Maurice Blackburn ‘is disappointed with the outcome’ of the Black Saturday Class Action Settlement tax dispute with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and is discussing the possibility of appealing the decision of the Federal Court.
The outcome of the hearing on 28 February 2019, Justice Middleton handed down a decision that the Scheme Administrator is not entitled to deduct costs incurred by the Settlement Distribution Scheme from interest earned on settlement monies, in calculating the taxable income of the Scheme.
The result means the amount which was previously withheld from distribution to meet our potential taxation liability must be paid to the ATO.
Under Federal Court Rules, Maurice Blackburn has 21 days from the date of the judgment to seek leave to bring an appeal.
Maurice Blackburn is reviewing the Court’s decision carefully and considering if any ground of appeal exists.
Participants should advise Maurice Blackburn of any changes to your contact details to update you about the resolution of the taxation dispute and the potential finalisation of the Scheme.
Class action participants with further questions should contact the Bushfire Class Action Info-line on 1800 99 55 70.
