining that the farmor has, at that time, under the relevant mining tenement.
(5)The requirement of subsection (1)(d) is met only if —
(a)the agreement specifies —
(i)the interest or interests to be acquired; or
(ii)the way in which the interest or interests are to be determined;
and
(b)in relation to each relevant derivative mining right, the interest to be acquired is, or will be, such that, were it to be acquired, the farmor and farmee would both be, or would still both be, holders of the relevant derivative mining right.
(6)A replacement mining tenement, for a relevant mining tenement, is a mining tenement —
(a)that is granted, after the making of the farm‑in transaction concerned, to replace (wholly or partly) —
(i)the relevant mining tenement; or
(ii)an earlier replacement mining tenement for the relevant mining tenement; or
(iii)a mining tenement referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii), together with 1 or more other mining tenements each of which is also a relevant mining tenement for the farm‑in transaction or a replacement mining tenement for such a relevant mining tenement;
and
(b)that relates only to the land, or to a part of the land, the subject of —
(i)the mining tenement that is replaced; or
(ii)the mining tenements that are replaced (taken together as if they were a single mining tenement);
and
(c)of which the farmor is the holder or 1 of the holders.
(7)A replacement derivative mining right, for a relevant derivative mining right, is a derivative mining right —
(a)that is granted, after the making of the farm‑in transaction concerned, to replace (wholly or partly) —
(i)the relevant derivative mining right; or
(ii)an earlier replacement derivative mining right for the relevant derivative mining right; or
(iii)a derivative mining right referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ii), together with 1 or more other derivative mining rights each of which is also a relevant derivative mining right for the farm‑in transaction or a replacement derivative mining right for such a relevant derivative mining right;
and
(b)that relates only to the land, or to a part of the land, the subject of —
(i)the derivative mining right that is replaced; or
(ii)the derivative mining rights that are replaced (taken together as if they were a single derivative mining right);
and
(c)subject to subsection (8), that does not authorise any mining beyond the mining authorised by —
(i)the derivative mining right that is replaced; or
(ii)the derivative mining rights that are replaced;
and
(d)of which the farmor is the holder or 1 of the holders.
(8)The requirement of subsection (7)(c) does not have to be met if —
(a)the derivative mining right is granted in relation to a mining tenement (the new mining tenement) that was granted to replace (wholly or partly) another mining tenement (the previous mining tenement); and
(b)the new mining tenement authorises mining beyond the mining authorised by the previous mining tenement; and
(c)the derivative mining right only authorises mining for minerals for which mining is authorised by —
(i)the derivative mining right that is replaced; or
(ii)the derivative mining rights that are replaced.
(9)A purchase agreement, in relation to a farm‑in transaction, is an agreement made between the farmor and farmee to the effect that —
(a)the farmee is to provide consideration, or has the option of providing consideration, to the farmor; and
(b)the providing of the consideration by the farmee would be in lieu of the farmee fulfilling a part (but not the whole) of the exploration requirement; and
(c)were the farmee to provide the consideration — the farm‑in transaction would be varied —
(i)so as to reduce the exploration requirement by excluding the part referred to in paragraph (b); and
(ii)so that, accordingly, the reduced exploration requirement would become the exploration requirement for the farm‑in transaction.
[Section 91M inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
91N.Exploration requirement and exploration amount
(1)For the purposes of section 91M(1), an exploration requirement is a requirement to do either or both of the following after the farm‑in transaction is made —
(a)expend, on exploration carried out by the farmee after the farm‑in transaction is made, an amount that is specified in, or determined in accordance with, the farm‑in transaction;
(b)carry out exploration as specified in, or determined in accordance with, the farm‑in transaction.
(2)In subsection (1)(a) and (b), references to exploration are to —
(a)subject to paragraph (b) and subsection (4), exploration that consists, and only consists, of the following —
(i)if only section 91M(1)(a)(i) applies — exploration of each relevant mining tenement;
(ii)if only section 91M(1)(a)(ii) applies — exploration of each relevant derivative mining right;
(iii)if both section 91M(1)(a)(i) and (ii) apply — exploration of each relevant mining tenement and each relevant derivative mining right;
and
(b)in relation to exploration of a relevant derivative mining right, exploration that consists only of either or both of the following —
(i)mining that is authorised by the relevant derivative mining right;
(ii)activities that are solely incidental to mining that is so authorised.
(3)Subsection (4) —
(a)applies to any relevant mining tenement that has not been granted when the farm‑in transaction is made; but
(b)cannot be relied upon in a way that would mean, in effect, that —
(i)no amount is required to be expended as referred to in subsection (1)(a); and
(ii)no exploration is required to be carried out as referred to in subsection (1)(b).
(4)Despite subsection (2)(a)(i) and (iii), the exploration on which an amount is required to be expended as referred to in subsection (1)(a), or that is required to be carried out as referred to in subsection (1)(b), need not include any exploration of the relevant mining tenement.
(5)In relation to a concessional farm‑in transaction, the exploration amount is, as the case requires —
(a)the amount required to be expended as referred to in subsection (1)(a); or
(b)the amount expended by the farmee after the concessional farm‑in transaction is made on the exploration required to be carried out as referred to in subsection (1)(b); or
(c)the amount required to be expended as referred to in subsection (1)(a) and any additional amount expended by the farmee after the concessional farm‑in transaction is made on the exploration required to be carried out as referred to in subsection (1)(b).
(6)The Commissioner may, in relation to an agreement, allow expenditure on administrative costs that would not otherwise be regarded as expenditure on exploration for the purposes of this section to be so regarded, subject to any limits or other conditions imposed by the Commissioner.
[Section 91N inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
Subdivision 3 — Treatment of farm‑in agreements and farm‑in transactions for duty purposes
[Heading inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
(1)For the purposes of this Act, the exploration amount for a concessional farm‑in transaction is taken not to be consideration for the concessional farm‑in transaction.
(2)Section 11(2) does not prevent a concessional farm‑in transaction from being a dutiable transaction.
(3)Subsections (4) to (6) apply if —
(a)a farm‑in agreement is made; and
(b)there is, or will be, consideration (the relevant consideration) that is, or will be, consideration for the farm‑in agreement (as opposed to being, for example, consideration for a concessional farm‑in transaction, or for another type of transaction, contained in the farm‑in agreement).
(4)The farm‑in agreement is taken to contain, in addition to the 1 or more transactions that it actually contains, a dutiable transaction that is the acquisition by the farmee of a derivative mining right.
(5)The derivative mining right is taken to be acquired by the farmee on the making of the farm‑in agreement.
(6)The dutiable value of the dutiable transaction is taken to be the relevant consideration.
[Section 91O inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
91P.General rules relating to charging of duty
(1)Nominal duty is chargeable on a concessional farm‑in transaction if there is not, and will not be, any consideration for the concessional farm‑in transaction.
(2)Subsection (3) applies if —
(a)a farm‑in agreement contains 2 or more concessional farm‑in transactions; and
(b)apart from subsection (3), nominal duty would be chargeable on all of the concessional farm‑in transactions contained in the farm‑in agreement.
(3)Nominal duty is chargeable on all of the concessional farm‑in transactions taken together as if they were a single dutiable transaction.
(4)The dutiable value of a dutiable transaction that is a concessional farm‑in transaction is the consideration for the concessional farm‑in transaction.
(5)Duty is not chargeable on a concessional farm‑in transaction if —
(a)apart from this subsection, the concessional farm‑in transaction would be chargeable with nominal duty; and
(b)the farm‑in agreement that contains the concessional farm‑in transaction also contains 1 or more other concessional farm‑in transactions on which duty is chargeable at the general rate of duty.
(6)If a farm‑in agreement contains 2 or more concessional farm‑in transactions on which duty is chargeable at the general rate of duty, the amount of duty chargeable on each of those concessional farm‑in transactions must be determined as follows —
(a)first, aggregate the dutiable values of the concessional farm‑in transactions;
(b)second, apply the general rate of duty to the aggregate dutiable value;
(c)third, apportion the resulting amount of duty between the concessional farm‑in transactions in the way determined by the Commissioner.
(7)If a farm‑in agreement contains 2 or more concessional farm‑in transactions and the Commissioner is, at any time, reassessing the duty chargeable on any of the concessional farm‑in transactions, the Commissioner must also reassess the duty chargeable on any of the other concessional farm‑in transactions as necessary for the purpose of applying subsection (3), (5) or (6).
(8)The limitations as to time in the Taxation Administration Act section 17 do not apply in respect of a reassessment under subsection (7).
[Section 91P inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
(1)Subsection (3) applies to a concessional farm‑in transaction if, before the concessional farm‑in transaction is completed, the consideration for the concessional farm‑in transaction is increased or reduced.
Example for this subsection:
There is a purchase agreement in relation to a concessional farm‑in transaction and the farmee provides the consideration referred to in section 91M(9)(a).
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1), a concessional farm‑in transaction is completed when either of the following applies after the farmee has fulfilled the exploration requirement —
(a)as contemplated in section 91M(1)(c) or (d), the farmee —
(i)acquires an interest in a relevant mining tenement; or
(ii)is granted a derivative mining right in relation to a relevant mining tenement; or
(iii)acquires an interest in a relevant derivative mining right;
(b)paragraph (a) cannot apply because all of the farmee’s options, as contemplated in section 91M(1)(c) and (d), have terminated without being exercised.
(3)The Commissioner must assess or reassess the duty chargeable on the concessional farm‑in transaction on the basis of the increased or reduced consideration.
(4)However, if it is reduced consideration, the Commissioner does not have to reassess the duty unless the taxpayer makes an application for the reassessment.
(5)If there is increased consideration after the concessional farm‑in transaction is duty endorsed, section 31(5) applies with any necessary modifications.
(6)Duty is chargeable on a reassessment under subsection (3) in relation to a concessional farm‑in transaction at the same rate and using the same thresholds that applied when liability for duty on the concessional farm‑in transaction initially arose.
(7)Subsection (3) does not apply in a case where a taxpayer may apply for a reassessment because of subsection (8).
(8)If any part of the consideration for a concessional farm‑in transaction is dependent on the happening of a future event, or on a future event not happening, section 32(1) and (3) apply, with any necessary modifications, as if references to an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property were to the concessional farm‑in transaction.
(9)For the purposes of subsection (8), the Taxation Administration Act section 17 applies as if —
(a)despite subsection (1) of that section, a person is not entitled to apply for a reassessment after the later of the following —
(i)5 years after the day on which the concessional farm‑in transaction was made;
(ii)12 months after the day on which the requirements of section 32(1)(b) and (c) (as applied under subsection (8)) were fulfilled;
and
(b)despite subsection (4) of that section, the Commissioner may only make a reassessment on an application if the application was made within that time.
[Section 91Q inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
(1)In this section —
consideration, in relation to a dutiable transaction, does not include the exploration amount for the concessional farm‑in transaction concerned.
(2)Duty is not chargeable on a dutiable transaction if —
(a)the dutiable transaction —
(i)is under a concessional farm‑in transaction as contemplated in section 91M(1)(c) or (d); and
(ii)without limiting subparagraph (i), occurs after the farmee has fulfilled the exploration requirement;
and
(b)the concessional farm‑in transaction is duty endorsed.
(3)Duty is not chargeable on a dutiable transaction (the replacement dutiable transaction) if —
(a)the replacement dutiable transaction —
(i)is in lieu of a dutiable transaction that, had it occurred, would have been under a concessional farm‑in transaction as contemplated in section 91M(1)(c) or (d); and
(ii)would be a dutiable transaction under the concessional farm‑in transaction as contemplated in section 91M(1)(c) or (d) except only that the replacement dutiable transaction involves a replacement mining tenement for a relevant mining tenement, or a replacement derivative mining right for a relevant derivative mining right, that was not anticipated in the concessional farm‑in transaction; and
(iii)without limiting subparagraphs (i) and (ii), occurs after the farmee has fulfilled the exploration requirement for the concessional farm‑in transaction;
and
(b)the concessional farm‑in transaction is duty endorsed.
(4)Duty is chargeable on a dutiable transaction to which subsection (2) or (3) would otherwise apply if there is, or will be, consideration for the dutiable transaction.
(5)For the purposes of subsection (4), the dutiable value of the dutiable transaction is the consideration for the dutiable transaction to the extent that the consideration was not taken into account when the concessional farm‑in transaction was duty endorsed.
(6)In subsection (3)(a)(i), the reference to a dutiable transaction includes a transaction that would be a dutiable transaction but for the application of section 91DA to the transaction.
[Section 91R inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
Subdivision 4 — Variations and other events affecting farm‑in agreements and farm‑in transactions
[Heading inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
91S.Farm‑in transaction added to farm‑in agreement
(1)This section applies if a farm‑in transaction (the additional farm‑in transaction) is added to a farm‑in agreement after the farm‑in agreement is made.
(2)The additional farm‑in transaction is a concessional farm‑in transaction only —
(a)if the additional farm‑in transaction —
(i)is a concessional farm‑in transaction under subsection (3) or (4); and
(ii)if both section 91M(1)(a)(i) and (ii) apply — is a concessional farm‑in transaction under both subsections (3) and (4);
or
(b)in any circumstances prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.
(3)The additional farm‑in transaction is a concessional farm‑in transaction if —
(a)section 91M(1)(a)(i) and (c)(i) apply; and
(b)each relevant mining tenement for the additional farm‑in transaction is also either of the following —
(i)a relevant mining tenement for a concessional farm‑in transaction that was contained in the farm‑in agreement when the farm‑in agreement was made;
(ii)a replacement mining tenement for a relevant mining tenement referred to in subparagraph (i);
and
(c)when the additional farm‑in transaction is added to the farm‑in agreement, the farmee is not the holder, or 1 of the holders, of any relevant mining tenement for the additional farm‑in transaction.
(4)The additional farm‑in transaction is a concessional farm‑in transaction if —
(a)section 91M(1)(a)(ii) applies; and
(b)each relevant derivative mining right for the additional farm‑in transaction is also either of the following —
(i)a relevant derivative mining right for a concessional farm‑in transaction that was contained in the farm‑in agreement when the farm‑in agreement was made;
(ii)a replacement derivative mining right for a relevant derivative mining right referred to in subparagraph (i);
and
(c)the Commissioner is satisfied that, when the additional farm‑in transaction is added to the farm‑in agreement, the farmee is not the holder, or 1 of the holders, of any relevant derivative mining right for the additional farm‑in transaction.
(5)If the additional farm‑in transaction is a concessional farm‑in transaction, the Commissioner may, for the purpose of applying section 91P(3), (5) or (6), reassess the duty chargeable on any other concessional farm‑in transaction contained in the farm‑in agreement —
(a)on the Commissioner’s own initiative; or
(b)on the application of the taxpayer.
