Losses from Scams & Other Unfortunate Events

Unpack how losses from scams and unexpected events are treated for tax, including recent ATO guidance and PBRs.

In this session, we cover:

• Considerations

• Revenue losses

  • General deductions

  • Specific deductions

  • Revenue vs Capital

  • Examples – Theft of funds, fraud

• Capital losses

  • CGT events

  • Where no CGT loss

  • Examples – Ponzi schemes, investment platform collapse, paid but no goods/services received, loss or theft of crypto assets, identity theft

• Other considerations

  • Recoupment

  • What to do when a tax scam is identified

  • New data-matching program

  • Practical tips

Date recorded: 26 August 2025