The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

4.7.4.30 Primary Production Aggregation Assessment for Companies & Trusts

Summary

This topic provides information on aggregation assessment for primary producers who are:

Note: For means test treatment from 1 January 2002 also see 4.12.11 for further information.

Policy reference: SS Guide 4.7.4.20 Primary Production Aggregation Assessment for Sole Traders & Partnerships

Private companies

If an income support recipient has an interest in a primary production activity that is an assessable asset (1.1.P.390), the aggregation rules of the Act MUST be applied to provide the most favourable result for the recipient.

This means that if the income support recipient has an interest in one or more business structures that are involved in primary production, not ONLY the assets but ALSO the related liabilities need to be brought into account, even if this means an artificial approach to picking up the related liabilities.

Exception: Gifts and loans by a recipient to a company are NOT primary production assets.

Explanation: The application of the aggregation principles to private companies is at odds with the normal treatment of shares held in non-primary production companies. Generally shares in private companies with excess liabilities are taken to have a nil value. This is because a shareholder's liability for the debts of the company is limited to the nominal value of their shares - unless they make a personal guarantee for the debts. The primary producers' aggregation rules are intended to give favourable assets test treatment to farmers.

Trusts

If a trust's main business activity is primary production (1.1.P.389) and the person is a beneficiary of the trust, their interest in the assets and liabilities of the trust are their primary production assets and liabilities.

Exception: Gifts and loans by an income support recipient to a trust are NOT primary production assets.

Explanation: The application of the aggregation principles to trust assets and liabilities is at odds with the normal treatment of interests in non-primary production trusts. The primary producers' aggregation rules are intended to give favourable assets test treatment to farmers.

Example: A trust has net liabilities of $50,000 and the income support recipient is a beneficiary of the trust. As there is a net deficiency in the trust, the $50,000 is classed as a primary production liability that can be offset against the recipient's primary production assets.

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