(6)For the purposes of a reassessment under subsection (5) of the duty chargeable on a concessional farm‑in transaction, the concessional farm‑in transaction is to be taken to have been made when the additional farm‑in transaction is added to the farm‑in agreement.
(7)For the purposes of a reassessment under subsection (5), the Taxation Administration Act section 17 applies as if —
(a)in subsection (1) of that section, the reference to 5 years after the original assessment was made were to the later of the following —
(i)5 years after the day on which the original assessment was made;
(ii)12 months after the day on which the additional farm‑in transaction is added to the farm‑in agreement;
and
(b)in subsection (4) of that section, references to 5 years after the date of the original assessment were to the later of the following —
(i)5 years after the day on which the original assessment was made;
(ii)12 months after the day on which the additional farm‑in transaction is added to the farm‑in agreement.
[Section 91S inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
91T.Variation to farm‑in transaction
(1)If an agreement that is a concessional farm‑in transaction ceases to meet the requirements for a farm‑in transaction set out in section 91M(1) to (5), the agreement ceases to be a concessional farm‑in transaction accordingly.
(2)Subsection (4) applies if an agreement that is a concessional farm‑in transaction is varied so as to add a relevant mining tenement or relevant derivative mining right, except that subsection (4) does not apply in any of the following circumstances —
(a)subsection (1) applies as a result of the variation;
(b)all of the following apply —
(i)the relevant mining tenement is a prospecting licence or exploration licence or the relevant derivative mining right relates to a prospecting licence or exploration licence;
(ii)the relevant mining tenement or relevant derivative mining right was granted after the concessional farm‑in transaction was made;
(iii)the variation occurs within 3 months after the day on which the relevant mining tenement or relevant derivative mining right was granted or within a longer period allowed by the Commissioner;
(c)any circumstances prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.
(3)Subsection (4) also applies if an agreement that is a concessional farm‑in transaction is varied so as to increase the interest in a relevant mining tenement, or in a relevant derivative mining right, that the farmee is to acquire, or might acquire, as contemplated in section 91M(1)(c)(i) or (d), except that subsection (4) does not apply in any of the following circumstances —
(a)subsection (1) applies as a result of the variation;
(b)as the case requires —
(i)the farmee is not the holder, or 1 of the holders, of the relevant mining tenement when the variation occurs; or
(ii)the Commissioner is satisfied that, when the variation occurs, the farmee is not the holder, or 1 of the holders, of the relevant derivative mining right;
(c)any circumstances prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.
(4)The agreement is taken not to be a concessional farm‑in transaction to the extent that the agreement relates to —
(a)the relevant mining tenement or relevant derivative mining right that is added; or
(b)the increase in the interest in the relevant mining tenement or relevant derivative mining right.
(5)Regulations may prescribe circumstances in which, if an agreement that is a concessional farm‑in transaction is varied, the agreement —
(a)ceases to be a concessional farm‑in transaction; or
(b)is taken not to be a concessional farm‑in transaction to a prescribed extent.
(6)Subsections (7) to (10) apply if, at any time (the relevant time), under this section or under regulations made for the purposes of subsection (5) —
(a)an agreement ceases to be a concessional farm‑in transaction; or
(b)an agreement is taken not to be a concessional farm‑in transaction to an extent.
(7)If, as the agreement stands at the relevant time, the agreement gives effect to, or evidences, a dutiable transaction that is not a concessional farm‑in transaction —
(a)duty is chargeable on the dutiable transaction as if the dutiable transaction had occurred at the relevant time; and
(b)the other provisions of this Act apply accordingly.
(8)If subsection (7) applies because of subsection (6)(b), the reference in subsection (7) to the agreement is to the agreement to the extent that it is taken not to be a concessional farm‑in transaction.
(9)The ceasing of the agreement to be a concessional farm‑in transaction, or the taking of the agreement not to be a concessional farm‑in transaction to an extent, does not affect any liability for duty that arose before the relevant time.
(10)However, nothing in this section, or in regulations made for the purposes of subsection (5), prevents section 107 from applying to the agreement as a concessional farm‑in transaction if the event giving rise to the application of this section or those regulations would, apart from this section or those regulations, cause the agreement to become a cancelled transaction as defined in that section.
[Section 91T inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
Subdivision 5 — Other provisions
[Heading inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
91U.Farm‑in transactions relating to prospecting licences
(1)In this section —
non‑prospecting interest, in relation to a farm‑in transaction, means —
(a)an interest in a non‑prospecting mining tenement in a case where the non‑prospecting mining tenement is a replacement mining tenement for a relevant mining tenement; or
(b)a derivative mining right that relates to a non‑prospecting mining tenement in a case where the non‑prospecting mining tenement is a replacement mining tenement for a relevant mining tenement; or
(c)an interest in a derivative mining right in a case where the derivative mining right —
(i)is a replacement derivative mining right for a relevant derivative mining right; and
(ii)relates to a non‑prospecting mining tenement;
non‑prospecting mining tenement means a mining tenement that is not a prospecting licence;
prospecting farm‑in transaction means a farm‑in transaction contained in a farm‑in agreement in a case where —
(a)if only section 91M(1)(a)(i) applies —
(i)each relevant mining tenement is a prospecting licence; and
(ii)apart from this section, section 91L(4) would not prevent the farm‑in transaction from being a concessional farm‑in transaction;
or
(b)if only section 91M(1)(a)(ii) applies —
(i)each relevant derivative mining right relates to a mining tenement that is a prospecting licence; and
(ii)apart from this section, section 91L(4) would not prevent the farm‑in transaction from being a concessional farm‑in transaction;
or
(c)if both section 91M(1)(a)(i) and (ii) apply —
(i)each relevant mining tenement is a prospecting licence; and
(ii)each relevant derivative mining right relates to a mining tenement that is a prospecting licence; and
(iii)apart from this section, section 91L(4) would not prevent the farm‑in transaction from being a concessional farm‑in transaction.
(2)Section 91DA does not prevent a concessional farm‑in transaction from being a dutiable transaction.
(3)Subject to subsections (6) and (8), a prospecting farm‑in transaction is neither a concessional farm‑in transaction nor a dutiable transaction.
(4)Subsection (6) applies to a farm‑in transaction that is a prospecting farm‑in transaction if a dutiable transaction involving a non‑prospecting interest (the non‑prospecting dutiable transaction) occurs —
(a)under the farm‑in transaction as contemplated in section 91M(1)(c) or (d); and
(b)without limiting paragraph (a), after the farmee has fulfilled the exploration requirement.
(5)Subsection (6) also applies to a farm‑in transaction that is a prospecting farm‑in transaction if —
(a)a dutiable transaction involving a non‑prospecting interest (the non‑prospecting dutiable transaction) occurs; and
(b)the non‑prospecting dutiable transaction —
(i)is in lieu of a transaction that, had it occurred, would have been under the farm‑in transaction as contemplated in section 91M(1)(c) or (d); and
(ii)would be a transaction under the farm‑in transaction as contemplated in section 91M(1)(c) or (d) except only that the non‑prospecting dutiable transaction involves a replacement mining tenement for a relevant mining tenement, or a replacement derivative mining right for a relevant derivative mining right, that was not anticipated in the farm‑in transaction; and
(iii)without limiting subparagraphs (i) and (ii), occurs after the farmee has fulfilled the exploration requirement for the farm‑in transaction.
(6)The following apply in relation to the farm‑in transaction —
(a)the farm‑in transaction ceases to be a prospecting farm‑in transaction when the non‑prospecting dutiable transaction occurs;
(b)the farm‑in transaction is, and is taken always to have been, a concessional farm‑in transaction and, accordingly, a dutiable transaction;
(c)liability for duty chargeable on the farm‑in transaction arises when the non‑prospecting dutiable transaction occurs (despite the item for a concessional farm‑in transaction in Schedule 1).
(7)Subsection (8) applies if, at any time (the relevant time), a farm‑in transaction that is a prospecting farm‑in transaction is varied so as to add —
(a)a relevant mining tenement that is a non‑prospecting mining tenement; or
(b)a relevant derivative mining right that relates to a non‑prospecting mining tenement.
(8)The following apply in relation to the farm‑in transaction —
(a)the farm‑in transaction ceases to be a prospecting farm‑in transaction at the relevant time;
(b)the farm‑in transaction is, and is taken always to have been, a concessional farm‑in transaction and, accordingly, a dutiable transaction;
(c)liability for duty chargeable on the farm‑in transaction arises at the relevant time (despite the item for a concessional farm‑in transaction in Schedule 1).
(9)The Commissioner may reassess the duty chargeable on any dutiable transaction for the purpose of applying subsection (6) or (8) —
(a)on the Commissioner’s own initiative; or
(b)on the application of the taxpayer.
(10)The limitations as to time in the Taxation Administration Act section 17 do not apply in respect of a reassessment under subsection (9).
[Section 91U inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
91V.Treatment of certain options under farm‑in agreements
(1)Subsection (2) applies if —
(a)separately from any concessional farm‑in transaction contained in it, a farm‑in agreement provides, whether conditionally or not, for the grant to the farmee, after the making of the farm‑in agreement, of an option to acquire an interest in —
(i)a mining tenement that is a relevant mining tenement for a concessional farm‑in transaction contained in the farm‑in agreement; or
(ii)a derivative mining right that is a relevant derivative mining right for a concessional farm‑in transaction contained in the farm‑in agreement;
and
(b)were the option to be granted, the farmee’s acquisition of the option on the grant would be a dutiable transaction under section 11(1)(f).
(2)The option is taken to have been granted, and therefore to have been acquired by the farmee, on the making of the farm‑in agreement.
(3)Duty is not chargeable on the acquisition of an option that is taken to have occurred under subsection (2) if, subsequently, the option will not actually be granted because —
(a)the time for the grant of the option, as specified in, or determined in accordance with, the farm‑in agreement, passes or expires without the option being granted; or
(b)the farmor and farmee otherwise agree that the option is not to be granted.
(4)If subsection (3) applies, the Commissioner must, on the application of the taxpayer, reassess the liability to duty on the acquisition of the option.
(5)For the purposes of subsection (4), the Taxation Administration Act section 17 applies as if —
(a)despite subsection (1) of that section, a person is not entitled to apply for a reassessment after the later of the following —
(i)5 years after the day on which the original assessment was made;
(ii)12 months after the day on which the event referred to in subsection (3)(a) or (b) occurred;
and
(b)despite subsection (4) of that section, the Commissioner may only make a reassessment on an application if the application was made within that time.
[Section 91V inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
91W.Derivative mining right granted for purposes of exploration requirement for farm‑in transaction
Duty is not chargeable on a dutiable transaction that is the acquisition of a derivative mining right if —
(a)the person who acquires the derivative mining right is the farmee under a farm‑in agreement; and
(b)the derivative mining right authorises mining only for the purpose of fulfilling the exploration requirement for a concessional farm‑in transaction contained in the farm‑in agreement; and
(c)there is not, and will not be, any consideration for the dutiable transaction.
[Section 91W inserted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 8.]
Part 6 — Exemptions, nominal duty and concessions
Subdivision 1 — Exemptions for public and governmental purposes
92.Public authorities, declaration of as exempt bodies
(1)The Minister may declare a public authority to be an exempt body for the purposes of this Subdivision.
Note for this subsection:
There are other exempt bodies. See the definition of exempt body in section 3.
(2)The Minister may withdraw a declaration made under subsection (1).
(3)The Minister is to publish notice of the making or withdrawal of a declaration in the Gazette.
93.Transactions for which exempt body would be solely liable
Duty is not chargeable on a dutiable transaction to which an exempt body is a party if the exempt body is the only party that would be liable to pay duty that would, but for this section, be chargeable on the transaction.
94.Transactions for which exempt body and another party would be liable, duty reduction for etc.
(1)This section applies to a dutiable transaction to which an exempt body is a party if —
(a)the exempt body would, apart from subsection (2), be liable to pay duty chargeable on the transaction; and
(b)at least one other party to the transaction is liable to pay duty chargeable on the transaction and is not an exempt body.
(2)The exempt body is not liable to pay duty on the transaction.
(3)The amount of duty payable on the transaction (AD) is the amount determined under the formula —
where —
TD is the amount of duty that would be payable on the transaction if this section did not apply to it;
EI is —
(a)if the interest in the dutiable property that the exempt body has under the transaction is of a kind that enables the proportion which that interest bears to the whole of the dutiable property to be ascertained — that proportion expressed as a percentage; or
(b)in any other case — a percentage determined by the Commissioner to represent the proportion which the interest in the dutiable property that the exempt body has under the transaction bears to the whole of the dutiable property.
(4)The amount of duty payable by any party referred to in subsection (1)(b) is the amount AD determined under subsection (3).
Note for this section:
For example, an exempt body and another party acquire dutiable property as tenants in common. The exempt body acquires 40 of 100 undivided shares and the other party acquires 60 of 100 undivided shares. But for this section the transfer duty chargeable on the transaction would be $3 000. Under the operation of this section the amount of duty payable on the transaction is calculated as follows:
This amount (i.e. $1 800) is the amount of transfer duty payable by the other party.
95.Transactions for charitable etc. purposes
(1)Duty is not chargeable on a dutiable transaction that has been entered into or occurred for charitable or similar public purposes.
(2)However, subsection (1) does not apply if the person liable to pay duty on the dutiable transaction is a relevant body, or is related to a relevant body as referred to in subsection (3), unless a beneficial body determination is in force for the purposes of this Act in respect of the relevant body.
(3)A person liable to pay duty on a dutiable transaction is related to a relevant body if —
(a)the person holds the dutiable property the subject of the transaction as trustee of a trust; and
(b)the relevant body is a beneficiary under the trust, whether the relevant body has a vested share or is contingently entitled or is a potential beneficiary under a discretionary trust, unless —
(i)the trust is a discretionary trust; and
(ii)the Commissioner decides in a particular case that it would be inequitable for the person to be treated as related to the relevant body.
[Section 95 amended: No. 8 of 2015 s. 5.]
A reference to a relevant body is to any of the following —
(a)a political party;
(b)an industrial association;
(c)a professional association;
(d)a body, other than a body referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (e), that promotes trade, industry or commerce, unless the main purposes of the body are charitable purposes that fall within the first 3 categories (being relief of poverty, advancement of education and advancement of religion) identified by Lord Macnaghten in Commissioners for Special Purposes of Income Tax v Pemsel [1891] AC 531 as developed by the common law of Australia from time to time;
(e)a body that is a member of a class of bodies prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph;
(f)a body that —
(i)is a member of a group, as defined in the Pay‑roll Tax Assessment Act 2002 Glossary, of which a body referred to in another paragraph is also a member; or
(ii)is a related body corporate, as defined in the Corporations Act section 9, of a body referred to in another paragraph; or
(iii)has as its sole or dominant purpose or object the conferral of a benefit, whether financial or non‑financial, on a body referred to in another paragraph.
[Section 96A inserted: No. 8 of 2015 s. 6.]
96B.Application for a beneficial body determination
(1)An application may be made to the Minister for a determination under section 96C that a relevant body is a beneficial body for the purposes of the taxation Acts if —
(a)the Commissioner has decided (the decision) that —
(i)a dutiable transaction is not an exempt transaction under section 95; or
(ii)an acquisition is not exempt under section 168(3) because the transfer referred to in that section would not be an exempt transaction under section 95;
and
(b)that decision is made solely on the ground that the person liable to pay duty on the dutiable transaction, or who would be liable to pay duty on the transfer, is —
(i)a relevant body referred to in section 96A(c), (d), (e) or (f); or
(ii)related to such a relevant body as referred to in section 95(3).
(2)An application referred to in subsection (1) can be made only if —
(a)an objection was made to the decision and the objection and any subsequent review proceedings are exhausted, discontinued or finally determined; or
(b)under the Taxation Administration Act section 34B —
(i)all rights of objection or review conferred by that Act in respect of the decision have been surrendered; or
(ii)an objection to the decision has been determined and all rights to take review proceedings on the Commissioner’s decision on the objection have been surrendered.
(3)However, an application referred to in subsection (1) cannot be made if the decision was made, or confirmed, on a reassessment made on an application made by the taxpayer —
(a)under the Taxation Administration Act section 16(2)(b); and
(b)after the right to object to the original assessment had expired.
(4)An application referred to in subsection (1) must be made within 60 days after subsection (2) first applies in respect of the decision.
[Section 96B inserted: No. 8 of 2015 s. 6; amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 35.]
96C.Beneficial body determination
(1)On an application under section 96B the Minister, with the Treasurer’s concurrence, may determine that a relevant body is a beneficial body for the purposes of the taxation Acts.
(2)The Minister, with the Treasurer’s concurrence, may amend or revoke a beneficial body determination.
(3)The Minister may make, amend or revoke a beneficial body determination only if the Minister is of the opinion that it is in the public interest to do so and after considering any information that the Minister considers relevant.
(4)The Minister must —
(a)provide written reasons to the applicant for a decision in relation to an application under section 96B; and
(b)provide written reasons for a decision to amend or revoke a beneficial body determination to the body in respect of which the determination is made.
(5)The Minister is to publish notice of the making, amendment or revocation of a beneficial body determination in the Gazette.
(6)A beneficial body determination is subject to the conditions specified in the determination (if any).
(7)A beneficial body determination made under this section comes into force —
(a)for the purposes of this Act — on the day on which the determination is made; and
(b)for the purposes of the Land Tax Assessment Act 2002 and the Pay‑roll Tax Assessment Act 2002 — on the day specified in the notice in respect of each Act.
(8)Despite subsection (7)(a), a beneficial body determination made under this section applies in relation to the relevant body in respect of —
(a)the dutiable transaction, or acquisition, that is the subject of the application under section 96B (the original transaction); and
(b)any other transaction —
(i)that was entered into or occurred after the original transaction but before the determination was made; and
(ii)on which duty would not have been chargeable under section 95 (including for the purposes of section 168) had the determination been in force for the purposes of this Act in respect of the relevant body.
(9)The Commissioner is to reassess the liability to duty of each transaction in respect of which a beneficial body determination applies under subsection (8).
(10)The limitations as to time in the Taxation Administration Act section 17 do not apply in respect of a reassessment under subsection (9).
(11)A beneficial body determination continues in force until the day on which notice of the revocation is published in the Gazette, and different days may be specified for each Act in respect of which the determination is in force.
[Section 96C inserted: No. 8 of 2015 s. 6.]
Subdivision 2 — Certain transactions between spouses or de facto partners
In this Subdivision —
lot means either of the following —
(a)a lot within the meaning given in the Land Tax Assessment Act 2002 Glossary clause 2;
(b)2 or more such lots in the same ownership —
(i)on which is constructed a residence, parts of which stand on each of the lots; and
(ii)which have common boundaries and which in the opinion of the Commissioner should be treated as a single lot for the purpose of this Subdivision;
residence includes flat, apartment or other residential unit.
97.Some transactions between spouses or de facto partners
Duty is not chargeable on a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property where —
(a)the person from whom, and the person to whom, the dutiable property is transferred, or agreed to be transferred, are married to each other or are de facto partners of 2 years; and
(b)the dutiable property is a lot on which a residence is erected which, when liability for duty on the transaction arises, was used solely or dominantly as the ordinary place of residence of the persons referred to in paragraph (a); and
(c)the lot on which the residence is erected is used solely or dominantly for residential purposes associated with that residence; and
(d)the person from whom the dutiable property is transferred, or agreed to be transferred, is the sole owner of the property; and
(e)the result of the transaction is or will be that the dutiable property is owned solely by the persons referred to in paragraph (a) as joint tenants or tenants in common in equal shares.
98.Application for exemption under this Subdivision
An application for assessment or reassessment under this Subdivision must be —
(a)made in the approved form by the persons referred to in section 97(a); and
(b)accompanied by such transaction record for the transaction as is required to be lodged under section 23.
Subdivision 3 — Family farm transactions
(1)In this Subdivision —
exempt family farm transaction has the meaning given in section 102;
family member has the meaning given in section 100;
farming land means land in Western Australia that is used solely or dominantly for the purpose of primary production;
farming property means —
(a)farming land; or
(b)other dutiable property that is used solely or dominantly in connection with the business of primary production;
transferee has the meaning given in section 101;
transferor, in respect of a dutiable transaction the subject of which is farming property, means —
(a)an individual (other than a trustee) from whom the property is, or is to be, acquired; or
(b)if the property was held by a trustee (other than a trustee of a unit trust scheme or a discretionary trust) immediately before the transaction took place, an individual on whose behalf, and at whose direction, the trustee carried out the transaction.
(2)For the purposes of this Subdivision, a person controls a discretionary trust if —
(a)the person is in a position to influence, either directly or indirectly, the vesting of the whole or any part of the capital of the trust property, or of the whole or any part of the income from the trust property; or
(b)in a case where a corporation is in a position to influence, either directly or indirectly, the vesting of the whole or any part of the capital of the trust property, or of the whole or any part of the income from that trust property, the person is beneficially entitled to a share in that corporation or a related corporation or to act as a director or secretary of that corporation or related corporation.
(3)For the purposes of this Subdivision, farming property is the subject of a dutiable transaction that is a partnership acquisition to the extent that the property of a kind referred to in section 72(a) to (d) held by the partnership, or in which the partnership has an indirect interest under section 73, is farming property.
[Section 99 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 36.]
100.References to family member
(1)A reference in this Subdivision to a family member of a person is to —
(a)a child or remoter lineal descendant of the person; or
(b)a parent or remoter lineal ancestor of the person; or
(c)a brother or sister of the person or a child or remoter lineal descendant of a brother or sister of the person; or
(d)an aunt or uncle of the person; or
(e)the spouse, former spouse, de facto partner of 2 years or former de facto partner of 2 years of the person; or
(f)the spouse or de facto partner of 2 years of a person mentioned in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d); or
(g)a brother or sister of the person’s spouse or of the person’s de facto partner of 2 years; or
(h)the spouse or de facto partner of 2 years of a brother or sister to whom paragraph (g) applies,
or more than one of them.
(2)A reference in this Subdivision to a family member is to a family member acting in their own capacity and not as agent, trustee or otherwise on behalf of any other person.
[Section 100 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 37.]
101A.References to primary production
(1)A reference to primary production is a reference to any of the following —
(a)the growing or rearing of plants (including trees, fungi or any crop) for the purpose of selling them, parts of them or their produce;
(b)the breeding, rearing or maintenance of living creatures for any of the following purposes (produce animals) —
(i)selling them, or their progeny, for food;
(ii)the production or collection of their skins, shells or bodily produce;
(iii)selling parts of them or their skins, shells or bodily produce;
(c)the breeding, rearing or maintenance of produce animals for the purpose of selling them or their progeny —
(i)for stud purposes; or
(ii)to be used for a purpose set out in paragraph (b)(i), (ii) or (iii);
(d)the breeding or rearing of horses for the purpose of selling them or their progeny;
(e)any other thing prescribed for the purposes of this subsection.
(2)In determining whether or not something is primary production —
(a)it is irrelevant whether a thing is sold, or to be sold, in a natural, processed or converted state; but
(b)the processing or converting of anything for the purpose of selling it is not primary production.
[Section 101A inserted: No. 1 of 2015 s. 11.]
A reference in this Subdivision to a transferee in respect of a dutiable transaction the subject of which is farming property is to a person described in Schedule 1 column 4 opposite the description of the transaction, that is —
(a)a family member of the transferor; or
(b)a trustee of a trust, other than a unit trust scheme or a discretionary trust, if each beneficiary of the trust is a family member of the transferor; or
(c)a trustee of a discretionary trust, if —
(i)each beneficiary of the trust is the transferor or a family member of the transferor; and
(ia)the transferor is not the only beneficiary of the trust; and
(ii)the transferor does not control the discretionary trust.
[Section 101 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 38.]
102.References to exempt family farm transaction
(1)A reference in this Subdivision to an exempt family farm transaction is to a dutiable transaction to the extent to which the subject of the transaction is farming property which, as a result of the transaction is, or is to be, acquired by a transferee or transferees.
(2)A transaction is an exempt family farm transaction only if —
(a)each transferor was using the farming property in the business of primary production immediately before the transaction took place; and
(b)when liability to duty on the transaction arose, each transferee intends to continue to use the farming property in the business of primary production.
(3)It is irrelevant for the purposes of subsection (2) whether a transferor was using, or a transferee intends to continue to use, the farming property in the business of primary production —
(a)personally or with others; or
(b)through a trust or corporation (an entity) to which the transferor or transferee, as is relevant, is related under section 102A; or
(c)through a combination of entities to which the transferor or transferee, as is relevant, is related under section 102A.
(4)The Commissioner may treat the requirement in subsection (2)(a) as being satisfied, even though any of the transferors was not using the farming property in the business of primary production immediately before the transaction took place, if the Commissioner is satisfied that —
(a)the relevant transferor had previously used the farming property in the business of primary production; and
(b)a family member of the relevant transferor, or an entity to which a family member of the relevant transferor is related under section 102A, was using the farming property in the business of primary production immediately before the transaction took place.
[(5)deleted]
(6)For the purposes of this section, a farming property is being used in the business of primary production even if —
(a)some, but not all, of the farming land of that property is leased to another person; and
(b)under the lease, the lessee is using the leased land solely or dominantly for the purposes of silviculture or reafforestation.
[Section 102 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 39.]
102A.Related entities for s. 102
(1)For the purposes of section 102(3), a transferor is related to an entity that is —
(a)a trust (other than a unit trust scheme) if the transferor is a beneficiary of the trust and every other beneficiary is a family member of the transferor; or
(b)a unit trust scheme if the transferor holds a unit in the unit trust scheme and every other person who holds a unit in the unit trust scheme is a family member of the transferor; or
(c)a corporation if the transferor is a shareholder in the corporation and every other shareholder is a family member of the transferor.
(2)For the purposes of section 102(3), a transferee is related to an entity that is —
(a)a trust (other than a unit trust scheme or a discretionary trust) if the transferee is a beneficiary of the trust and every other beneficiary is the transferor or a family member of the transferor; or
(b)a discretionary trust if —
(i)the transferee is a beneficiary of the trust; and
(ii)every other beneficiary is the transferor or a family member of the transferor; and
(iii)the transferor does not control the discretionary trust;
or
(c)a unit trust scheme if the transferee holds a unit in the unit trust scheme and every other person who holds a unit in the unit trust scheme is the transferor or a family member of the transferor; or
(d)a corporation if the transferee is a shareholder in the corporation and every other shareholder is the transferor or a family member of the transferor.
(3)If a transferee is a trustee of a trust to which section 101(b) applies, subsection (2) applies to the transferee as if the references to the transferee in subsection (2)(a), (b), (c) and (d) were references to each beneficiary of that trust.
(4)For the purposes of section 102(4)(b), subsection (2) applies in determining whether a family member of a relevant transferor is related to an entity as if the family member were a transferee referred to in that subsection.
[Section 102A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 40.]
103.Exempt family farm transactions, exemption for
Duty is not chargeable on an exempt family farm transaction.
104.No exemption for subsequent transactions for same farming property within 5 years
Despite section 103, duty is chargeable on a transaction (a subsequent transaction) that would otherwise be an exempt family farm transaction if —
(a)duty was not charged on an exempt family farm transaction (the first transaction); and
(b)liability to duty on the subsequent transaction arose —
(i)within 5 years of the first transaction; and
(ii)the transaction relates, in the opinion of the Commissioner, to the same farming property that was the subject of the first transaction.
105.Subsequent liability to duty in certain circumstances
(1)If, after an exempt family farm transaction as a result of which farming property was acquired by a transferee referred to in section 101(c) has taken place, any of the following events take place, the event is taken to be a transfer of farming property —
(a)during the lifetime of the transferor, a person that is not the transferor or a family member of the transferor —
(i)becomes entitled to a share or interest in the trust property, whether that share or interest is vested or contingent; or
(ii)otherwise benefits from the trust;
(b)the transferor gains control of the trust,
unless —
(c)when the event took place, the trust did not hold any farming property that was the subject of an exempt family farm transaction; or
(d)an event taken to be a transfer of the farming property is already duty endorsed under this section.
(2)The trustee of the trust is to lodge a transfer duty statement not later than 2 months after the day on which an event referred to in subsection (1) takes place.
Penalty: a fine of $20 000.
(3)The person liable to pay the duty is the trustee.
(4)The dutiable value of an event subsequent to an exempt family farm transaction, taken to be a transfer under subsection (1), is the unencumbered value of the farming property that was the subject of the exempt family farm transaction held by the trust when the event took place.
[Section 105 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 41.]
106.Application for exemption under this Subdivision
(1)An application for assessment or reassessment under this Subdivision must be —
(a)made in the approved form jointly by all of the transferees; and
(b)accompanied by such transaction record for the transaction as is required to be lodged under section 23.
(2)For the purposes of this Subdivision, the Taxation Administration Act section 17 applies as if —
(a)despite subsection (1) of that section, a person is not entitled to apply for a reassessment more than 12 months after the day on which the transaction was duty endorsed; and
(b)despite subsection (4) of that section, the Commissioner may make a reassessment on an application only if the application was made within that time.
