Australia: ATO Guidance: Foreign Registration of Australian Business Interests

The ATO has published guidance for foreign investors registering interests in Australian businesses or entities under the Register of Foreign Ownership of Australian Assets. The guidance applies to direct interests of 20% or more in an Australian company, unit trust, or partnership, and indirect interests through interposed entities. Registration is required within 30 days of acquiring the interest, with annual confirmation thereafter.

Key Takeaways

  • Threshold: 20% or more direct or indirect interest in an Australian entity’s equity or voting power.
  • Information Required: Entity ABN/ACN, interest percentage, acquisition date, consideration, and ultimate beneficial owners.
  • Exemptions: Certain widely-held entities and managed investment schemes may be exempt from registration.

Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.

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