Private Ruling Application Services

Facing a complex tax issue and not sure what the ATO's position is? A Private Ruling is a formal way to get written advice from the Australian Taxation Office on how the tax law applies to your specific situation — before you lodge. At Trident Accounting, we prepare and lodge Private Ruling Applications that give you clarity, confidence, and legal certainty when it matters most.

Based in Miranda in the Sutherland Shire, we assist individuals and businesses locally and nationally with complex or high-risk tax matters.

What Is a Private Ruling?

A Private Ruling is an official response from the ATO about how a tax law applies to your specific circumstances. It's legally binding — meaning the ATO must stand by their decision if you act in accordance with the ruling.

Common reasons to apply for a ruling:

  • Unclear tax treatment of a transaction or arrangement
  • Restructuring a business or trust
  • Receiving a lump sum or redundancy
  • Complex CGT or superannuation event
  • Crypto or foreign income uncertainty
  • ATO audit or review exposure

Learn more from the ATO: ATO – Private Rulings

Our Private Ruling Service

  • Review of your situation and tax issue
  • Drafting a detailed, technically correct application
  • Supporting documentation and legal analysis
  • Lodgement through ATO tax agent channels
  • Follow-up with ATO officers and escalation if required

We work closely with you to understand the facts, present your case clearly, and achieve the best outcome — especially when timing is critical.

Pricing

  • Standard Private Ruling: From $275
  • Complex / business-related: From $400+

We’ll assess your situation and provide a fixed-fee quote before starting. Rulings can take 28–60+ days to process, depending on ATO complexity.

Check our full pricing guide for more info.

Who Needs a Private Ruling?

You may benefit from a Private Ruling if:

  • Your accountant isn't 100% sure how a rule applies
  • You're making a large financial move (sale, restructure, asset transfer)
  • The ATO website gives general info but not a clear answer
  • You want peace of mind before lodging a return or BAS

Rulings are not just for big business — they’re often used by small business owners and individuals with one-off scenarios that could trigger ATO scrutiny.

Related Services

Get Certainty — Before You Lodge

Don’t guess when it comes to unclear tax rules. A Private Ruling can protect you from future ATO disputes and help you make confident financial decisions.

📧 Book a ruling consultation
📞 Call (02) 9525 2354 to speak to a tax advisor today