Direct tax grouping agreements
Under Australia’s tax regime, entities under 100% common ownership can be grouped for tax
purposes (referred
to as a “tax consolidated group”).
The head company of a tax consolidated group is principally liable for the income tax liabilities of the
group and lodges a single tax return for the group.
However, under the tax legislation, each subsidiary in the group is jointly and severally liable for the
entire group tax liability in the event that the head company defaults in paying that liability (unless the
group has entered into a valid tax sharing agreement).
In addition, tax funding agreements outline how the head company will fund the payment of tax liabilities,
make and receive payments for certain tax attributes and account for tax consolidation.
Indirect tax sharing agreements
Indirect tax sharing agreements apply similar principles to a direct tax sharing agreement
to allocate the
GST liability on a reasonable basis among the members of a GST Group.
Why do you need a tax sharing agreement?
Joint and several liability can create difficulties, particularly in the event
of a disposal of a subsidiary(s), but also in obtaining external funding, managing directors’
duties, adjustments to financial statements, solvency and rating reviews.
To manage joint and several liability most tax consolidated groups tend implement a tax sharing
agreement.
Who is jointly and severally liable?
The head company and each subsidiary member of the group which was a member of
the group for at least part of a period to which the group liability relates, will be jointly
and severally liable for the group liability. A subsidiary entity can thus remain jointly and
severally liable in respect of a group liability even although it left the group before the time
at which the group liability became due and payable.
When does joint and several liability arise?
Joint and several liability does not arise in respect of a group liability
unless the head company fails to pay or otherwise discharge the relevant group liability in full
by the time it becomes due and payable.
What is a tax funding agreement?
Tax funding agreements typically work in tandem with tax sharing agreements by
setting out:
• how the members of the tax consolidated group will fund the payment of the tax liability by
the head company;
• when the head company will make payments to subsidiaries to recognise the tax attributes
generated by those members; and
• the accounting entries required to correctly reflect the deferred tax assets and tax
liabilities of group members.
It is a requirement of the tax effect accounting standards (AASB 112 and UIG Interpretation 1052
Accounting for Income Taxes) that tax consolidated groups use an ‘acceptable allocated method’
for group tax liabilities. This enables the head company and group members to record tax
accounting entries in the financial statements of each group member – otherwise groups may have
to recognise deemed intra-group dividends, capital distributions or capital contributions in
their accounts.
When should you implement a tax sharing and/or tax funding
agreement?
It is prudent to have these in place from the formation of a tax consolidated
group, and not to wait for an external sale, funding or other needs before acting.
However, the agreements can be entered into at any time following formation of a tax
consolidated group, and new members can ‘sign up’ to the agreements under a Deed of Accession.
What is the purpose of an indirect tax sharing agreement?
An indirect tax sharing agreement applies similar principles to a direct tax
sharing agreement to allocate the GST liability on a reasonable basis among the members of a GST
Group. A different methodology is used to do this because the nature of the tax liabilities is
quite different. Similar to a direct tax sharing agreement, a valid Indirect tax sharing
agreement also enables a member to exit the GST group on sale to a third party with a ‘clear
exit’ without exposure to the joint and several GST liabilities of the whole group.
Is a tax consolidated group the same as a GST group?
GST grouping is different from income tax consolidation. In particular, there
is a choice whether to include members within a GST group. It is not compulsory to group all
members who qualify to group and individual qualified members can be excluded from a GST group.
In addition the membership criteria are very different. For example the threshold ownership
level for GST grouping is 90% compared to 100% for consolidation. Further, individuals,
partnerships and non-fixed trusts can all qualify for GST grouping, unlike consolidation.
How do tax sharing agreements work?
Tax Sharing Agreements overcome joint and several liability by contractually
allocating a tax consolidated group’s income tax liabilities among group liabilities on a
‘reasonable’ basis. Thus, if the head company defaults on its income tax obligations, and the
group has entered into a valid tax sharing agreement, each subsidiary which is part to the tax
sharing agreement only becomes liable to pay an amount determined in accordance with the tax
sharing agreement.
What is a reasonable allocation under a tax sharing agreement?
Portoria Legal Service’s agreements ensure a reasonable allocation by using the
common method of notionally treating each entity in the group as a stand-alone entity and by
applying clear rules to reasonably allocate the group’s tax adjustments (consistent with the
approach outlined in PS LA 2013/5).
