The planned abolition of transfer duty in Western Australia on
business assets, such as intellectual property and goodwill, has
been keenly followed by many businesses and individuals considering
an acquisition or re-structure.
With the introduction of the Duties Legislation Amendments
Bill 2013 to Parliament on 22 May 2013, the scheduled
abolition of duty on the transfer of business assets is now being
unwound, ensuring that these transactions continue to be subject to
the payment of transfer duty.
Although transfer duty will continue to apply to business
transactions, all businesses should be aware that in certain
circumstances concessional rates can apply. One example being for
those seeking to purchase assets in a small business, there is a
concessional rate applicable if: