The ATO has made a determination to ensure that trustees of SMSFs do not inadvertently breach the “in-house asset rules” where the fund allows a related party to defer the payment of rent under a lease agreement (on arm’s length terms) because of the financial impact of COVID‑19.
Where the requirements of the determination are met, the deferral of rent will not be treated as a “loan” or “financial accommodation” to the related party in either or both of the 2019/20 or 2020/21 income years.
The determination also applies where an SMSF owns interests in a “non-geared” company or unit trust that allows a tenant to defer the payment of rent under a lease (on arm’s length terms) because of the financial impact of COVID‑19.
Disclaimer
This publication is intended as a general commentary only and does not purport to be comprehensive. It should not be regarded as tax advice and you should not act solely on the information contained herein. Please contact AscendPoint to further discuss about your circumstances or concerns.