What is the difference between a tax sharing and tax funding
agreement?
A tax sharing agreement is only used to manage joint and several liability on
default by the head company and to provide a clean exit for a leaving member (ie it has nothing
to do with funding of the head company’s regular payments (eg PAYG Instalments) to the ATO).
Where as a tax funding agreement is used to assist the head company in allocating and funding
its ongoing tax liability.
ATO and AASB online materials
Direct tax grouping agreements
Under Australia’s tax regime, entities under 100% common ownership can be grouped
for tax purposes (referred
to as a “tax consolidated group”).
The head company of a tax consolidated group is principally liable for the income tax liabilities of
the
group and lodges a single tax return for the group.
However, under the tax legislation, each subsidiary in the group is jointly and severally liable for
the
entire group tax liability in the event that the head company defaults in paying that liability
(unless the
group has entered into a valid tax sharing agreement).
In addition, tax funding agreements outline how the head company will fund the payment of tax
liabilities,
make and receive payments for certain tax attributes and account for tax consolidation.
Indirect tax sharing agreements
Indirect tax sharing agreements apply similar principles to a direct tax sharing
agreement to allocate the
GST liability on a reasonable basis among the members of a GST Group.
Glossary
TSA – Tax sharing agreement
TFA – Tax funding agreement
ITSA – Indirect tax sharing agreement
Why do you need a tax sharing agreement?
Joint and several liability can create difficulties, particularly in the event
of a disposal of a subsidiary(s), but also in obtaining external funding, managing directors’
duties, adjustments to financial statements, solvency and rating reviews.
To manage joint and several liability most tax consolidated groups tend implement a tax sharing
agreement.
Who is jointly and severally liable?
The head company and each subsidiary member of the group which was a member of
the group for at least part of a period to which the group liability relates, will be jointly
and severally liable for the group liability. A subsidiary entity can thus remain jointly and
severally liable in respect of a group liability even although it left the group before the time
at which the group liability became due and payable.
When does joint and several liability arise?
Joint and several liability does not arise in respect of a group liability
unless the head company fails to pay or otherwise discharge the relevant group liability in full
by the time it becomes due and payable.
What is a tax funding agreement?
Tax funding agreements typically work in tandem with tax sharing agreements by
setting out:
• how the members of the tax consolidated group will fund the payment of the tax liability by
the head company;
• when the head company will make payments to subsidiaries to recognise the tax attributes
generated by those members; and
• the accounting entries required to correctly reflect the deferred tax assets and tax
liabilities of group members.
It is a requirement of the tax effect accounting standards (AASB 112 and UIG Interpretation 1052
Accounting for Income Taxes) that tax consolidated groups use an ‘acceptable allocated method’
for group tax liabilities. This enables the head company and group members to record tax
accounting entries in the financial statements of each group member – otherwise groups may have
to recognise deemed intra-group dividends, capital distributions or capital contributions in
their accounts.
When should you implement a tax sharing and/or tax funding
agreement?
It is prudent to have these in place from the formation of a tax consolidated
group, and not to wait for an external sale, funding or other needs before acting.
However, the agreements can be entered into at any time following formation of a tax
consolidated group, and new members can ‘sign up’ to the agreements under a Deed of Accession.
What is the purpose of an indirect tax sharing agreement?
An indirect tax sharing agreement applies similar principles to a direct tax
sharing agreement to allocate the GST liability on a reasonable basis among the members of a GST
Group. A different methodology is used to do this because the nature of the tax liabilities is
quite different. Similar to a direct tax sharing agreement, a valid Indirect tax sharing
agreement also enables a member to exit the GST group on sale to a third party with a ‘clear
exit’ without exposure to the joint and several GST liabilities of the whole group.
Is a tax consolidated group the same as a GST group?
GST grouping is different from income tax consolidation. In particular, there
is a choice whether to include members within a GST group. It is not compulsory to group all
members who qualify to group and individual qualified members can be excluded from a GST group.
In addition the membership criteria are very different. For example the threshold ownership
level for GST grouping is 90% compared to 100% for consolidation. Further, individuals,
partnerships and non-fixed trusts can all qualify for GST grouping, unlike consolidation.
How do tax sharing agreements work?
