In Australia, you wait to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) immediately upon inheriting a property, regardless of the state, including Queensland.
However, CGT may apply when you sell or dispose of the inherited asset. The amount of CGT you’ll owe will depend on factors like the property’s original cost base, its value at the time of the deceased’s death, and any subsequent increases in value.
Always consult with a tax professional to understand specific implications for your situation.
How Is The CGT Calculated For Inherited Assets?
Capital gains tax (CGT) is a tax applied on the profit made when you sell an asset that has increased in value since you acquired it. In Australia, CGT is calculated based on the asset’s acquisition cost and disposal value.
When you inherit an asset, the acquisition cost is generally the asset’s market value on the date of death of the person who passed away. This is known as the deemed cost base.
You can find more information about CGT on inherited assets on the Australian Taxation Office website.
What are the CGT Exemptions Or Discounts Available?
Yes, in Australia, there are several exemptions and discounts available when it comes to Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on inherited assets:
- Main Residence Exemption: If the inherited property was the deceased’s primary residence and some other conditions are met, you might be exempt from paying CGT when you sell the property. Only a partial exemption might apply if the deceased used a portion of the residence to produce income (e.g., renting out a room).
- 50% CGT Discount: If the inherited asset was owned by the deceased for more than 12 months and is not a collectible or personal use asset, you might be eligible for the 50% CGT discount when you sell the asset. This discount reduces the taxable capital gain by half.
- Inherited from a non-resident: If you inherit an asset from someone non-resident of Australia, special rules may apply, affecting the CGT calculation. It’s essential to be aware of these nuances.
- Small Business CGT Concessions: Specific CGT concessions may be available if a small business’s inherited asset is used. These can reduce, defer, or even eliminate the capital gain.
- Capital Losses: If you have realized capital losses from selling other assets, these can be used to offset capital gains, potentially reducing the CGT payable.
- 2-year rule: In some cases, if you dispose of the inherited asset within two years of the person’s death, any capital gain or capital loss is disregarded. This is subject to specific conditions.
It’s important to note that while these exemptions and discounts can reduce CGT liability, they come with specific conditions and requirements.
You can always consult our wills lawyer to ensure you take full advantage of applicable exemptions or discounts and confirm the details based on your circumstances.
Also read: Overseas Inheritance Tax
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What Records Should I Keep Related To The Inherited Asset?
Keeping thorough records for inherited assets is essential, as these records will help you determine any Capital Gains Tax (CGT) liability when you sell or dispose of the asset. Here are the documents you should maintain for inherited assets in Australia:
- Date of Death Record: A copy of the death certificate or any document showing the date of the deceased’s death.
- Original Acquisition Details:
- Date the deceased acquired the asset.
- The amount the deceased paid for the asset.
- Any additional costs the deceased incurred in acquiring the asset, like legal fees or stamp duty.
- Value at Date of Death: Documentation supporting the asset’s market value on the date of the deceased’s death. This could be a professional valuation or a similar document.
- Deceased’s Costs:
- Any expenditure by the deceased would form part of the asset’s cost base or reduced cost base, like costs for improvements or maintenance.
- Records of any expenses the deceased incurred that weren’t deductible but would be necessary to work out a capital gain or loss (e.g., renovation expenses).
- Ownership Records: Documents that prove your right to the inherited asset, like a copy of the will, a grant of probate, or letters of administration.
- Income from the Asset: If the asset produced income (like rent from an inherited property), you should keep records of this income and associated expenses.
- Sale or Disposal Details (for when you eventually sell or dispose of the asset):
- The date you sold or disposed of the asset.
- The amount you received from the sale or disposal.
- Any costs associated with the sale or removal, like agent’s fees or advertising costs.
- Capital Improvements: Keep records of any capital improvements made to the asset after inheriting it. This can include renovations, extensions, or any other structural changes that increase the asset’s value.
- Asset Usage: Any details or records showing how the asset was used, significantly if it changed over time (e.g., from a personal residence to a rental property).
- Other Relevant Documentation: Any other documentation or correspondence that relates to the asset and might affect its cost base or reduced cost base.
By maintaining these records, you ensure that you can accurately calculate any potential CGT liability in the future.
Also read: Inheriting Property With Siblings
Comprehensive CGT Assistance at Walker Pender for Our Valued Client
When our client, inheriting an asset valued at 500,000 AUD, found herself amidst the intricate web of Capital Gains Tax (CGT) implications, she wisely turned to Walker Pender for professional guidance.
Understanding the gravity of accurate CGT calculations and their financial consequences, our team dived deep into the asset’s acquisition history, associated costs, and potential exemptions.
Through a combination of detailed research, meticulous computation, and an understanding of the most up-to-date tax regulations, we could present her with a precise breakdown of her CGT liabilities.
This equipped her with a clear financial picture and bestowed peace of mind, reinforcing Walker Pender’s commitment to safeguarding our client’s interests.
Also read: How Much Money Can Be Legally Given to a Family Member?
Do You Pay Capital Gains On Inheritance?
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Reach out to Walker Pender today, and let’s make your inheritance journey straightforward and stress-free.