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Darrie(I'm new)I'm new
8 Aug 2025

I’m seeking initial advice whether claiming the small business retirement exemption to reduce or disregard CGT on active assets may be available for the sale of a family trust unit, in particular towards one of the first basic eligibility conditions that must be met in that “Depreciating assets do not meet the basic eligibility conditions”.


The family trust unit asset has been segregated into 2 portions for accounts purposes: The unit cost and building cost (div43), and trust has claimed a Capital Works Deductions (Division 43) yearly against the building cost (div43) component since 2019. Asking as the trust has claimed Capital Works Deductions (Division 43) deductions for the building asset is this classed as a “depreciating asset”, which from my understanding basically would basically exclude that portion from eligibility, or is it case of that capital works deduction isn’t classed as depreciation in which case if I meet all the other criteria it may be eligible for the exemption ? 

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4 replies
99 views
4 replies

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Bruce4Tax(Taxicorn)Taxicorn
8 Aug 2025

Asking as the trust has claimed Capital Works Deductions (Division 43) deductions for the building asset is this classed as a “depreciating asset”,


Not a depn asset.


or is it case of that capital works deduction isn’t classed as depreciation


Correct


YellowPotato(Taxicorn)Taxicorn
8 Aug 2025

Engage with a tax agent for further tax advice.


I believe the building asset is a CGT asset though whether or not it's an active asset is a different story. You can read the information and examples of active asset on ATO's website. The capital works isn't depreciation.


When they say “Depreciating assets do not meet the basic eligibility conditions”, I believe that's referring to depreciating assets in the depreciation schedule. Disposal of depreciating assets in the depreciation schedule have balancing adjustments = income/loss, rather than CGT gain/loss, hence the CGT concessions not applying.

Darrie(I'm new)I'm new
8 Aug 2025

Thank you both, looks like first hurdle is fine but challenging when applying the active asset test when the main use of the asset was for deriving rent. I will reconfirm with a tax agent. Thank you both for clarification, Cheers, Darrie.

Darrie(I'm new)I'm new
8 Aug 2025

Thank you both, looks like first hurdle is fine but challenging when applying the active asset test when the main use of the asset was for deriving rent. I will reconfirm with a tax agent. Thank you both for clarification, Cheers, Darrie.

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CGT & Small business retirement exemption question on Depreciating assets | ATO Community