Subdivision 4 — Other exempt transactions
(1)In this section —
cancelled transaction has the meaning given in subsection (2);
replacement transaction, in relation to a cancelled transaction, means another dutiable transaction that —
(a)is between all of the same parties as the parties to the cancelled transaction; and
(b)is substantially similar in effect to the cancelled transaction; and
(c)in the opinion of the Commissioner, is a scheme or arrangement, or part of a scheme or arrangement, for which the sole or dominant purpose of any party is to avoid, reduce or defer the payment of tax;
subsale transaction, in relation to a cancelled transaction, means another dutiable transaction which results in a beneficial interest in the dutiable property the subject of the cancelled transaction being held by —
(a)a person who is not a party to the cancelled transaction, a result which is contemplated or provided for under the cancelled transaction; or
(b)a person who is not a party to the cancelled transaction, a result which is substantially similar in effect to the effect of the cancelled transaction; or
(c)another person, as a result of an agreement, arrangement or understanding between a person liable to pay duty on the cancelled transaction and any other party to the transaction (including any other person liable to pay duty on the cancelled transaction).
(2)A reference to a cancelled transaction is to a dutiable transaction that has not been, and will not be, carried into effect but the following transactions are not cancelled transactions —
(a)a call option of a simultaneous put and call option taken to be an agreement for the transfer of the option property under section 45;
(b)an assignment of a call option taken to be an agreement for the transfer of the option property under section 49;
(c)a terms contract (within the meaning given in the Sale of Land Act 1970) if the person liable to pay duty on the transaction has under the contract, obtained exclusive use or control of the dutiable property, whether or not that contract is not fully carried into effect for any reason;
(d)a concessional farm‑in transaction if the farmee has fulfilled the exploration requirement for the concessional farm‑in transaction.
(3A)To avoid doubt, for the purposes of subsection (2), a dutiable transaction has not been, and will not be, carried into effect if —
(a)the transaction is a transfer of dutiable property; and
(b)the transaction is effected or evidenced by an electronic conveyancing instrument (as defined in section 22A); and
(c)under section 42, no duty is chargeable on the transfer; and
(d)the instrument, having been digitally signed (as defined in the Electronic Conveyancing Act 2014 section 3(1)) is unsigned in accordance with the participation rules (as so defined) applicable to that instrument.
(3)Subject to subsection (4), duty is not chargeable on a cancelled transaction.
(4)Duty is chargeable on a cancelled transaction if the transaction has been cancelled so that a replacement transaction or a subsale transaction can be entered into.
(5)The Commissioner, on the application of a taxpayer, is to reassess the liability to duty of a dutiable transaction that is not liable to duty because of this section.
(6)An application for assessment or reassessment under this section in relation to a cancelled transaction must be —
(a)in the approved form; and
(b)accompanied by such transaction record for the transaction as is required to be lodged under section 23.
(7)For the purposes of this section, in relation to an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property or to a concessional farm‑in transaction, the Taxation Administration Act section 17 applies as if —
(a)despite subsection (1) of that section, a person is not entitled to apply for a reassessment —
(i)more than 5 years after the original assessment was made; or
(ii)more than 12 months after the day on which the agreement for the transfer of dutiable property, or the concessional farm‑in transaction, became a cancelled transaction,
whichever is the later; and
(b)despite subsection (4) of that section, the Commissioner may only make a reassessment on an application if the application was made within that time.
[Section 107 amended: No. 29 of 2012 s. 6; No. 2 of 2014 s. 53; No. 12 of 2019 s. 42; No. 37 of 2022 s. 9.]
(1)In this section —
bankruptcy trustee means —
(a)the Official Trustee in Bankruptcy; or
(b)a registered trustee,
under the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Commonwealth).
(2)Duty is not chargeable on a dutiable transaction —
(a)that is a vesting of dutiable property in a bankruptcy trustee; or
(b)that is the transfer, or agreement for the transfer, of dutiable property for no consideration to a former bankrupt from the estate of the former bankrupt.
109.Transfer etc. to foreign country’s representative etc.
Duty is not chargeable on a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property to a representative in Australia of the Government of another country, a foreign consul, or a trade commissioner of another country, if that property is intended for official use.
110.Financial Sector (Business Transfer and Group Restructure) Act 1999 (Cwlth) Part 4 transactions
Duty is not chargeable on a vesting of dutiable property by, or expressly authorised by, statute law (as referred to in section 11(1)(d)(i)) that is a compulsory transfer of dutiable property under the Financial Sector (Business Transfer and Group Restructure) Act 1999 (Commonwealth) Part 4.
[Section 110 amended: No. 31 of 2008 s. 32.]
111.Special disability trust transactions
Duty is not chargeable on a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property —
(a)to a special disability trust, within the meaning given in the Social Security Act 1991 (Commonwealth) section 1209L; and
(b)if there is no consideration for the transfer.
112.Some transactions under other Acts
(1)Duty is not chargeable on a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, the fee simple in Crown land under the Land Administration Act 1997 section 87 to complete a land exchange under section 11(1)(b) of that Act.
(2)Duty is not chargeable on a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, the fee simple in Crown land by way of exchange where the decision to exchange the land is given effect under the Land Administration Act 1997 Schedule 2 clause 4.
(3)Duty is not chargeable on a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, the fee simple in —
(a)Crown land the subject of a licence referred to in the Land Administration Act 1997 Schedule 2 clause 21; or
(b)Crown land the subject of a lease referred to in the Land Administration Act 1997 Schedule 2 clause 22; or
(c)Crown land the subject of a conditional purchase lease referred to in the Land Administration Act 1997 Schedule 2 clause 26; or
(d)Crown land the subject of a conditional purchase lease referred to in the Land Administration Act 1997 Schedule 2 clause 27; or
(e)war service land referred to in the Land Administration Act 1997 Schedule 2 clause 30; or
(f)Crown land referred to in the Land Administration Act 1997 Schedule 2 clause 32.
(4)Duty is not chargeable on a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, or the grant of the fee simple or other less estate in Crown land pursuant to —
(a)a request under the Land Administration Act 1997 section 212; or
(b)an agreement under the Land Administration Act 1997 section 255; or
(c)an award under the Land Administration Act 1997 section 256; or
(d)the Land Administration Act 1997 section 257.
(5)Duty is not chargeable on a transfer of the fee simple in Crown land —
(a)pursuant to a request under the Public Works Act 1902 section 45A; or
(b)granted under the Public Works Act 1902 section 80,
as in force immediately before the commencement of the Acts Amendment (Land Administration) Act 1997 3.
(6)Duty is not chargeable on a transaction —
(a)that is the passing of any property that occurs by operation of the Strata Titles Act 1985 Schedule 2A clause 21I; or
[(b), (c)deleted]
(d)under, or to give effect to, the Strata Titles Act 1985 Schedule 2A Part 4 Division 1 or 2,
to the extent that the consideration for the transaction is an interest in common property, within the meaning of that term in that Act.
[Section 112 amended: No. 30 of 2018 s. 136.]
113.Transactions effected by matrimonial instrument or de facto relationship instrument
(1)Duty is not chargeable on a dutiable transaction to the extent that it is effected by a matrimonial instrument mentioned in section 129 or a de facto relationship instrument mentioned in section 130.
(2)A dutiable transaction that is duty endorsed to indicate that duty is not chargeable because of subsection (1) is taken not to be duty endorsed for the purposes of section 42.
[Section 113 amended: No. 16 of 2022 s. 4.]
113A.Certain incorporated association transactions
(1)In this section —
Commissioner has the meaning given in the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 section 3;
prescribed body corporate has the meaning given in the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 section 92;
surplus property has the meaning given in the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 section 3;
surplus receiving body means a body described in the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 section 24(1).
(2)Duty is not chargeable on the following transactions —
(a)a vesting of dutiable property by, or expressly authorised by, statute law (as referred to in section 11(1)(d)(i)) in an incorporated association (that is an amalgamation of 2 or more former associations) on the incorporation of the association under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 Part 7;
(b)a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property from an incorporated association to a prescribed body corporate on the transfer of incorporation by the association under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 Part 6;
(c)a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property that is surplus property to a surplus receiving body —
(i)from an incorporated association on the winding up of the association under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 Part 9; or
(ii)from an incorporated association under a distribution plan approved under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 Part 10 Division 1; or
(iii)where the property is vested in the State under the Associations Incorporation Act 2015 section 148(1)(a), from the Commissioner, acting under subsection (1)(b) of that section.
[Section 113A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 43.]
Subdivision 1 — Certain trust transactions
114.Some transfers etc. on vesting or termination of discretionary trust
(1)This section applies to a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property to a taker in default on the vesting or termination of the discretionary trust.
(2)Nominal duty is chargeable on a transaction to which this section applies if there is, or will be, no consideration for the transaction.
115.Some transfers etc. on exercise of power of appointment by trustee of discretionary trust
Nominal duty is chargeable on a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property to a beneficiary of a discretionary trust in the exercise by the trustee of a power of appointment over the property if —
(a)there is, or will be, no consideration for the transfer or agreement; and
(b)the beneficiary is an individual who does not intend to hold the property as agent, trustee or otherwise on behalf of any other person; and
(c)at the time when the trustee acquired the property the beneficiary was named or described in the instrument which created the power of appointment as a beneficiary or as a member of a class of beneficiaries in favour of which the trustee was empowered by that instrument to appoint the property; and
(d)evidence of the acquisition by the trustee, as trustee, of the property is produced to the Commissioner.
116.Some transfers etc. of dutiable property to beneficiary
(1)Nominal duty is chargeable on a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property by the trustee of a trust, other than a unit trust scheme or a discretionary trust, to a beneficiary of the trust if —
(a)there is no consideration for the transfer or agreement; and
(b)the transfer, or agreement, is under and in conformity with the trusts contained in the declaration of trust.
(2)Subsection (1) applies only if the property the subject of the agreement or transfer is —
(a)wholly or substantially the same as the property the subject of the declaration of trust and the declaration of trust is —
(i)duty endorsed; or
(ii)an exempt transaction;
or
(b)dutiable property representing the proceeds of re‑investment of property referred to in paragraph (a); or
(c)property to which both paragraphs (a) and (b) apply.
(3)Subsection (1) does not apply to a subsequent transfer to which section 118(1) applies.
[Section 116 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 44.]
117.Transactions involving apparent purchaser
(1)Nominal duty is chargeable on —
(a)a declaration of trust made by an apparent purchaser in respect of identified dutiable property —
(i)vested in the apparent purchaser upon trust for the real purchaser that provided the money for the purchase of the dutiable property; or
(ii)to be vested in the apparent purchaser upon trust for the real purchaser if the Commissioner is satisfied that when liability for duty arose in respect of the transfer, or agreement for the transfer of, the dutiable property, the money for the purchase of the dutiable property was or was to be provided by the real purchaser;
or
(b)a transfer of dutiable property from an apparent purchaser to the real purchaser if —
(i)the dutiable property is property, or part of property, vested in the apparent purchaser upon trust for the real purchaser; and
(ii)the Commissioner is satisfied that, when liability for duty on the transaction arose, the money for the purchase of the dutiable property and for any improvements made to the dutiable property after the purchase has been or will be provided by the real purchaser.
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1), money provided by a person other than the real purchaser is taken to have been provided by the real purchaser if the Commissioner is satisfied that the money was provided as a loan and has been or will be repaid by the real purchaser.
(3)This section applies whether or not there has been a change in the legal description of the dutiable property between the purchase of the property by the apparent purchaser and the transfer to the real purchaser.
Note for this subsection:
For example, a change in the legal description of dutiable property in the issuing of a new certificate of title following a subdivision of land.
118.Transfers to and from bare trustee
(1)Nominal duty is chargeable on a transfer (the subsequent transfer) if —
(a)there has been a dutiable transaction (the original transfer) that is a transfer of dutiable property from a person (the transferor) to another person who is to hold the property solely as a bare trustee for the transferor; and
(b)any of the following transactions (the endorsed transaction) is duty endorsed —
(i)the original transfer;
(ii)the agreement for the original transfer;
(iii)the declaration of trust;
and
(c)the subsequent transfer is a transfer of the dutiable property back to the transferor or to a person to whom the transferor’s beneficial interest in the property has been transmitted by death or bankruptcy; and
(d)the Commissioner is satisfied that, between the original transfer and the subsequent transfer, no person other than the transferor has held a beneficial interest in the dutiable property (other than the trustee’s right of indemnity).
(2)In subsection (1) —
bare trustee —
(a)means a trustee of a trust, other than a unit trust scheme or a discretionary trust, if the trustee has no active duties or powers in relation to the trust other than conveying the dutiable property to the transferor or as directed by the transferor; and
(b)includes a trustee appointed in substitution for a trustee or a trustee appointed in addition to a trustee or trustees.
(3)If nominal duty is chargeable on a subsequent transfer under subsection (1), nominal duty is also chargeable on the endorsed transaction.
(4)The Commissioner, on the application of the taxpayer, is to reassess the liability to duty of the endorsed transaction in accordance with subsection (3).
(5)The limitations as to time in the Taxation Administration Act section 17 do not apply in respect of a reassessment under subsection (4).
[Section 118 inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 45.]
118A.Transfers to and from bare trustee: failure to lodge subsequent transfer
(1)This section applies if —
(a)under section 118, nominal duty is chargeable on a subsequent transfer and an endorsed transaction referred to in that section; and
(b)the subsequent transfer is required to be lodged for registration under —
(i)the Transfer of Land Act 1893; or
(ii)the Registration of Deeds Act 1856; or
(iii)the Mining Act 1978;
and
(c)the liability to duty of the subsequent transfer is assessed in accordance with section 118(1) on the basis that nominal duty is chargeable; and
(d)the liability to duty of the endorsed transaction is reassessed in accordance with section 118(3) on the basis that nominal duty is chargeable; and
(e)the subsequent transfer is not lodged for registration under the Transfer of Land Act 1893, the Registration of Deeds Act 1856 or the Mining Act 1978 (whichever is relevant) within 60 days after it is duty endorsed.
(2)Despite section 118(1) and (3), nominal duty is not chargeable on the subsequent transfer or the endorsed transaction.
(3)The Commissioner must make any reassessment necessary as a result of the operation of subsection (2).
(4)The limitations as to time in the Taxation Administration Act section 17 do not apply in respect of a reassessment under subsection (3).
[Section 118A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 45.]
119.Transactions related to changes in trustees and managed investment schemes
(1)In this section —
new trustee means a trustee appointed in substitution for a trustee or a trustee appointed in addition to a trustee or trustees;
old public unit trust means an undertaking, together with the prescribed interests to which it relates and the trustee or representative and the management company in relation to those interests, to which the Corporations Law Chapter 11 Part 11.2 Division 11 (sections 1451 to 1465) applied by reason of section 1452 of that Law;
responsible entity has the meaning given in the Corporations Act section 9.
(2)A reference in this section to an old public unit trust that has become a managed investment scheme is a reference to an old public trust that has become, in accordance with the Corporations Law Chapter 11 Part 11.2 Division 11 (sections 1451 to 1465), a managed investment scheme that is a registered scheme.
