Commentary on Sections Overview Overview Section 112: Meaning of “non-active partner” and “early tax year” etc
375.This section sets out details of who is carrying on a trade as a non-active partner in an early tax year. It is based on sections 118ZE, 118ZH and 118ZM of ICTA.
376.The definition excludes limited partners. So only a general partner (that is, a partner other than a limited partner) or a member of an LLP may be a non-active partner.
377.In broad terms, a non-active partner is an individual who does not devote a significant amount of time to the trade and is, therefore, unlikely to be anything more than a financial investor.
378.Subsection (2) provides that a significant amount of time is taken as being a minimum of ten hours per week, on average taken across the period.
379.Subsections (3) and (4) define the “relevant period” for the purposes of subsection (2) as the whole of the basis period for the tax year, or a continuous period of at least six months either beginning with the date of commencement or ending with the date of cessation. For example, if an individual commences a trade on 1 April 2007, the basis period for 2006-07 is 1 April 2007 to 5 April 2007. And the relevant period ends on 30 September 2007 for the purposes of this section in relation to the tax year 2006-07. So the individual must meet the “significant amount of time” test for six months rather than just for five days.
380.Subsection (5) provides that where relief is given but the activity rules prove not to be satisfied, relief is withdrawn by making an assessment under this section.