Tax Sharing Agreements overcome joint and several liability by contractually
allocating a tax consolidated group’s income tax liabilities among group liabilities on a
‘reasonable’ basis. Thus, if the head company defaults on its income tax obligations, and the
group has entered into a valid tax sharing agreement, each subsidiary which is part to the tax
sharing agreement only becomes liable to pay an amount determined in accordance with the tax
sharing agreement.
What is a reasonable allocation under a tax sharing agreement?
Portoria Legal Service’s agreements ensure a reasonable allocation by using the
common method of notionally treating each entity in the group as a stand-alone entity and by
applying clear rules to reasonably allocate the group’s tax adjustments (consistent with the
approach outlined in PS LA 2013/5).
What is the difference between a tax sharing and tax funding
agreement?
A tax sharing agreement is only used to manage joint and several liability on
default by the head company and to provide a clean exit for a leaving member (ie it has nothing
to do with funding of the head company’s regular payments (eg PAYG Instalments) to the ATO).
Where as a tax funding agreement is used to assist the head company in allocating and funding
its ongoing tax liability.
Direct tax grouping agreements
Under Australia’s tax regime, entities under 100% common ownership can be grouped
for tax purposes (referred
to as a “tax consolidated group”).
The head company of a tax consolidated group is principally liable for the income tax liabilities of
the
group and lodges a single tax return for the group.
However, under the tax legislation, each subsidiary in the group is jointly and severally liable for
the
entire group tax liability in the event that the head company defaults in paying that liability
(unless the
group has entered into a valid tax sharing agreement).
In addition, tax funding agreements outline how the head company will fund the payment of tax
liabilities,
make and receive payments for certain tax attributes and account for tax consolidation.
Indirect tax sharing agreements
Indirect tax sharing agreements apply similar principles to a direct tax sharing
agreement to allocate the
GST liability on a reasonable basis among the members of a GST Group.
Glossary
TSA – Tax sharing agreement
TFA – Tax funding agreement
ITSA – Indirect tax sharing agreement
Why do you need a tax sharing agreement?
Joint and several liability can create difficulties, particularly in the event
of a disposal of a subsidiary(s), but also in obtaining external funding, managing directors’
duties, adjustments to financial statements, solvency and rating reviews.
To manage joint and several liability most tax consolidated groups tend implement a tax sharing
agreement.
Who is jointly and severally liable?
The head company and each subsidiary member of the group which was a member of
the group for at least part of a period to which the group liability relates, will be jointly
and severally liable for the group liability. A subsidiary entity can thus remain jointly and
severally liable in respect of a group liability even although it left the group before the time
at which the group liability became due and payable.
When does joint and several liability arise?
Joint and several liability does not arise in respect of a group liability
unless the head company fails to pay or otherwise discharge the relevant group liability in full
by the time it becomes due and payable.
What is a tax funding agreement?
Tax funding agreements typically work in tandem with tax sharing agreements by
setting out:
• how the members of the tax consolidated group will fund the payment of the tax liability by
the head company;
• when the head company will make payments to subsidiaries to recognise the tax attributes
generated by those members; and
• the accounting entries required to correctly reflect the deferred tax assets and tax
liabilities of group members.
It is a requirement of the tax effect accounting standards (AASB 112 and UIG Interpretation 1052
Accounting for Income Taxes) that tax consolidated groups use an ‘acceptable allocated method’
for group tax liabilities. This enables the head company and group members to record tax
accounting entries in the financial statements of each group member – otherwise groups may have
to recognise deemed intra-group dividends, capital distributions or capital contributions in
their accounts.
When should you implement a tax sharing and/or tax funding
agreement?
It is prudent to have these in place from the formation of a tax consolidated
group, and not to wait for an external sale, funding or other needs before acting.
However, the agreements can be entered into at any time following formation of a tax
consolidated group, and new members can ‘sign up’ to the agreements under a Deed of Accession.
What is the purpose of an indirect tax sharing agreement?
An indirect tax sharing agreement applies similar principles to a direct tax
sharing agreement to allocate the GST liability on a reasonable basis among the members of a GST
Group. A different methodology is used to do this because the nature of the tax liabilities is
quite different. Similar to a direct tax sharing agreement, a valid Indirect tax sharing
agreement also enables a member to exit the GST group on sale to a third party with a ‘clear
exit’ without exposure to the joint and several GST liabilities of the whole group.