(3)Nominal duty is chargeable on a transfer, or agreement for the transfer, of dutiable property —
(a)to a trustee as a consequence of the retirement of a trustee or the appointment of a new trustee if the transfer is not a scheme or arrangement, or part of a scheme or arrangement, for conferring an interest, in relation to the trust property, on a new trustee or any other person, whether as a beneficiary or otherwise, to the detriment of the beneficial interest or potential beneficial interest of any person; or
(b)as a consequence of the retirement of a responsible entity of a managed investment scheme or the appointment of a new responsible entity of a managed investment scheme if the only beneficial interest acquired by a person in relation to the property as a result of the transfer is a beneficial interest acquired by the replacement or new responsible entity solely because of its appointment as responsible entity for the scheme; or
(c)as a consequence of an old public unit trust that has become a managed investment scheme if, after the transfer takes place, the members of the managed investment scheme have the same beneficial interests in the scheme’s property as they had in the old public unit trust’s property before the instrument was executed.
(4)Nominal duty is chargeable on a declaration of trust —
(a)made by a trustee in respect of dutiable property that, immediately before the trust is declared, is held by the trustee as trustee of an old public unit trust that has become a managed investment scheme the members of which have the same beneficial interests in the property as they had in the old public unit trust property before the trust was declared; and
(b)to hold the dutiable property on trust for the responsible entity of the managed investment scheme.
(5)Nominal duty is chargeable on a transfer, or agreement for the transfer, of dutiable property —
(a)from a responsible entity of a managed investment scheme to a custodian or agent of the responsible entity as custodian or agent of the scheme in which the transferor held the dutiable property; or
(b)from a custodian of the responsible entity of a managed investment scheme as custodian or agent of the scheme to the responsible entity of the managed investment scheme in which the transferor held the property.
(6)Nominal duty is chargeable on a vesting of dutiable property by, or expressly authorised by, statute law (as referred to in section 11(1)(d)(i)) in a trustee or responsible entity if subsection (3)(a) or (b) or (5)(b) would apply in respect of the dutiable transaction if it were a transfer of dutiable property.
120.Transfer by way of security
(1)Nominal duty is chargeable on a transfer of dutiable property if —
(a)there has been a dutiable transaction that is a transfer of the dutiable property by way of security (the original transfer); and
(b)the original transfer is duty endorsed; and
(c)the property is transferred back to the person that transferred it by way of security or is transferred to a person to whom the property has been transmitted by death or bankruptcy.
(2)If nominal duty is chargeable on a transfer under subsection (1), nominal duty is also chargeable on the original transfer.
(3)The Commissioner, on the application of the taxpayer, is to reassess the liability to duty of the original transfer under subsection (2).
(4)The limitations as to time in the Taxation Administration Act section 17 do not apply in respect of a reassessment under subsection (3).
Subdivision 1A — Transfers to facilitate subdivision of land
[Heading inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 46.]
120A.Transfers to facilitate subdivision of land
(1)Nominal duty is chargeable on a dutiable transaction (the original transfer) if —
(a)the transaction is a transfer, or agreement for the transfer, of land in Western Australia from a person (the original transferor) to another person; and
(b)the Commissioner is satisfied that —
(i)the transfer is for the sole purpose of facilitating a subdivision of the land; and
(ii)after the subdivision there is to be a transfer back to the original transferor of the land or part of the land.
(2)If nominal duty is chargeable on an original transfer under subsection (1), nominal duty is also chargeable on a transfer (the subsequent transfer) of the land, or part of the land, back to the original transferor after the subdivision.
(3)If the land the subject of the subsequent transfer includes land that was not the subject of the original transfer, then despite subsection (2) nominal duty is chargeable on the subsequent transfer only to the extent that it relates to land that is also the subject of the original transfer.
[Section 120A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 46.]
120B.Land retained by transferee following transfer to facilitate subdivision
(1)This section applies if —
(a)nominal duty is chargeable under section 120A(1) on an original transfer of land from a person (the original transferor) to another person (the original transferee) for the purpose of facilitating a subdivision of the land; and
(b)after the subdivision, there is a transfer (the subsequent transfer) of the land, or part of the land, back to the original transferor; and
(c)either or both of the following applies —
(i)the land the subject of the subsequent transfer is only a part of the land the subject of the original transfer and the remainder of that land is retained by the original transferee after the subsequent transfer;
(ii)after the subsequent transfer, the land the subject of the subsequent transfer, or part of that land, is held jointly by the original transferor with the original transferee.
(2)When the subsequent transfer is made, there is taken to be a dutiable transaction consisting of the transfer to the original transferee of the following —
(a)any land the subject of the original transfer that is not also the subject of the subsequent transfer;
(b)the original transferee’s interest in any land held jointly with the original transferor as referred to in subsection (1)(c)(ii).
(3)In determining the dutiable value of a dutiable transaction under subsection (2) (a deemed transaction), the unencumbered value of the dutiable property the subject of the deemed transaction is the unencumbered value of that property when liability for duty arose on the original transfer.
(4)Subsection (1)(c)(i) does not apply if the original transferee is to transfer the remainder of the land to another person for the purposes of the subdivision.
[Section 120B inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 46.]
120C.Transfers to facilitate subdivision: failure to lodge subsequent transfer within 5 years
(1)If a subsequent transfer referred to in section 120A is not lodged for registration under the Transfer of Land Act 1893 within the period of 5 years after the day on which the original transfer referred to in that section was registered under the Transfer of Land Act 1893, then, despite that section, nominal duty is not chargeable on the original transfer or the subsequent transfer.
(2)The Commissioner may on application extend the period of 5 years referred to in subsection (1) and may do so on any conditions the Commissioner thinks fit.
(3)The Commissioner must make any reassessment necessary as a result of the operation of subsection (1).
(4)The limitations as to time in the Taxation Administration Act section 17 do not apply in respect of a reassessment under subsection (3).
[Section 120C inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 46.]
120D.Subdivisions of land excluded from s. 120A and 120B
Sections 120A and 120B do not apply in relation to —
(a)a subdivision under —
(i)before the coming into operation of the Strata Titles Amendment Act 2018 section 7 — a strata plan registered under the Strata Titles Act 1985 (other than under a strata plan for a single tier strata scheme as defined in the Strata Titles Act 1985 section 3(1)); or
(ii)after the coming into operation of the Strata Titles Amendment Act 2018 section 7 — a strata scheme as defined in the Strata Titles Act 1985 section 3(1) (other than a single tier strata scheme as defined in the Strata Titles Act 1985 Schedule 2A clause 3);
or
(b)a subdivision of land in circumstances prescribed by the regulations.
[Section 120D inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 46.]
120E.References to transfer of land back to person
For the purposes of sections 120A and 120B, land that is transferred by a person for the purposes of a subdivision of the land is to be treated as being transferred back to the person after the subdivision —
(a)even though there will be a change in the legal description of the land between the transfers; and
(b)whether or not, after the transfer back to the person, the land is to be held jointly with 1 or more other persons.
[Section 120E inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 46.]
Subdivision 2 — Certain superannuation transactions
In this Subdivision —
Commonwealth Act means the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Commonwealth);
complying approved deposit fund means an entity that is a complying approved deposit fund in accordance with the Commonwealth Act section 43;
complying superannuation fund means an entity that is —
(a)a complying superannuation fund in accordance with the Commonwealth Act section 42 or 42A; or
(b)an exempt public sector superannuation scheme within the meaning given to that term in the Commonwealth Act section 10(1);
eligible rollover fund means an entity that is an eligible rollover fund in accordance with the Commonwealth Act section 242 and includes an entity the trustee of which is satisfied will be an eligible rollover fund within 12 months after the day on which a liability to duty arises;
pooled superannuation trust means an entity that is a pooled superannuation trust in accordance with the Commonwealth Act section 44;
superannuation fund means a complying approved deposit fund, a complying superannuation fund, an eligible rollover fund or a pooled superannuation trust.
122.Relevant superannuation transactions for consideration
(1)Nominal duty is chargeable on a relevant superannuation transaction if there is, or will be, consideration for the transaction.
(2)A reference in this section to a relevant superannuation transaction is to a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property by a person (the transferor) to a trustee, or a custodian of a trustee, of a superannuation fund that meets the following criteria (an approved superannuation fund) —
(a)either of the following apply to the superannuation fund —
(i)only the transferor can be a member of the superannuation fund;
(ii)property can only be held in the superannuation fund specifically for the transferor and cannot be pooled with the contributions or other assets of another member and no other member can obtain an interest in the property;
(b)property can only be held in the superannuation fund to be provided to the transferor as a retirement benefit.
(3)In subsection (2)(a)(ii) and (b) —
property —
(a)means —
(i)dutiable property the subject of a relevant superannuation transaction; or
(ii)if such dutiable property is sold so that the proceeds can be provided to the transferor as a retirement benefit, those proceeds;
and
(b)includes any net income from property referred to in paragraph (a), including income retained by a trustee of a superannuation fund while legal ownership of the property is held by a custodian of a trustee of the fund.
(4)An application for assessment or reassessment under this section must be made in the approved form.
[Section 122 inserted: No. 15 of 2015 s. 4.]
123.Subsequent liability in certain circumstances
(1)A reference in this section to a subsequent event in relation to a superannuation fund is to an event the effect of which is that the superannuation fund ceases to be an approved superannuation fund, as defined in section 122(2).
(2)Subsection (3) applies if, after a transaction is duty endorsed under section 122, a subsequent event takes place in relation to the superannuation fund while the dutiable property the subject of the transaction (the original dutiable property), or part of it, is held —
(a)by a custodian of a trustee of the superannuation fund; or
(b)in the superannuation fund.
(3)A subsequent event is taken to be a transfer of the original dutiable property and is liable to duty accordingly.
(4)Not later than 2 months after the day on which a subsequent event takes place a trustee, or a custodian of a trustee, of the superannuation fund, as is relevant, is to lodge a transfer duty statement for the event.
Penalty: a fine of $20 000.
(5)The person liable to pay the duty is a trustee, or a custodian of a trustee, of the superannuation fund, as is relevant.
[Section 123 inserted: No. 15 of 2015 s. 4.]
124.Some transfers etc. of dutiable property to superannuation fund without consideration
(1)Nominal duty is chargeable on a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property by a person to the trustee of a superannuation fund that is an employer‑sponsored fund within the meaning given by the Commonwealth Act section 16(3) where —
(a)there is, or will be, no consideration for the transfer; and
(b)the transfer is not a transaction to which section 126 applies.
(2)An application for assessment or reassessment under this section must be made in the approved form.
125.Transfer from one superannuation fund to another
(1)In this section —
relevant transfer means —
(a)a transfer of dutiable property from a trustee of an entity, or a custodian of a trustee of an entity, to the trustee of another entity, or to a custodian of a trustee of another entity; or
(b)a transfer of dutiable property from a trustee of an entity to a custodian of a trustee of the entity, or from a custodian of a trustee of an entity to a trustee of the entity;
superannuation fund does not include a pooled superannuation trust.
(2)Nominal duty is chargeable on a relevant transfer that occurs in connection with a person —
(a)ceasing to be a member of, or otherwise ceasing to be entitled to benefits in respect of, a superannuation fund or an entity that was a superannuation fund within the period of 12 months before the day the property is transferred; and
(b)becoming a member of, or otherwise becoming entitled to benefits in respect of, another entity (the chosen entity) that is also a superannuation fund or that, in the opinion of the trustees of both entities concerned, will be a superannuation fund before the end of the period of 12 months after the day on which the property is transferred,
and for which there is no consideration.
(3)An application for assessment or reassessment under this section —
(a)must be made in the approved form; and
(b)if the chosen entity is not a superannuation fund when liability to duty arises — is to be accompanied by a statutory declaration from a trustee (or a director of a trustee that is a corporation) of each of the entities concerned stating that, in the opinion of the trustee (or director), the chosen entity will be a superannuation fund before the end of the period of 12 months after the day on which the property is transferred.
126.Some transfers etc. of dutiable property between trustees and custodians of superannuation funds
(1)In this section —
relevant entity, in relation to a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property, means —
(a)a superannuation fund; or
(b)an entity that, in the opinion of its trustee, will be a superannuation fund before the end of the period of 12 months after the day on which the property is transferred.
(2)Nominal duty is chargeable on a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property from —
(a)a trustee of a relevant entity to a custodian of the trustee of the relevant entity; or
(b)a custodian of a trustee of a relevant entity to a trustee of the relevant entity; or
(c)a custodian of a trustee of a relevant entity to another custodian of the trustee of the relevant entity,
if there is no change in the beneficial ownership of the property.
(3)An application for assessment or reassessment under this section —
(a)must be made in the approved form; and
(b)if the relevant entity is not a superannuation fund when liability to duty arises — is to be accompanied by a statutory declaration from a trustee (or a director of a trustee that is a corporation) of the relevant entity stating that, in the opinion of the trustee (or director), the relevant entity will be a superannuation fund before the end of the period of 12 months after the day on which the property is transferred.
[Section 126 amended: No. 15 of 2015 s. 5.]
127.Some transfers etc. of dutiable property from superannuation fund to member, dependant or representative
(1)In this section, each of these terms has the meaning given in the Commonwealth Act section 10(1) —
dependant
legal personal representative
(2)Nominal duty is chargeable in respect of a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property from the trustee of a superannuation fund to —
(a)a member of the fund; or
(b)where the member has died — a dependant of, or the legal personal representative of, the member,
if —
(c)the member was a member of the fund when the property first became part of the fund; and
(d)the unencumbered value of the property transferred does not exceed the value of the member’s interest in the fund; and
(e)there is, or will be, no consideration for the transfer or agreement.
[Section 127 inserted: No. 32 of 2012 s. 8.]
Subdivision 3 — Transactions related to the break‑up of a marriage or de facto relationship
Note for this Subdivision:
Section 113 provides for an exemption from duty to the extent that a dutiable transaction is effected by a matrimonial instrument or a de facto relationship instrument.
(1)In this Subdivision —
child means a person who is under 18 years of age;
de facto flag lifting agreement means a flag lifting agreement as defined in the Family Law Act section 90YS;
de facto relationship means a de facto relationship that comes within the Family Court Act section 205Z(1)(a), (b) or (c);
de facto relationship instrument has the meaning given in section 130;
de facto relationship property of a de facto relationship, means property of the de facto partners to the relationship or of either of them and includes a superannuation interest as defined in the Family Law Act section 90YD;
de facto splitting agreement means —
(a)a de facto superannuation agreement that has effect under the Family Law Act Part VIIIC; or
(b)a de facto flag lifting agreement that has effect under the Family Law Act Part VIIIC;
de facto superannuation agreement means a superannuation agreement as defined in the Family Law Act section 90YK;
Family Law Act means the Family Law Act 1975 (Commonwealth);
flag lifting agreement has the meaning given in the Family Law Act section 90XN;
matrimonial instrument has the meaning given in section 129;
matrimonial property of a marriage, means property of the parties to the marriage or of either of them and includes a superannuation interest as defined in the Family Law Act section 90XD;
splitting agreement means —
(a)a superannuation agreement; or
(b)a flag lifting agreement,
that has effect under the Family Law Act Part VIIIB;
superannuation agreement has the meaning given in the Family Law Act section 90XH;
superannuation fund has the meaning given in section 121.
