It is common for a business to outgrow its business structure.
Alternatively, changes in circumstances over time might mean that a business structure is no longer as effective as it could be.
Small business entities can now rollover from one business structure to another without triggering adverse implications under the income tax system.
Under new rules that apply from 1 July 2016, if your business genuinely needs to move from one structure to another for commercial reasons, you can do this without triggering a tax bill if certain conditions are met.
This new form of rollover relief can provide complete income tax relief when assets are transferred to any business structure (e.g., sole trader, partnership, company or trust) if the following key conditions are satisfied:
- The transaction is a genuine restructure of an ongoing business. So, the concessions can’t be used for winding down or selling a business.
- Each of the parties to the transaction is a small business entity (revenue under $2m, although this might be increased to $10m) or is related to a small business entity in the year the transaction occurs. The turnover test is subject to some grouping rules.
- The business owners (the people who have ultimate economic ownership of the assets) and their share in those assets doesn’t materially change.
- The asset being transferred is currently being used in a business carried on by the current owner or certain related parties.
- Both the original entity and the entity the business is being transferred into need to be Australian residents.
- The parties involved in the transaction must choose jointly to apply the rollover.
- None of the entities involved in the transaction are a superannuation fund or exempt entity.
Recent reforms and a series of new initiatives seek to free up entrepreneurs from excessive regulation, inflexible tax regimes, and unintended outcomes.
Unfortunately, few entrepreneurs are aware of what is available to them and risk limiting their options for growth.
