A Depreciation Checklist for Commercial Property Owners and Tenants
You may find it difficult to comprehend the various tax depreciation allowances available for owners and tenants of commercial property. With increased awareness about Australian tax depreciation, property owners and tenants may make more informed financial decisions and enhance their cash flow. A property owner is eligible to claim depreciation for Division 43 capital works that they have paid for. This may include building, structural additions, and recently constructed or renovated kitchens, outdoor areas, and improved bathrooms. Additionally, Division 40 assets are also claimable that they have paid for and included as part of the tenancy agreement. Tenants may also claim depreciation for building fit-out in case they paid for it as along with machinery, furniture, etc.
Here is the checklist:
1. Capital works deductions:
These deductions are applicable to structural elements of a building. Capital works deductions will apply on bricks, mortar, walls, tiling, flooring, wiring, concrete, mezzanines, etc. These deductions are based on the past expenditures of the building. And, apart from the tourists’ accommodation, they can be claimed on commercial buildings in which construction started after July 2, 1982. Capital works deductions for tourists’ accommodation are eligible to be claimed on building in which construction began after August 21, 1979. Consider these factors when you calculate depreciation for property.
2. Plant and equipment depreciation:
Plant and equipment assets can be defined as those assets that are removable within an income-generating property. It may include hot water systems, ceiling fans, carpets, air conditioners, exhaust fans, light shades, and blinds, among others. Depreciation for plant and equipment assets will be calculated on the basis of the individual effective life of every object as specified by ATO. The actual life of assets tends to differ from one industry to another industry. Therefore, it becomes significant to refer to an expert Quantity Surveyor, as they will ensure that deductions are calculated appropriately.
3. Tax depreciation schedule:
A tax depreciation schedule can be described as a report that includes all deductions in the income-generating property. The report is prepared with the assistance of an expert Quantity Surveyor. It can assist to enhance property owners’ and commercial tenants’ flow of cash. The quantity surveyor will require a few details while preparing a schedule. Amid the vast commercial property types, an expert site inspector will have to carry out detailed scrutiny. In this they will assess the building and floor coverings, specify construction methods, the material used, condition of te property, and workmanship, among other things. The Quantity Surveyor will then use these details to enhance depreciation deductions.
Conclusion:
Tax Depreciation Schedule will remain in existence for forty years. The quantity surveyor will also extend his help to property investors in claiming depreciation on investment property. If you are keen to boost the capital works and depreciation deductions, you must always hire a professional quantity surveyor as they will help in processing known and unknown costs alike. Not to mention, they can also asses the contract of sale and tenancy contracts to make sure that building works and assets are correctly allocated between entities.