Is a tax consolidated group the same as a GST group?
GST grouping is different from income tax consolidation. In particular, there
is a choice whether to include members within a GST group. It is not compulsory to group all
members who qualify to group and individual qualified members can be excluded from a GST group.
In addition the membership criteria are very different. For example the threshold ownership
level for GST grouping is 90% compared to 100% for consolidation. Further, individuals,
partnerships and non-fixed trusts can all qualify for GST grouping, unlike consolidation.
How do tax sharing agreements work?
Tax Sharing Agreements overcome joint and several liability by contractually
allocating a tax consolidated group’s income tax liabilities among group liabilities on a
‘reasonable’ basis. Thus, if the head company defaults on its income tax obligations, and the
group has entered into a valid tax sharing agreement, each subsidiary which is part to the tax
sharing agreement only becomes liable to pay an amount determined in accordance with the tax
sharing agreement.
What is a reasonable allocation under a tax sharing agreement?
Portoria Legal Service’s agreements ensure a reasonable allocation by using the
common method of notionally treating each entity in the group as a stand-alone entity and by
applying clear rules to reasonably allocate the group’s tax adjustments (consistent with the
approach outlined in PS LA 2013/5).
What is the difference between a tax sharing and tax funding
agreement?
A tax sharing agreement is only used to manage joint and several liability on
default by the head company and to provide a clean exit for a leaving member (ie it has nothing
to do with funding of the head company’s regular payments (eg PAYG Instalments) to the ATO).
Where as a tax funding agreement is used to assist the head company in allocating and funding
its ongoing tax liability.
Direct tax grouping agreements
Under Australia’s tax regime, entities under 100% common ownership can be grouped
for tax purposes (referred
to as a “tax consolidated group”).
The head company of a tax consolidated group is principally liable for the income tax liabilities of
the
group and lodges a single tax return for the group.
However, under the tax legislation, each subsidiary in the group is jointly and severally liable for
the
entire group tax liability in the event that the head company defaults in paying that liability
(unless the
group has entered into a valid tax sharing agreement).
In addition, tax funding agreements outline how the head company will fund the payment of tax
liabilities,
make and receive payments for certain tax attributes and account for tax consolidation.
Indirect tax sharing agreements
Indirect tax sharing agreements apply similar principles to a direct tax sharing
agreement to allocate the
GST liability on a reasonable basis among the members of a GST Group.
Glossary
TSA – Tax sharing agreement
TFA – Tax funding agreement
ITSA – Indirect tax sharing agreement
Why do you need a tax sharing agreement?
Joint and several liability can create difficulties, particularly in the event
of a disposal of a subsidiary(s), but also in obtaining external funding, managing directors’
duties, adjustments to financial statements, solvency and rating reviews.
To manage joint and several liability most tax consolidated groups tend implement a tax sharing
agreement.
Who is jointly and severally liable?
The head company and each subsidiary member of the group which was a member of
the group for at least part of a period to which the group liability relates, will be jointly
and severally liable for the group liability. A subsidiary entity can thus remain jointly and
severally liable in respect of a group liability even although it left the group before the time
at which the group liability became due and payable.
When does joint and several liability arise?
Joint and several liability does not arise in respect of a group liability
unless the head company fails to pay or otherwise discharge the relevant group liability in full
by the time it becomes due and payable.
What is a tax funding agreement?
Tax funding agreements typically work in tandem with tax sharing agreements by
setting out:
• how the members of the tax consolidated group will fund the payment of the tax liability by
the head company;
• when the head company will make payments to subsidiaries to recognise the tax attributes
generated by those members; and
• the accounting entries required to correctly reflect the deferred tax assets and tax
liabilities of group members.
It is a requirement of the tax effect accounting standards (AASB 112 and UIG Interpretation 1052
Accounting for Income Taxes) that tax consolidated groups use an ‘acceptable allocated method’
for group tax liabilities. This enables the head company and group members to record tax
accounting entries in the financial statements of each group member – otherwise groups may have
to recognise deemed intra-group dividends, capital distributions or capital contributions in
their accounts.
When should you implement a tax sharing and/or tax funding
agreement?