(2)A reference in this Subdivision to persons who are married to each other or have been married to each other includes persons who are married to each other or who have been married to each other by a marriage that is void under the Family Law Act.
[Section 128 amended: No. 28 of 2022 s. 36; No. 28 of 2022 s. 37]
129.References to matrimonial instrument
A reference to a matrimonial instrument is to any of the following instruments to the extent that it deals with matrimonial property —
(a)a maintenance agreement registered under the Family Law Act section 86 or approved under the Family Law Act section 87;
(b)a financial agreement made under the Family Law Act section 90B, 90C or 90D;
(c)a splitting agreement;
(d)an order of a court under the Family Law Act.
130.References to de facto relationship instrument
A reference to a de facto relationship instrument is to any of the following instruments to the extent it deals with de facto relationship property —
(a)a financial agreement or a former financial agreement, within the meaning of those terms in the Family Court Act section 205T, or a de facto splitting agreement;
(b)an order of a court under —
(i)the Family Court Act Part 5A; or
(ia)the Family Law Act Part VIIIC; or
(ii)a law of the Commonwealth or another State or Territory that substantially corresponds to a provision referred to in subparagraph (i) or (ia).
[Section 130 amended: No. 28 of 2022 s. 38.]
131.Transactions in accordance with matrimonial instrument or de facto relationship instrument
(1)Nominal duty is chargeable on a dutiable transaction to the extent that it is in accordance with a matrimonial instrument if —
(c)the parties to the marriage are separated or divorced from each other or the marriage has irretrievably broken down; and
(d)under the transaction, the matrimonial property is, or is to be, transferred to —
(i)either, or both, of the parties to the marriage; or
(ii)a child, or children, of either of the parties to the marriage, or a trustee of such a child or children; or
(iii)a trustee of a superannuation fund.
(2)Nominal duty is chargeable on a dutiable transaction to the extent that it is in accordance with a de facto relationship instrument if —
(c)the de facto relationship between the de facto partners has ended; and
(d)under the transaction, the de facto relationship property is, or is to be, transferred to —
(i)either, or both, of the de facto partners to the relationship; or
(ii)a child, or children, of either of the de facto partners to the relationship, or a trustee of such a child or children; or
(iii)a trustee of a superannuation fund.
[Section 131 amended: No. 16 of 2022 s. 5; No. 28 of 2022 s. 39.]
132.Reassessment of transaction if s. 131 becomes applicable
(1)If a dutiable transaction —
(a)is chargeable with duty other than under section 131 and is duty endorsed; and
(b)is in accordance with —
(i)a matrimonial instrument or a de facto relationship instrument that came into existence; or
(ii)an instrument that became a matrimonial instrument or de facto relationship instrument,
within the period of 12 months after the day on which liability to duty on the transaction arose,
the Commissioner, on the application of the taxpayer, is to reassess the liability to duty of the transaction under section 131.
(2)For the purposes of this section, the Taxation Administration Act section 17 applies as if the original assessment had been made when the instrument became a matrimonial instrument or a de facto relationship instrument.
[Section 132 amended: No. 16 of 2022 s. 6.]
133.Evidence as to marriage or de facto relationship
(1)For the purposes of this Subdivision, the Commissioner is to have regard to any statutory declaration made by a party to the marriage to the effect that —
(a)the party intends to apply for dissolution or annulment of the marriage; or
(b)the parties to the marriage have separated, and there is no reasonable likelihood of cohabitation being resumed.
(2)For the purposes of this Subdivision, the Commissioner is to have regard to any statutory declaration made by a de facto partner to the de facto relationship to the effect that the relationship has ended.
Subdivision 4 — Other transactions
134.Some transfers etc. of certain lots under planning scheme
(1)Nominal duty is chargeable on a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, a lot under a planning scheme by the responsible authority for a planning scheme to a person that, when the scheme came into operation, was the owner of —
(a)the land comprised in the lot; or
(b)land comprised in the scheme and to whom the lot is transferred, or agreed to be transferred, in substitution or exchange for that land or part thereof,
where the lot is comprised in the scheme and a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, the lot is made in order to carry out or facilitate the carrying out of the scheme.
(2)If a term is given a meaning in the Planning and Development Act 2005, it has the same meaning in this section.
[135.Deleted: No. 37 of 2022 s. 10.]
136.Business licences held under Fish Resources Management Act 1994
Nominal duty is chargeable on a dutiable transaction, the subject of which is a business licence (within the meaning given in section 79) held under the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 if the Commissioner is satisfied that the transaction has not, and will not, result in the passing of a beneficial interest in the business licence.
137.Transfers etc. to change joint tenancy to tenancy in common etc.
Nominal duty is chargeable on a transfer, or an agreement for a transfer, that effects a change in the ownership of property from joint tenants to tenants in common or vice versa, if the value of the co‑owners’ interests at the time of the transaction is not changed.
138.Transactions to correct clerical errors in previous dutiable transactions
(1)Nominal duty is chargeable on a dutiable transaction to correct a clerical error in a previous dutiable transaction about the same or other property if —
(a)no additional consideration is paid or payable; and
(b)the beneficial interests in the property change only to the extent necessary to correct the error.
(2)To remove any doubt, it is declared that an error by a party about the appropriateness of a transaction to achieve a particular intended legal result is not a clerical error in the transaction.
[Section 138 amended: No. 32 of 2012 s. 9.]
139.Some transactions involving deceased estates
(1)In this section —
distribution means a distribution under a will or on an intestacy.
(2)Nominal duty is chargeable on the following dutiable transactions —
(a)a transfer, or agreement for the transfer, of dutiable property to the extent that —
(i)the transfer gives effect to a distribution in the estate of a deceased person; and
(ii)there is no consideration for the agreement or transfer;
(b)a declaration of trust over dutiable property to the extent that it gives effect to a distribution in the estate of a deceased person;
(c)a vesting of dutiable property by, or as a consequence of, a court order made —
(i)under the Family Provision Act 1972; or
(ii)under the Trustees Act 1962 section 65 on an application under the Family Provision Act 1972;
(d)a partnership acquisition, to the extent that —
(i)the partnership acquisition gives effect to a distribution in the estate of a deceased person; and
(ii)there is no consideration for the partnership acquisition.
[Section 139 amended: No. 48 of 2011 s. 15; No. 12 of 2019 s. 47.]
139A.Some transfers and vestings under orders made under Guardianship and Administration Act 1990
(1)In this section —
administration order means —
(a)an administration order (as defined in the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990 section 3(1)); or
(b)an order or instrument referred to in paragraph (b) or (c) of the definition of administrator in this subsection;
administrator means —
(a)an administrator (as defined in the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990 section 3(1)); or
(b)a person acting under the authority of an order made under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990 section 66; or
(c)the Public Trustee acting under the authority of an instrument referred to in the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990 section 83B.
(2)Nominal duty applies to a dutiable transaction that is —
(a)a transfer to an administrator of dutiable property of the person to whom the administration order relates (the represented person) made under the authority of the administration order; or
(b)a vesting in an administrator of dutiable property of a person to whom the administration order relates (the represented person) by, or as a consequence of, an order of the State Administrative Tribunal under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990.
(3)If nominal duty is chargeable on a transfer or vesting of dutiable property under subsection (2), nominal duty is also chargeable on —
(a)any transfer of the dutiable property back from an administrator to the represented person; or
(b)any subsequent vesting in the represented person of the dutiable property by, or as a consequence of, an order of the State Administrative Tribunal under the Guardianship and Administration Act 1990.
[Section 139A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 48.]
140.Prescribed dutiable transactions
(1)Nominal duty is chargeable on such dutiable transactions as are prescribed, or are of a class prescribed, for the purposes of this section.
(2)Despite subsection (1), nominal duty is not chargeable in respect of a dutiable transaction that passes, or is part of a scheme or arrangement that passes, a beneficial interest in dutiable property.
Division 3 — First home owner concessions
(1)In this Division —
concessional first home owner has the meaning given in section 142A;
deposit, in relation to a terms contract, includes any part of the purchase price which the contract specifies as being a deposit and provides is to be paid, whether in one or more payments, within 28 days of the execution of the contract;
FHOG Act means the First Home Owner Grant Act 2000;
first concessional transaction has the meaning given in section 142(2);
first home owner concessional rate of duty means the concessional rate of duty applicable under section 143;
first home owner concessional transaction has the meaning given in section 142(1);
further concessional transaction has the meaning given in section 142(2);
terms contract means a contract for the sale and purchase of land under which the purchaser is obliged to make 2 or more payments to the vendor (over and above any deposit) before the purchaser is entitled to a conveyance or transfer of the land;
transferee, in respect of a transaction, means a person to whom the property the subject of the transaction —
(a)is transferred; or
(b)is agreed to be transferred,
other than —
(c)a person who, under the FHOG Act, would not be required to join in making an application for a first home owner grant; or
(d)a prescribed person.
(2)If a term is given a meaning in the FHOG Act, it has the same meaning in this Division.
(3)For the purposes of this Division, a person is a substituted transferee in relation to a dutiable transaction if —
(a)the dutiable transaction is an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property referred to in section 11(1)(b); and
(b)due to the operation of section 42(2) or (4), duty is not chargeable on the transfer to the person of the dutiable property under the agreement.
[Section 141 amended: No. 27 of 2015 s. 9; No. 12 of 2019 s. 49.]
142A.Concessional first home owners
(1)A reference in this Division to a concessional first home owner, in relation to the transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property means —
(a)a transferee who is paid a first home owner grant in relation to the property or to whom a first home owner grant is or will be payable in relation to the property; or
(b)a transferee to whom a first home owner grant would be, or would have been, payable in relation to the property had the requirements of either, or both, of the paragraphs of subsection (2) applied.
(2)The requirements are —
(a)consideration had been given for the transfer of the property;
(b)if the transaction is a contract for the purchase of an established home, the transaction would be, or would have been, an eligible transaction but for the FHOG Act section 14(5A).
(3)If a transaction described in subsection (2)(b) is a terms contract then, for the purposes of this section —
(a)the interest in the property of the transferee as purchaser under the contract is to be taken to be a relevant interest, unless the interest does not conform with the FHOG Act section 6(2); and
(b)the transaction is to be taken to be completed for the purposes of the FHOG Act, despite section 14AA(2)(a) of that Act, when the purchaser becomes entitled to possession of the home under the contract.
[Section 142A inserted: No. 27 of 2015 s. 10; amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 50.]
142.First home owner concessional transactions
(1)A reference in this Division to a first home owner concessional transaction is to a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, dutiable property where —
(a)either —
(i)each transferee is a concessional first home owner; or
(ii)if the transaction is an agreement for transfer in relation to which there are 1 or more substituted transferees — each substituted transferee is a concessional first home owner;
and
(b)the unencumbered value of the land, or the land and home, the subject of the transaction does not exceed —
(i)if there is no home on the land — $400 000; or
(ii)otherwise — $600 000.
(2)A reference in this Division to a further concessional transaction is to a transfer of, or an agreement for the transfer of, a further interest in the dutiable property the subject of a first home owner concessional transaction (the first concessional transaction) —
(a)from a person excluded from the operation of the FHOG Act section 16(1); and
(b)where an instrument that effects the further concessional transaction is executed within 10 years of an instrument that effected the first concessional transaction; and
(c)where each transferee in respect of the further concessional transaction is a transferee in relation to the first concessional transaction.
[Section 142 amended: No. 29 of 2012 s. 7; No. 15 of 2014 s. 4; No. 27 of 2015 s. 11; No. 12 of 2019 s. 51; No. 27 of 2024 s. 4.]
143.First home owner concessional rate of duty
(1)Duty is chargeable on a first home owner concessional transaction at the applicable concessional rate of duty.
(2)Duty is chargeable on a further concessional transaction at the same rate and using the same thresholds that applied when duty became chargeable on the first concessional transaction.
(3)The dutiable value of a further concessional transaction is the greater of the following amounts —
(a)the consideration for the first concessional transaction;
(b)the unencumbered value of the whole of the dutiable property the subject of the first concessional transaction at the time when liability for duty on the first concessional transaction arose.
(4)When subsection (2) applies —
(a)the liability of the transferee to pay duty on the further concessional transaction is to bear the same proportion to the whole of the amount of duty payable as the interest in the dutiable property held by the transferee after the further concessional transaction bears to the whole of the dutiable property; and
(b)the amount of duty payable is to be reduced by the amount of the duty paid by the transferee on the first concessional transaction and any other further concessional transactions on which duty has been paid; and
(c)there is no liability to pay any remaining portion of the duty that would, but for this paragraph be payable.
[Section 143 amended: No. 27 of 2015 s. 12.]
144.Application for first home owner concessional rate of duty
(1)An application for assessment or reassessment under this Division must be —
(a)made in the approved form by the transferee or, if there is more than one, each transferee; and
(b)accompanied by such transaction record for the transaction as is required to be lodged under section 23.
(2)For the purposes of this Division, the Taxation Administration Act section 17 applies as if —
(a)in respect of a first home owner concessional transaction —
(i)despite subsection (1) of that section, a person is not entitled to apply for a reassessment other than within the period beginning on the commencement date of the first home owner concessional transaction to which the application relates and ending whichever is the later of the day that is —
(I)12 months after the day on which the first home owner concessional transaction was completed; or
(II)if an application for a first home owner grant has been made, 3 months after the day on which the grant is paid;
and
(ii)despite subsection (4) of that section, the Commissioner is to make a reassessment on an application in respect of a first home owner concessional transaction made within that time;
and
(b)in respect of a further concessional transaction —
(i)despite subsection (1) of that section, a person is not entitled to apply for a reassessment more than 12 months after whichever is the later of the day on which an instrument effecting the transaction was executed or the day on which the transaction was effected; and
(ii)despite subsection (4) of that section, the Commissioner is to make a reassessment on an application in respect of a first home owner concessional transaction made within that time.
[Section 144 amended: No. 27 of 2015 s. 13.]
145.Subsequent liability in certain circumstances
(1)Despite section 143, duty is not chargeable on a transaction referred to in section 142 at the first home owner concessional rate if —
(a)a transferee described in section 142A(1)(a) is required to repay an amount under the FHOG Act section 21(2) or 51; or
(b)a transferee described in section 142A(1)(b) would be required to repay an amount under the FHOG Act —
(i)section 21(2) had a first home owner grant been authorised to be paid to that person under the FHOG Act section 21(1); or
(ii)section 51 had a first home owner grant been authorised to be paid to that person under the FHOG Act.
