23rd Jun 2005 09:17
BHP Billiton PLC23 June 2005 Date 23 June 2005 Number 28/05 BHP BILLITON ANNOUNCES ASSESSMENT BY AUSTRALIAN TAX OFFICE The Australian Taxation Office has today issued assessments against BHP Billitonsubsidiary BHP Billiton Finance Ltd in respect of the 2000, 2001 and 2002financial years. The assessments relate to the deductibility of bad debts in respect of fundingAustralian subsidiary company operations. The assessments are for primary tax of US$443.8 million (A$570.5 million) andinterest (net of tax) and penalties of US$283.9 million (A$365 million). BHP Billiton disputes the assessments. The Company has taken legal advice andremains confident of its position. It intends to vigorously defend the claims. The Company believes that the matter is adequately provided for in the accounts. Further information on BHP Billiton can be found on our Internet site: http://www.bhpbilliton.com Australia United Kingdom Jane Belcher, Investor Mark Lidiard, Investor & MediaRelations Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 3952 Mobile: Tel: +44 20 7802 4156 Mobile: +44+61 417 031 653 7769 934 942 email: email:[email protected] [email protected] Tania Price, Media Relations Ariane Gentil, Media Relations Tel: +61 3 9609 3815 Mobile: Tel: +44 20 7802 4177 Mobile: +44+61 419 152 780 78 81 51 8715 email: email:[email protected] [email protected] United States South Africa Mark Lidiard, Investor & Media Michael Campbell, Investor & MediaRelations Relations Tel: USA +1 713 599 6100 or UK Tel: +27 11 376 3360 Mobile: +27+44 20 7802 4031 82 458 2587email: email:[email protected] [email protected] BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209Registered in Australia Registered in England and WalesRegistered Office: Level 27, 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Registered Office: Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH UnitedVictoria 3000 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:
BHP Group