UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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BHP Billiton
Plc
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| (Translation of registrant’s name into English) | ||||
| Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom | ||||
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| Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F: [x] Form 20-F [ ] Form 40-F | ||||
| Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): [ ] | ||||
| Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): [ ] | ||||
| Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934: [ ] Yes [x] No | ||||
| If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): n/a |
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Date |
23 June 2005 |
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Number |
28/05 |
BHP BILLITON ANNOUNCES ASSESSMENT BY AUSTRALIAN TAX OFFICE
The Australian Taxation Office has today issued assessments against BHP Billiton subsidiary BHP Billiton Finance Ltd in respect of the 2000, 2001 and 2002 financial years.
The assessments relate to the deductibility of bad debts in respect of funding Australian subsidiary company operations.
The assessments are for primary tax of US$443.8 million (A$570.5 million) and interest (net of tax) and penalties of US$283.9 million (A$365 million).
BHP Billiton disputes the assessments. The Company has taken legal advice and remains 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
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Australia Tel: +61 3 9609 3952 Mobile: +61 417 031 653 email: Jane.H.Belcher@bhpbilliton.com |
United Kingdom Mark Lidiard, Investor & Media Relations Tel: +44 20 7802 4156 Mobile: +44 7769 934 942 email: Mark.Lidiard@bhpbilliton.com |
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Tania Price, Media Relations
United States Tel: USA +1 713 599 6100 or UK +44 20 7802 4031 email: Mark.Lidiard@bhpbilliton.com |
Ariane Gentil, Media Relations South Africa |
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BHP Billiton Limited ABN 49 004 028 077 Registered Office: Level 27, 180 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Telephone +61 1300 554 757 Facsimile +61 3 9609 3015 |
BHP Billiton Plc Registration number 3196209 Registered Office: Neathouse Place London SW1V 1BH United Kingdom Telephone +44 20 7802 4000 Facsimile +44 20 7802 4111 |
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The BHP Billiton Group is headquartered in Australia
| Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. |
| BHP Billiton Plc | ||
| Date: 23 June 2005 | By: | Karen Wood |
| Name: | Karen Wood | |
| Title: | Company Secretary |