(2A)For the purposes of subsection (1)(b)(i), a first home owner grant would be, or would have been, authorised to be paid under the FHOG Act section 21(1) if the transaction was assessed in anticipation of compliance by the transferee —
(a)with the residence requirements; or
(b)if the requirement under the FHOG Act section 13(4) had already been complied with by the transferee, with the requirement under section 13(1) of that Act.
(2B)Written notice referred to in the FHOG Act section 21(2)(d) must be given to the Commissioner —
(a)by a transferee referred to in subsection (1)(b)(i) who would be required to repay an amount under the FHOG Act section 21(2), had a first home owner grant been authorised to be paid to that person under the FHOG Act section 21(1);
(b)as if the conditions set out in the FHOG Act section 21(2)(a), (b) or (c) applied in respect of that person.
(2)The previous assessment of a transaction referred to in subsection (1) is taken to be incorrect for the purposes of the Taxation Administration Act section 16(2)(a).
[Section 145 amended: No. 27 of 2015 s. 14.]
146.Other provisions about first home owner concessions
For the purposes of this Division and for the purposes of applying the Taxation Administration Act in relation to the operation of this Division —
(a)the FHOG Act is to be treated as if it were a taxation Act; and
(b)the FHOG Act applies to and in relation to an application under this Division, to the extent that it can be applied for those purposes, as if —
(i)a reference in the FHOG Act to an application or an applicant were a reference to the application or applicant under this Division; and
(ii)the reference in the FHOG Act section 37(1)(a) to functions of the Commissioner were a reference to functions of the Commissioner related to an application under this Division;
and
(c)this Act and the Taxation Administration Act apply in relation to any information given to the Commissioner for the purposes of the FHOG Act by a person who is an applicant under this Division as if the information had been given to the Commissioner for the purposes of this Division.
[Section 146 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 52.]
[Division 4A (s. 147A-147G) deleted: No. 16 of 2022 s. 21.]
Division 4 — Residential or business concessions
147.Concessional rates for transactions referred to in Stamp Act 1921 s. 75AE
(1)A dutiable transaction is a concessional transaction for the purposes of this section if the instrument effecting or evidencing it would have been chargeable with duty under the Stamp Act 1921 Second Schedule item 4(5), if it had been first executed before 1 July 2008.
(2)Duty is chargeable on a concessional transaction at the applicable concessional rate of duty.
[(3)deleted]
[Section 147 amended: No. 30 of 2008 s. 27; No. 16 of 2022 s. 22.]
(1)In this Chapter, unless the contrary intention appears —
duty means duty under this Chapter;
entity has the meaning given in section 152;
further interest means an interest in a landholder acquired by a relevant acquisition to which section 163(1)(c) or (d) applies;
interest has the meaning given in section 153;
land does not include a security interest in land;
land asset means any of the following —
(a)land;
(b)a fixed infrastructure control right;
(c)a derivative mining right;
(d)subject to section 204A, a fixed infrastructure access right;
landholder means an entity that is a landholder under section 155;
linked entity means an entity that is a linked entity under section 156(2) in respect of a main entity as defined in section 156(1);
listed corporation means a corporation that is on the official list of a prescribed financial market;
listed landholder means —
(a)a listed corporation; or
(b)a listed unit trust scheme,
that is a landholder;
listed unit trust scheme means a unit trust scheme that is on the official list of a prescribed financial market;
related person has the meaning given in section 162;
relevant acquisition has the meaning given in section 163(1);
surplus property, in relation to a landholder or other entity, means property remaining after satisfaction of —
(a)any right attached to a share or unit that entitles the holder, if the landholder or other entity is wound up, to receive a fixed amount of its capital; and
(b)the debts and liabilities of the landholder or other entity; and
(c)the costs, charges and expenses of winding it up;
unencumbered value has the meaning given in sections 36 and 36A as applied by sections 150 and 204C.
(2)For the purposes of this Chapter, a land asset referred to in paragraph (b), (c) or (d) of the definition of land asset in subsection (1) is taken to be a land asset in Western Australia.
[Section 148 amended: No. 32 of 2012 s. 10; No. 12 of 2019 s. 56.]
149.Determining entitlement to land assets and chattels
(1)In determining the entitlement of a landholder or other entity to land assets, chattels, or land assets and chattels, for the purposes of this Chapter —
(a)if the landholder or other entity has entered into an agreement to acquire an interest in land assets, chattels, or land assets and chattels the agreement is to be regarded as having been completed even if it has not yet been completed; and
(b)if the landholder or other entity has entered into an agreement to dispose of an interest in land assets, chattels, or land assets and chattels, but the agreement has not yet been completed, the agreement is to be disregarded.
(2)In determining the entitlement of an entity to land assets, chattels, or land assets and chattels, for the purposes of this Chapter —
(a)an entity that is a partnership is taken to be entitled to land assets or chattels if the partnership property is or includes those land assets or chattels; and
(b)an entity that is a unit trust scheme or the trustee of a discretionary trust is taken to be entitled to land assets or chattels if the trust property is or includes those land assets or chattels.
[(2A), (3) and (4) deleted]
[Section 149 amended: No. 33 of 2011 s. 5; No. 12 of 2019 s. 57.]
149A.Determining entitlement to land assets: fixtures and mining tenement fixtures
(1)In this section —
mining tenement fixture, in relation to a mining tenement, means a thing that —
(a)under the authority (whether direct or indirect) of the mining tenement, is fixed to land that is the subject of the mining tenement; and
(b)would be part of that land as a fixture if the mining tenement were a freehold estate in the subject land.
(2)In determining the entitlement of an entity to a land asset that is land, anything that is part of the land as a fixture is to be taken into account even if the fixture is, or purports to be, the subject of an entitlement separate from the ownership of the rest of the land.
(3)In determining the entitlement of an entity to a land asset that is a mining tenement or an estate or interest in a mining tenement (a mining tenement land asset), anything that is a mining tenement fixture in relation to the mining tenement is to be taken into account even if the mining tenement fixture is, or purports to be, the subject of an entitlement separate from the ownership of the rest of the mining tenement land asset.
(4)Subsection (2) or (3) (whichever is relevant) does not apply for the purposes of determining the land assets to which an entity is entitled in relation to an acquisition if the fixture or the mining tenement fixture would, apart from that subsection, be taken into account separately in relation to that acquisition in determining the land assets to which that entity or another entity is entitled.
(5)In this section, a reference to land does not include anything that is land under section 3A(1)(b), (c), (f) or (g).
[Section 149A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 58.]
150.Unencumbered value of land assets or chattels
Sections 36 and 36A apply, with any appropriate modifications, where it is necessary to determine the unencumbered value of land assets or chattels for the purposes of section 155(5)(a), 157(2) or 186.
[Section 150 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 59.]
Part 2 — Imposition of landholder duty
Duty is imposed in respect of any relevant acquisition under Part 5 of an interest in an entity that under Part 4 is a landholder for the purposes of this Chapter.
Part 3 — Certain key concepts defined and related provisions
(1)A reference in this Chapter to an entity is to —
(a)a corporation; and
(b)a unit trust scheme.
(2)Each of the following —
(a)the trustee of a discretionary trust;
(b)a partnership,
is also an entity to the extent set out in subsection (3), but not otherwise.
(3)The trustee of a discretionary trust or a partnership may be —
(a)an entity in an ownership chain referred to in section 154A (other than the main entity referred to in that section); or
(b)an entity referred to in section 154B; or
(c)a linked entity under section 156; or
(d)a relevant entity referred to in section 156A(1)(b)(i).
[Section 152 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 60.]
153.References to interest in landholder or other entity
(1)A reference in this Chapter to an interest (other than a reference to an indirect interest) in a landholder or other entity is to an entitlement to the surplus property of the landholder or other entity if it were to be wound up.
(2)A reference in this Chapter to an interest in a landholder or other entity together with —
(a)a reference to a percentage; or
(b)a reference to a percentage determined by the Commissioner,
is to an entitlement to receive that percentage, or the percentage so determined, of the surplus property of the landholder or other entity if it were to be wound up.
(3)This section has effect subject to sections 153A and 153B.
[Section 153 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 61.]
153A.References to interest in, or held by, trustee of discretionary trust
For the purposes of section 154A, if a trustee of a discretionary trust is an entity in an ownership chain referred to in that section —
(a)an entity has an interest in the trustee of the discretionary trust if the entity is a potential beneficiary under the trust; and
(b)the trustee of the discretionary trust has an interest in an entity if the trust property is or includes the interest; and
(c)the percentage of the interest that the entity immediately above the trustee of the discretionary trust in the ownership chain has in the trustee of the discretionary trust is taken to be —
(i)a 100% interest; or
(ii)if the Commissioner decides in a particular case that the operation of subparagraph (i) would be inequitable — an interest of some other percentage, or no interest, as determined by the Commissioner.
[Section 153A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 62.]
153B.References to interest in, or held by, partnership
For the purposes of section 154A, if a partnership is an entity in an ownership chain referred to in that section —
(a)an entity has an interest in the partnership if the entity is a partner in the partnership or, in the case of a unit trust scheme, the trustee, as trustee of the scheme, is a partner in the partnership; and
(b)the partnership has an interest in an entity if the partnership property is or includes the interest; and
(c)the percentage of the interest that the entity immediately above the partnership in the ownership chain has in the partnership is taken to be the greater of the following —
(i)the percentage of the capital of the partnership that the entity has contributed or is required to contribute;
(ii)the percentage of the losses of the partnership that the entity is required to bear.
[Section 153B inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 62.]
154.Calculating interest in entity
(1)In this section —
person includes an entity.
(2)This section applies where it is necessary for the purposes of this Chapter to calculate the interest of a person (the relevant person) in a landholder or other entity.
(3)This section does not apply where section 153A(c) or 153B(c) applies.
(4)The interest is to be first calculated as if the landholder or other entity were wound up without regard to the notional exercise of the powers and discretions referred to in subsection (5).
(5)The interest is to be then calculated as if the landholder or other entity were wound up and as if each interested person had exercised all powers and discretions exercisable by the person —
(a)to effect or compel an alteration to the constitution of the landholder or other entity; and
(b)to vary the rights attached to units or shares in the landholder or other entity; and
(c)to effect or compel the substitution or replacement of units or shares in the landholder or other entity with other units or shares in it,
in such a manner as would maximise the value of the relevant person’s interest.
(6)The reference in subsection (5) to an interested person is —
(a)to the relevant person; and
(b)if the relevant person is a unit trust scheme, to the trustee of the scheme; and
(c)to any person that the relevant person or a person referred to in paragraph (b) has power to direct with respect to a distribution; and
(d)where the calculation is required in order to determine the extent of a relevant person’s interest for the purposes of section 163, to a related person under section 162 in respect of the relevant person or a person referred to in paragraph (b).
(7)The relevant person’s interest is the greater of the interest calculated under subsection (4) and the interest calculated under subsection (5).
(8)If the calculation under subsection (5) results in the greater interest the Commissioner may, after considering the circumstances of the case, determine that —
(a)the application of subsection (7) would be inequitable; and
(b)the relevant person’s interest is that calculated under subsection (4).
[Section 154 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 63.]
154A.Calculating total direct or indirect interest in entity
(1)This section applies where it is necessary in relation to an acquisition of an interest in an entity (the main entity) to calculate the total direct or indirect interest that one entity (a higher entity) has in another entity (a lower entity).
(2)A higher entity has a direct or indirect interest in a lower entity if there are 1 or more ownership chains between the higher entity and the lower entity.
(3)An ownership chain exists if —
(a)the higher entity has an interest as defined in whichever of section 153, 153A or 153B is applicable (a direct interest) in the lower entity; or
(b)there is a series of at least 3 entities, starting with the higher entity and ending with the lower entity, each of which successively has a direct interest in the next.
(4)The percentage of the interest that a higher entity has in a lower entity through a particular ownership chain is —
(a)for an ownership chain referred to in subsection (3)(a) — the percentage of the higher entity’s direct interest in the lower entity calculated under whichever of section 153A(c), 153B(c) or 154 is applicable; or
(b)for an ownership chain referred to in subsection (3)(b) — the percentage calculated by multiplying the percentage of the higher entity’s direct interest in the entity immediately below it in the ownership chain by the percentage of the direct interest that each entity in the ownership chain between the higher entity and the lower entity has in the entity immediately below it in the ownership chain.
(5)The percentage of the total direct or indirect interest that a higher entity has in a lower entity is the aggregate of the percentage interests calculated under subsection (4) for each ownership chain between the higher entity and the lower entity.
[Section 154A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 64.]
154B.Determining interest in entity: uncompleted agreements
In determining the interest that an entity has in another entity for the purposes of section 154A, 156, or 156A —
(a)if the entity has entered into an agreement to acquire an interest in the other entity, the agreement is to be regarded as having been completed even if it has not yet been completed; and
(b)if the entity has entered into an agreement to dispose of an interest in the other entity but the agreement has not yet been completed, the agreement is to be disregarded.
[Section 154B inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 64.]
Part 4 — Landholders to which this Chapter applies
155.Which entities are landholders
(1)This section applies where it is necessary to determine in relation to an acquisition of an interest in an entity whether the entity is a landholder for the purposes of section 163.
(2)An entity is a landholder if immediately before the acquisition —
(a)it is entitled to land assets in Western Australia or an entity linked to the entity is so entitled; and
(b)the total value of all such entitlements is $2 000 000 or more.
(3)An entity to which subsection (2) does not apply is a landholder if —
(a)immediately before the acquisition, it is entitled to land assets, chattels, or land assets and chattels, in Western Australia or an entity linked to the entity is so entitled; and
(b)the acquisition is part of a relevant arrangement under subsection (4).
(4)An acquisition of an interest in an entity (the relevant entity) is part of a relevant arrangement for the purposes of subsection (3)(b) if —
(a)there are 1 or more acquisitions of interests in 1 or more other entities (the other entities), which may occur before or after the acquisition of the interest in the relevant entity; and
(b)the acquisition of the interest in the relevant entity and the acquisitions of the interests in the other entities together form, evidence, give effect to or arise from what is, substantially one arrangement; and
(c)either or both of the following applies —
(i)at least 1 of the other entities is, at the time the acquisition of the interest in that entity occurs, a landholder to which subsection (2) applies;
(ii)the total value of all of the entitlements to land assets in Western Australia referred to in subsection (4A) is $2 000 000 or more.
(4A)For the purposes of subsection (4)(c)(ii), the total value of the following entitlements is to be determined —
(a)the entitlements to land assets in Western Australia, immediately before the acquisition of the interest in the relevant entity, of the relevant entity and each entity linked to the relevant entity;
(b)for each of the other entities — the entitlements to land assets in Western Australia, immediately before the acquisition of the interest in that other entity, of that other entity and each entity linked to that other entity.
