Income tax: capital gains: when is indexation of the cost base of units in a unit trust available and how is it calculated where a taxpayer has received non-assessable distributions in respect of those units?

The standard rule for CGT purposes that indexation is available where a capital gain arises, or where there is neither a capital loss nor a capital gain, on the disposal of an asset still applies. Indexation is not available where a taxpayer seeks to claim a capital loss on the disposal. However the general rules for calculating the indexed cost base or the reduced cost base of the units are modified where non-assessable distributions have been received.

The provisions which allow for the calculation of gains or losses in these circumstances are included in section 160ZM of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.

Apart from the operation of subsection 160ZM(3) (see TD 93/D133), a capital gain or capital loss will only arise on the actual disposal of the units. In order to ascertain whether any such gain or loss has arisen, subsection 160ZM(2) deems the units to have been disposed of and immediately re-acquired each time a non-assessable distribution is received. The reason for deeming disposal and re-acquisition is to enable the cost base of the units to be adjusted each time a non-assessable unit trust distribution is received.

Paragraph 160ZM(2)(a) is used to determine whether there has been a capital gain on an eventual disposal. Indexation is used in this calculation.

Paragraph 160ZM(2)(b) is used to determine whether there has been a capital loss on an eventual disposal. Indexation is not applicable under this provision as a capital loss is determined having regard to the reduced cost base of the units.