It is prudent to have these in place from the formation of a tax consolidated
group, and not to wait for an external sale, funding or other needs before acting.
However, the agreements can be entered into at any time following formation of a tax
consolidated group, and new members can ‘sign up’ to the agreements under a Deed of Accession.
What is the purpose of an indirect tax sharing agreement?
An indirect tax sharing agreement applies similar principles to a direct tax
sharing agreement to allocate the GST liability on a reasonable basis among the members of a GST
Group. A different methodology is used to do this because the nature of the tax liabilities is
quite different. Similar to a direct tax sharing agreement, a valid Indirect tax sharing
agreement also enables a member to exit the GST group on sale to a third party with a ‘clear
exit’ without exposure to the joint and several GST liabilities of the whole group.
Is a tax consolidated group the same as a GST group?
GST grouping is different from income tax consolidation. In particular, there
is a choice whether to include members within a GST group. It is not compulsory to group all
members who qualify to group and individual qualified members can be excluded from a GST group.
In addition the membership criteria are very different. For example the threshold ownership
level for GST grouping is 90% compared to 100% for consolidation. Further, individuals,
partnerships and non-fixed trusts can all qualify for GST grouping, unlike consolidation.
How do tax sharing agreements work?
Tax Sharing Agreements overcome joint and several liability by contractually
allocating a tax consolidated group’s income tax liabilities among group liabilities on a
‘reasonable’ basis. Thus, if the head company defaults on its income tax obligations, and the
group has entered into a valid tax sharing agreement, each subsidiary which is part to the tax
sharing agreement only becomes liable to pay an amount determined in accordance with the tax
sharing agreement.
What is a reasonable allocation under a tax sharing agreement?
Portoria Legal Service’s agreements ensure a reasonable allocation by using the
common method of notionally treating each entity in the group as a stand-alone entity and by
applying clear rules to reasonably allocate the group’s tax adjustments (consistent with the
approach outlined in PS LA 2013/5).
What is the difference between a tax sharing and tax funding
agreement?
A tax sharing agreement is only used to manage joint and several liability on
default by the head company and to provide a clean exit for a leaving member (ie it has nothing
to do with funding of the head company’s regular payments (eg PAYG Instalments) to the ATO).
Where as a tax funding agreement is used to assist the head company in allocating and funding
its ongoing tax liability.
Direct tax grouping agreements
Under Australia’s tax regime, entities under 100% common ownership can be grouped
for tax purposes (referred
to as a “tax consolidated group”).
The head company of a tax consolidated group is principally liable for the income tax liabilities of
the
group and lodges a single tax return for the group.
However, under the tax legislation, each subsidiary in the group is jointly and severally liable for
the
entire group tax liability in the event that the head company defaults in paying that liability
(unless the
group has entered into a valid tax sharing agreement).
In addition, tax funding agreements outline how the head company will fund the payment of tax
liabilities,
make and receive payments for certain tax attributes and account for tax consolidation.
Indirect tax sharing agreements
Indirect tax sharing agreements apply similar principles to a direct tax sharing
agreement to allocate the
GST liability on a reasonable basis among the members of a GST Group.
Glossary
TSA – Tax sharing agreement
TFA – Tax funding agreement
ITSA – Indirect tax sharing agreement
Why do you need a tax sharing agreement?
Joint and several liability can create difficulties, particularly in the event
of a disposal of a subsidiary(s), but also in obtaining external funding, managing directors’
duties, adjustments to financial statements, solvency and rating reviews.
To manage joint and several liability most tax consolidated groups tend implement a tax sharing
agreement.
Who is jointly and severally liable?
The head company and each subsidiary member of the group which was a member of
the group for at least part of a period to which the group liability relates, will be jointly
and severally liable for the group liability. A subsidiary entity can thus remain jointly and
severally liable in respect of a group liability even although it left the group before the time
at which the group liability became due and payable.
When does joint and several liability arise?
Joint and several liability does not arise in respect of a group liability
unless the head company fails to pay or otherwise discharge the relevant group liability in full
by the time it becomes due and payable.
What is a tax funding agreement?
Tax funding agreements typically work in tandem with tax sharing agreements by
setting out:
• how the members of the tax consolidated group will fund the payment of the tax liability by
the head company;
• when the head company will make payments to subsidiaries to recognise the tax attributes
generated by those members; and
• the accounting entries required to correctly reflect the deferred tax assets and tax
liabilities of group members.