(5)For the purposes of this section —
(a)land assets to which an entity is entitled are to be valued at their unencumbered value; and
(b)the value of a linked entity’s entitlement to land assets is to be determined under section 157.
(6)An entity that, under subsection (3), is a landholder in relation to an acquisition is taken to be a landholder in relation to that acquisition even if the acquisition does not become part of a relevant arrangement referred to in subsection (4) until after the acquisition occurs.
[Section 155 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 65.]
156.Which entities are linked to an entity
(1)This section applies where it is necessary to determine in relation to an acquisition of an interest in an entity (the main entity) whether there is any other entity that is linked to the entity for the purposes of section 155.
(2)Each entity (a linked entity) below the main entity in a linkage chain that exists immediately before the acquisition is linked to the main entity.
(3)A linkage chain exists if a series of entities starting with the main entity are successively linked to one another.
(4)An entity is linked to another entity if —
(a)where the other entity is a listed corporation or a listed unit trust scheme — it has an interest in the other entity of at least 90%; or
(b)in any other case — it has a total direct or indirect interest in the other entity, calculated under section 154A, of at least 50%.
[(5), (6)deleted]
(7)A series of entities under subsection (3) may consist of the main entity and one other entity to which it is linked as mentioned in subsection (4).
[(8)deleted]
[Section 156 amended: No. 1 of 2015 s. 25; No. 12 of 2019 s. 66.]
156A.Linked entities: acquisitions forming one arrangement
(1)Subsection (3) applies if —
(a)there are acquisitions (the related acquisitions) of interests in 2 or more entities (the main entities) that together form, evidence, give effect to or arise from what is, substantially one arrangement; and
(b)either —
(i)each of the main entities has a direct or indirect interest (as referred to in section 154A(2)) in an entity (the relevant entity) that is not a listed corporation or listed unit trust scheme; or
(ii)one of the main entities (the relevant entity) is an entity that is not a listed corporation or listed unit trust scheme and each of the other main entities has a direct or indirect interest (as referred to in section 154A(2)) in the relevant entity;
and
(c)there is at least 1 main entity that has a total direct or indirect interest in the relevant entity, calculated under section 154A, that is less than 50%; and
(d)the aggregated direct or indirect interest in the relevant entity determined under subsection (2) is at least 50%.
(2)The aggregated direct or indirect interest for the purposes of subsection (1)(d) is —
(a)if subsection (1)(b)(i) applies, the aggregate of the total direct or indirect interests, calculated under section 154A, that each of the main entities has in the relevant entity; or
(b)if subsection (1)(b)(ii) applies, the aggregate of —
(i)the interests in the relevant entity acquired by each related acquisition that is an acquisition of an interest in the relevant entity; and
(ii)the total direct or indirect interests, calculated under section 154A, that each of the main entities (other than the relevant entity) has in the relevant entity.
(3)The relevant entity is taken, in relation to a related acquisition of an interest in a main entity to which subsection (1)(c) applies, to be linked to that main entity under section 156(2).
(4)A relevant entity that is linked to a main entity for the purposes of an acquisition because of subsection (3) is taken to be linked in relation to that acquisition even if that subsection does not become applicable in relation to the acquisition until after the acquisition occurs.
(5)For the purposes of this section, the direct or indirect interest, or total direct or indirect interest, that a main entity has in the relevant entity is to be determined immediately after the related acquisition of an interest in that main entity.
[Section 156A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 67.]
157.Value of land assets of linked entity for s. 155
(1)This section applies where a linked entity is entitled to land assets in Western Australia and it is necessary to determine the value of that entitlement for the purposes of section 155.
(2)The value of the entitlement is an amount equal to the same percentage of the unencumbered value of the land assets as the percentage of the main entity’s total direct or indirect interest in the linked entity calculated under section 154A.
[(3), (4)deleted]
[Section 157 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 68.]
[158, 159.Deleted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 69.]
Part 5 — Acquisitions to which this Chapter applies
Division 1 — Means by which interest acquired
160.How person acquires interest in entity
(1)A person acquires an interest in an entity if —
(a)the person obtains an interest in the entity; or
(b)the person’s interest in the entity increases,
regardless of how it is obtained or increased.
(2)Without limiting subsection (1), a person may acquire an interest in a corporation or a unit trust scheme in the following ways —
(a)by the purchase, gift, allotment or issue of a share or unit;
(b)by the cancellation, redemption or surrender of a share or unit;
(c)by the abrogation or alteration of any right in respect of a share or unit;
(d)by the payment of an amount owing for a share or unit.
(3)To remove any doubt, it is declared that an interest in a corporation or a unit trust scheme may be acquired without the acquisition of shares in the corporation or units in the scheme.
(4)This section is subject to section 160A.
[Section 160 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 70.]
160A.Acquisition of interest by merger of corporations
(1)If a corporation (company A) has an interest in an entity and there is a merger of company A with and into another corporation (company B) in circumstances where neither subsection (2) nor subsection (3) applies, company B is taken to acquire that interest.
(2)If 2 or more corporations (the merging corporations) merge in circumstances where another corporation (company C) results as a consequence of the merger, and any of the merging corporations has an interest in an entity, company C is taken to acquire that interest.
(3)If 2 or more corporations (the merging corporations) merge with and into each other in circumstances where each of the merging corporations continues in existence, and any of the merging corporations has an interest in an entity, the merging corporations are taken to acquire, jointly, 50% of that interest.
[Section 160A inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 71.]
Division 2 — Relevant acquisitions of interests in landholders
161.Term used: significant interest
In this Division —
significant interest, in a landholder, means —
(a)if the landholder is a listed landholder — an interest of at least 90%; or
(b)otherwise — an interest of at least 50%.
[Section 161 amended: No. 32 of 2012 s. 11; No. 12 of 2019 s. 72.]
162.Related persons for s. 163
(1)For the purposes of section 163 the following persons or entities are related persons —
(a)individuals who are spouses, or de facto partners, of each other;
(b)individuals between whom the relationship is that of parent and child;
(c)related corporations;
(d)a trustee and another trustee if there is any beneficiary common to the trusts of which they are trustees, whether the beneficiary has a vested share or is contingently entitled or is a potential beneficiary under a discretionary trust;
(e)an individual and a corporation if the individual is a majority shareholder, director or secretary of the corporation or a related corporation;
(f)an individual and a trustee if the individual is a beneficiary under the trust of which the trustee is a trustee, whether the person has a vested share or is contingently entitled or is a potential beneficiary under a discretionary trust;
(g)a corporation and a trustee if —
(i)the corporation or a majority shareholder, director or secretary of the corporation is a beneficiary under the trust of which the trustee is a trustee; or
(ii)a related corporation to the corporation is a beneficiary under the trust of which the trustee is a trustee,
whether the beneficiary has a vested share or is contingently entitled or is a potential beneficiary under a discretionary trust;
(h)persons or entities that acquire interests in a landholder by virtue of acquisitions that together form, evidence, give effect to or arise from what is, substantially one arrangement;
(i)persons or entities that acquire interests in a landholder by virtue of acquisitions that arise from those persons or entities acting in concert with each other.
(1A)Subsection (1)(h) and (i) do not apply —
(a)in circumstances where the acquisitions result from a public float; or
(b)in prescribed circumstances.
(2)If the Commissioner is satisfied, in the case of a particular acquisition of an interest in an entity, that subsection (3) applies to persons that would otherwise be related persons under subsection (1), the Commissioner may determine that, despite that subsection, the persons are not related persons for the purposes of section 163.
(2A)The Commissioner cannot make a determination under subsection (2) in relation to persons or entities that are related persons under subsection (1)(c), (h) or (i).
(3)This subsection applies to persons if their interests in the entity —
(a)were acquired independently and are, and will be, employed independently; and
(b)were not acquired for a common purpose and are not, and will not be, employed for a common purpose.
[Section 162 amended: No. 12 of 2019 s. 73.]
Subdivision 2 — Relevant acquisitions
(1)An acquisition by a person (the acquirer) of an interest in an entity that is a landholder in relation to the acquisition is a relevant acquisition in any of the following circumstances —
(a)if —
(i)immediately before the acquisition, the acquirer does not have a significant interest in the landholder; and
(ii)immediately after the acquisition, the acquirer has a significant interest in the landholder;
(b)if —
(i)immediately before the acquisition, the aggregated group interest in the landholder does not amount to a significant interest; and
(ii)immediately after the acquisition, the aggregated group interest in the landholder amounts to a significant interest;
(c)if —
(i)immediately before the acquisition, the acquirer has a significant interest in the landholder; and
(ii)as a result of the acquisition, the acquirer’s interest in the landholder increases;
(d)if —
(i)immediately before the acquisition, the aggregated group interest in the landholder amounts to a significant interest; and
(ii)as a result of the acquisition, the aggregated group interest in the landholder increases.
(2)In subsection (1) —
aggregated group interest means the aggregate of —
(a)the interest (if any) that the acquirer has in the landholder; and
(b)if 1 or more related persons have an interest in the landholder — all of those interests.
[Section 163 inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 74.]
[164.Deleted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 74.]
Subdivision 3 — Exempt acquisitions
In this Subdivision —
acquisition means an acquisition by a person of an interest in a landholder.
166.Effect of acquisition being exempt
An acquisition that is exempt under this Subdivision —
(a)is not a relevant acquisition for the purposes of this Chapter, other than Part 6 Division 7; and
(b)the interest acquired by the acquisition is not to be taken into account for the purposes of section 188(1) or (3) and is not an excluded interest under section 189.
[Section 166 amended: No. 32 of 2012 s. 13.]
167.Exemption or reduction of duty if nominal duty would be chargeable on transfer
(1)In this section —
acquiring person, in relation to an acquisition, means the person making the acquisition;
notional transfer, in relation to an acquisition, means a notional transaction consisting of the transfer, at the time of the acquisition, by the relinquishing person to the acquiring person of the relevant land assets, as if the relevant land assets were those of the relinquishing person;
relevant land assets, in relation to an acquisition of an interest in a landholder, means the land assets to which the landholder, and each linked entity in respect of the landholder, are entitled;
relinquishing person, in relation to an acquisition, means the person from whom the interest in the landholder was acquired.
(2)This section applies to an acquisition of an interest in a landholder if nominal duty would be chargeable, to any extent, on the notional transfer in relation to the acquisition.
(3)If only nominal duty would be chargeable on the notional transfer, the acquisition is exempt.
(4)If nominal duty would be chargeable on the notional transfer only to a particular extent, then despite Part 6 Division 5, the amount of duty chargeable in respect of the acquisition is the amount of duty calculated under that Division in respect of the acquisition reduced by the same proportion as the proportion of the notional transfer on which nominal duty would be chargeable.
(5)If the acquiring person did not acquire the interest in the landholder from another person, the reference to the relinquishing person in the definition of notional transfer in subsection (1) is to be read (according to what is relevant) as a reference to the or a person —
(a)whose interest in the landholder is decreased because of the acquisition; or
(b)whose interest in the landholder decreased resulting in the acquisition.
Note for this subsection:
An acquiring person may acquire an interest in a company by the company issuing shares to the person, or buying back shares of another person.
[Section 167 inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 75.]
168.Exemption or reduction of duty if transfer duty would not be chargeable
(1)In this section —
acquiring person, in relation to an acquisition, means the person making the acquisition;
notional transfer, in relation to an acquisition, means a notional transaction consisting of the transfer, at the time of the acquisition, by the relinquishing person to the acquiring person of the relevant land assets, as if the relevant land assets were those of the relinquishing person;
relevant land assets, in relation to an acquisition of an interest in a landholder, means the land assets to which the landholder, and each linked entity in respect of the landholder, are entitled;
relinquishing person, in relation to an acquisition, means the person from whom the interest in the landholder was acquired.
(2)This section applies to an acquisition of an interest in a landholder if no transfer duty would be chargeable, or transfer duty would be chargeable only to a particular extent, on the notional transfer in relation to the acquisition.
(3)If no transfer duty would be chargeable on the notional transfer, the acquisition is exempt.
(4)If transfer duty would be chargeable on the notional transfer only to a particular extent, then despite Part 6 Division 5, the amount of duty chargeable in respect of the acquisition is the amount of duty calculated under that Division in respect of the acquisition reduced by the same proportion as the proportion of the notional transfer on which no transfer duty would be chargeable.
(5)If the acquiring person did not acquire the interest in the landholder from another person, the reference to the relinquishing person in the definition of notional transfer in subsection (1) is to be read (according to what is relevant) as a reference to the or a person —
(a)whose interest in the landholder is decreased because of the acquisition; or
(b)whose interest in the landholder decreased resulting in the acquisition.
Note for this subsection:
An acquiring person may acquire an interest in a company by the company issuing shares to the person, or buying back shares of another person.
(6)This section does not apply if —
(a)no transfer duty would be chargeable, or transfer duty would be chargeable only to a particular extent, on the notional transfer because of an exemption or reduction under Chapter 6; or
(b)section 171 or 194 applies to the acquisition.
[Section 168 inserted: No. 12 of 2019 s. 75.]
169.Exemption if acquisition is dutiable under s. 67
An acquisition is exempt if the landholder concerned is a corporation and the acquisition is taken, by operation of section 67, to be an agreement for the transfer of dutiable property.
170.Exemption relating to approved arrangements with creditors under Corporations Act
An acquisition is exempt if it occurs solely as the result of the making of a compromise or arrangement with creditors of the landholder under the Corporations Act Part 5.1 that has been approved by the court.
171.Exemption of acquisition by family member of interest in landholder engaged in primary production
[(1)deleted]
(2)An acquisition by a person (the acquirer) is exempt if it is an acquisition from another person of an interest in a landholder which, or a linked entity in respect of which, uses land assets solely or dominantly in the business of primary production and —
(a)it would have been an exempt transaction under section 102(1) if —
(i)it had been a transfer, from that other person to the acquirer, of land assets to which the landholder or a linked entity in respect of the landholder is entitled; and
(ii)section 102(2) had not been enacted;
and
(b)immediately after the acquisition the landholder, or a linked entity in respect of the landholder, intends to continue to use the land assets solely or dominantly in the business of primary production.
(2A)If the acquirer did not acquire the interest in the landholder from another person, the reference in subsection (2) to the person from whom the interest in the landholder was acquired is to be read (according to what is relevant) as a reference to the or a person —
(a)whose interest in the landholder is decreased because of the acquisition; or
(b)whose interest in the landholder decreased resulting in the acquisition.
Note for this subsection:
An acquirer may acquire an interest in a company by the company issuing shares to the person, or buying back shares of another person.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (2), a land asset that is land is being used in the business of primary production even if —
(a)some, but not all, of the land i