For example, where parents dispose of residential land to their child within the bright-line period, the sale will be taxable to the parents based on the market value of the land, regardless of how much the child paid for it. Similarly, where a person wholly-owns land and wishes to become co-owners with their partner, a sale within the bright-line period is taxable but only to the extent that the land that is changing ownership i.e. no tax is payable on the share held by the original owner.
Inland Revenue recently issued a draft interpretation statement regarding bright-line and its application to certain family and close relationship transactions. The publication relates to the 5-year bright line test for residential land purchased between 29 March 2018 and 26 March 2021, with a subsequent publication to be issued for the 10-year test applying from 27 March 2021. However, the expectation is that the conclusions reached will remain unchanged.
In essence, the publication confirms that no additional roll-over relief will be provided for close relationship transfers. Where there is a legal change in ownership taking place within the bright-line period, the sale will be taxable to the person disposing of it. Furthermore, all family and close relationship transactions that occur at below market value are deemed to have been transferred at market value. This may give rise to situations where tax is payable on an amount of income that was not actually received by the recipient.
As a result, parents wishing to assist their children with buying residential property should carefully consider the ownership structure and alternate options before settlement – for example, could a loan be provided instead, or should nominee/bare trustee legal documentation be executed prior the original purchase to reflect the nature of the arrangement?