It is a requirement of the tax effect accounting standards (AASB 112 and UIG Interpretation 1052
Accounting for Income Taxes) that tax consolidated groups use an ‘acceptable allocated method’
for group tax liabilities. This enables the head company and group members to record tax
accounting entries in the financial statements of each group member – otherwise groups may have
to recognise deemed intra-group dividends, capital distributions or capital contributions in
their accounts.
When should you implement a tax sharing and/or tax funding
agreement?
It is prudent to have these in place from the formation of a tax consolidated
group, and not to wait for an external sale, funding or other needs before acting.
However, the agreements can be entered into at any time following formation of a tax
consolidated group, and new members can ‘sign up’ to the agreements under a Deed of Accession.
What is the purpose of an indirect tax sharing agreement?
An indirect tax sharing agreement applies similar principles to a direct tax
sharing agreement to allocate the GST liability on a reasonable basis among the members of a GST
Group. A different methodology is used to do this because the nature of the tax liabilities is
quite different. Similar to a direct tax sharing agreement, a valid Indirect tax sharing
agreement also enables a member to exit the GST group on sale to a third party with a ‘clear
exit’ without exposure to the joint and several GST liabilities of the whole group.
Is a tax consolidated group the same as a GST group?
GST grouping is different from income tax consolidation. In particular, there
is a choice whether to include members within a GST group. It is not compulsory to group all
members who qualify to group and individual qualified members can be excluded from a GST group.
In addition the membership criteria are very different. For example the threshold ownership
level for GST grouping is 90% compared to 100% for consolidation. Further, individuals,
partnerships and non-fixed trusts can all qualify for GST grouping, unlike consolidation.
How do tax sharing agreements work?
Tax Sharing Agreements overcome joint and several liability by contractually
allocating a tax consolidated group’s income tax liabilities among group liabilities on a
‘reasonable’ basis. Thus, if the head company defaults on its income tax obligations, and the
group has entered into a valid tax sharing agreement, each subsidiary which is part to the tax
sharing agreement only becomes liable to pay an amount determined in accordance with the tax
sharing agreement.
What is a reasonable allocation under a tax sharing agreement?
Portoria Legal Service’s agreements ensure a reasonable allocation by using the
common method of notionally treating each entity in the group as a stand-alone entity and by
applying clear rules to reasonably allocate the group’s tax adjustments (consistent with the
approach outlined in PS LA 2013/5).
What is the difference between a tax sharing and tax funding
agreement?
A tax sharing agreement is only used to manage joint and several liability on
default by the head company and to provide a clean exit for a leaving member (ie it has nothing
to do with funding of the head company’s regular payments (eg PAYG Instalments) to the ATO).
Where as a tax funding agreement is used to assist the head company in allocating and funding
its ongoing tax liability.
Direct tax grouping agreements
Under Australia’s tax regime, entities under 100% common ownership can be grouped
for tax purposes (referred
to as a “tax consolidated group”).
The head company of a tax consolidated group is principally liable for the income tax liabilities of
the
group and lodges a single tax return for the group.
However, under the tax legislation, each subsidiary in the group is jointly and severally liable for
the
entire group tax liability in the event that the head company defaults in paying that liability
(unless the
group has entered into a valid tax sharing agreement).
In addition, tax funding agreements outline how the head company will fund the payment of tax
liabilities,
make and receive payments for certain tax attributes and account for tax consolidation.
Indirect tax sharing agreements
Indirect tax sharing agreements apply similar principles to a direct tax sharing
agreement to allocate the
GST liability on a reasonable basis among the members of a GST Group.
Glossary
TSA – Tax sharing agreement
TFA – Tax funding agreement
ITSA – Indirect tax sharing agreement
Why do you need a tax sharing agreement?
Joint and several liability can create difficulties, particularly in the event
of a disposal of a subsidiary(s), but also in obtaining external funding, managing directors’
duties, adjustments to financial statements, solvency and rating reviews.
To manage joint and several liability most tax consolidated groups tend implement a tax sharing
agreement.
Who is jointly and severally liable?
