I am the executor on an estate, and am lodging the estates final return. I also have a private ruling application in (as the executor). The return is due next month, and any tax the ATO deems payable (prior to the ruling) will also be due next month (my accountant has told me). Should we: lodge the return, wait for the assessment, then apply for an extension (on paying) pending the ruling outcome, or should we apply for an extension on actually lodging the return now? I hope this makes sense. I'm assuming the ruling will take 60 days minimum, so will need an extension either way, just not sure whether to extend on lodging, or paying the assessment (or perhaps making a payment arrangement on the assessment amount pending the ruling?) Many thanks
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Hi @Kerrbmn,
You should lodge the estate's final tax return by the due date and then request either a payment plan or an extension of time to pay.
When you lodge the return, an assessment will be issued showing the tax payable based on the information provided. The tax is generally due on the date specified on the notice of assessment.
As you're waiting for a private ruling that may affect the final tax outcome, the steps to take are:
- lodge the estate's final tax return by the due date
- wait for the notice of assessment to be issued
- contact us to request a payment arrangement or extension of time to pay, explaining that you have a private ruling application in progress
- once the private ruling is finalised, lodge an amendment if the ruling shows a different tax outcome.
You'll need to speak with our lodge and pay team if you want to set up a payment arrangement for any tax owing.
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