4th Apr 2008 07:00
BHP Billiton PLC04 April 2008 4 April 2008Number 12/08 BHP BILLITON ANNOUNCES ASSESSMENT BY AUSTRALIAN TAXATION OFFICE The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued assessments and is in disputewith BHP Billiton Limited (BHP Billiton) in respect of the 2001 to 2003 incomeyears. BHP Billiton maintains that it is entitled to the tax relief claimed. The dispute is in respect of payments made pursuant to a plant completionguarantee which had been granted by BHP in 1997 to third party financiers of theOrinoco Project in Venezuela. The dispute involves primary tax and interest (net of tax) of US$289.6 million(A$316.9 million). The ATO is still considering whether or not to apply anypenalty. The Company is confident of its position. It intends to vigorously defend theassessment. The outcome of this dispute is unlikely to be known for some time. In themeantime BHP Billiton believes that the matter is adequately provided for in theaccounts. Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site:www.bhpbilliton.com Australia United KingdomSamantha Evans, Media Relations Andre Liebenberg, Investor RelationsTel: +61 3 9609 2898 Mobile: +61 400 693 915 Tel: +44 20 7802 4131 Mobile: +44 7920 236 974email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Don Carroll, Investor Relations Illtud Harri, Media RelationsTel: +61 3 9609 2686 Mobile: +61 417 591 938 Tel: +44 20 7802 4195 Mobile: +44 7920 237 246email: [email protected] email: [email protected] United States South AfricaTracey Whitehead, Investor & Media Relations Alison Gilbert, Investor RelationsTel: US +1 713 599 6100 or UK +44 20 7802 4031 Tel: SA +27 11 376 2121 or UK +44 20 7802 4183Mobile: +44 7917 648 093 Mobile: +44 7769 936 227email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209Registered in Australia Registered in England and WalesRegistered Office: Registered Office: Level 27, 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH United KingdomTelephone +61 1300 554 757 Facsimile +61 3 9609 3015 Telephone +44 20 7802 4000 Facsimile +44 20 7802 4111 The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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