The head company and each subsidiary member of the group which was a member of
the group for at least part of a period to which the group liability relates, will be jointly
and severally liable for the group liability. A subsidiary entity can thus remain jointly and
severally liable in respect of a group liability even although it left the group before the time
at which the group liability became due and payable.
When does joint and several liability arise?
Joint and several liability does not arise in respect of a group liability
unless the head company fails to pay or otherwise discharge the relevant group liability in full
by the time it becomes due and payable.
What is a tax funding agreement?
Tax funding agreements typically work in tandem with tax sharing agreements by
setting out:
• how the members of the tax consolidated group will fund the payment of the tax liability by
the head company;
• when the head company will make payments to subsidiaries to recognise the tax attributes
generated by those members; and
• the accounting entries required to correctly reflect the deferred tax assets and tax
liabilities of group members.
It is a requirement of the tax effect accounting standards (AASB 112 and UIG Interpretation 1052
Accounting for Income Taxes) that tax consolidated groups use an ‘acceptable allocated method’
for group tax liabilities. This enables the head company and group members to record tax
accounting entries in the financial statements of each group member – otherwise groups may have
to recognise deemed intra-group dividends, capital distributions or capital contributions in
their accounts.
When should you implement a tax sharing and/or tax funding
agreement?
It is prudent to have these in place from the formation of a tax consolidated
group, and not to wait for an external sale, funding or other needs before acting.
However, the agreements can be entered into at any time following formation of a tax
consolidated group, and new members can ‘sign up’ to the agreements under a Deed of Accession.
What is the purpose of an indirect tax sharing agreement?
An indirect tax sharing agreement applies similar principles to a direct tax
sharing agreement to allocate the GST liability on a reasonable basis among the members of a GST
Group. A different methodology is used to do this because the nature of the tax liabilities is
quite different. Similar to a direct tax sharing agreement, a valid Indirect tax sharing
agreement also enables a member to exit the GST group on sale to a third party with a ‘clear
exit’ without exposure to the joint and several GST liabilities of the whole group.
Is a tax consolidated group the same as a GST group?
GST grouping is different from income tax consolidation. In particular, there
is a choice whether to include members within a GST group. It is not compulsory to group all
members who qualify to group and individual qualified members can be excluded from a GST group.
In addition the membership criteria are very different. For example the threshold ownership
level for GST grouping is 90% compared to 100% for consolidation. Further, individuals,
partnerships and non-fixed trusts can all qualify for GST grouping, unlike consolidation.
How do tax sharing agreements work?
Tax Sharing Agreements overcome joint and several liability by contractually
allocating a tax consolidated group’s income tax liabilities among group liabilities on a
‘reasonable’ basis. Thus, if the head company defaults on its income tax obligations, and the
group has entered into a valid tax sharing agreement, each subsidiary which is part to the tax
sharing agreement only becomes liable to pay an amount determined in accordance with the tax
sharing agreement.
What is a reasonable allocation under a tax sharing agreement?
Portoria Legal Service’s agreements ensure a reasonable allocation by using the
common method of notionally treating each entity in the group as a stand-alone entity and by
applying clear rules to reasonably allocate the group’s tax adjustments (consistent with the
approach outlined in PS LA 2013/5).
What is the difference between a tax sharing and tax funding
agreement?
A tax sharing agreement is only used to manage joint and several liability on
default by the head company and to provide a clean exit for a leaving member (ie it has nothing
to do with funding of the head company’s regular payments (eg PAYG Instalments) to the ATO).
Where as a tax funding agreement is used to assist the head company in allocating and funding
its ongoing tax liability.
We are continuously developing new solutions. If you can’t find what you are looking for please email us at info@acutechintel.com with details of your need and we will arrange for an adviser to contact you with a solution.
In the e-meeting room our acutech bots will work with you to obtain the information needed to tailor our advice or agreement to your needs.
Acutech is not the provider of advice, we only connect you and manage the interaction with the professional adviser. All advice is provided by an appropriately qualified professional adviser. For example, in the case of legal advice or tax advice this can only be provided by lawyers with current practising certificates or tax agents respectively. As Acutech is not a law firm or tax agent, we only facilitate the provision of legal advice or tax advice by our professional advisers (ie Acutech is not providing the advice). When legal advice or tax advice is provided through Acutech this will be provided by a lawyer with a current practising certificate or a tax agent (as the case may be).