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Discover the Benefits of Claiming Depreciation for a Commercial Property

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A person buys additional properties with the plan to monetize the assets. This is usually done by renting these out. But many people are not aware that their property can provide monetary benefits outside the rental income too. These benefits are in the form of possible deductions in tax. This blog post will discuss the different aspects of depreciation tax benefit.

How Depreciation Affects Tax?

We all know that an asset has more value when purchased than the same asset a few years later. This common knowledge is called depreciation in finance and accounting syntax. Depreciation refers to the diminishing of the value of any asset with each passing year. When it comes to residential properties, this reduction in value is made up to some extent by the Australian tax rules. The ATO guidelines allow property owners to claim a deduction in tax amount on the basis of this reduction. This deduction is calculated as per the extant investment property depreciation rules.

The deduction in tax payable is applicable to the following two types of assets on residential properties:

1. Capital Works Deductions:

This is the deduction applicable to the capital assets of a property. In simpler language, it refers to the immovable part of a building, like walls, floorings, tiles, doors and windows, wiring, etc. The only thing a house owner needs to keep in mind is the cut off date for the enforcement of this legislation. All properties constructed after 20th July in the year 1982 would be eligible for this deduction. Capital works deductions on properties constructed before this date would be eligible only for repairs, renovations, etc.

2. Plant and Equipment Depreciation:

This is the second way under which claiming depreciation on investment property is allowed under ATO guidelines. This is applicable for all the removable parts of a building. In the ATO guidelines, a complete list of around 1500 such items is provided. Some examples are upholstery, electrical gadgets, air conditioners, etc. A typical building is considered by the ATO to have a useful life of 40 years. But the movable assets listed under plant and equipment have much smaller life spans listed under the guidelines.

Why You Need a Professional Help for Claiming Depreciation?

Most people consider basic financial aspects while purchasing an investment property. But if one considers the tax benefits from the depreciation perspective, the picture changes a lot. The problem with these calculations is that a layman might not be able to do them accurately. A professional company would be able to help in the following two ways:

  • Before purchase, they would help with the calculations of the tax implications of depreciation.
  • After purchase, these companies and their teams would help file tax returns accurately, taking depreciation into consideration.

This is why most prospective buyers consult these experts before the purchase decision.

Conclusion:

A home can be a financial boon in more ways than we think. Experienced and dependable consultants like Deppro can help an investor maximise tax savings by creating an accurate depreciation schedule. They could also ensure that multiple deductions are not claimed by mistake.

Should I Buy an Investment Property with a Swimming Pool?

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When you are looking to invest money into a property where you do not plan to live but rather rent out, you need to strike that sweet spot where minimal investment and maximum returns meet. Your property investment returns must be greater than the upfront costs and the recurring costs put together.

How Wise is it to have a Pool on your Investment Property?

Let us take an example of a swimming pool in the backyard of your house. Who doesn’t like to imagine a lazy sunny morning spent lounging by the poolside? Is there any greater joy than a swim in crystal clear blue water? A pool adds a lot of value to a house, for the owner as well as the resident. But we need to remember that a pool comes with several costs.

The Cost of a Swimming Pool

The cost of building a pool might be a one-time investment, but the maintenance of a pool is quite costly, and those costs are repetitive. If you have a traditional swimming pool, then cleaning of leaves and other debris would need to be done manually. But for more modern self-cleaning pools, the costs become higher. The property report for a house with a pool would have a large chunk of the expenses earmarked for the pool.

What Australian Tax Depreciation Rules Say?

Having read so far, you might be tempted to think that a pool on your property might not be such a great idea after all. But there is another important factor to consider – the Australian tax depreciation rules. As per these rules, several elements of the cost of building and maintaining a swimming pool can be set off against depreciation, and tax deductions can be claimed on them.

This is how it works. When a house is constructed, the money spent on it could be broadly divided into two categories. The first is capital works, and the other is plant and equipment. Capital works would include the fixed part of a building, like the walls, floor, and wiring etc. Plant and equipment would include removable parts of the property like smoke detectors, upholstery, electrical appliances etc. A complete list of both these types of depreciation expenses needs to be made by a certified agency like Deppro using an investment property calculator. This list is then submitted along with the tax returns and deductions are availed on tax on the basis of the depreciation calculated. Many elements of the cost of a swimming pool construction can also be included in this list and deductions claimed.

Final Thoughts:

On the whole, you need to consider the location of your property, the cost of the pool, and the amount you can claim later as tax. After considering these factors, you can decide wisely whether you should buy an investment property with a pool or not.

What You Need to Know About the Legislation Changes to Rental Property Tax Depreciation Claims

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It’s always quite confusing to adapt to new changes. Similar to the altered legislation to the rental home returns which were observed in 2017. It has been tracked that numerous investors and rental property owners have issues regarding the claims available for them.
To everyone’s relief, what is worth appreciation is that the items under the Capital Works such as the swimming pools, toilets, windows, foundations, walls, and ceilings can be claimed for deductions just like before. There are no changes made to that category.
The alteration has been in Division 40 which includes the subparts of Plant and Equipment category including the electronic appliances, carpets, alarms etc. These are the assets which are extra, in other words, which aren’t a part of the built of the property.
Which Properties Got Affected by The Change?
Well, when summarized, it can be said that the deductions for the above-mentioned category that is the Plant and Equipment is not applicable on the condition that the property was made second hand after 7:30 pm on May 9, 2017. All the investors who have invested in the second-hand property before the mentioned time and date can claim returns on depreciation residential rental property as they used to before.
Also, if a new Plant and Equipment asset is bought after the specified date, it is applicable for claims until the asset’s life remains effective. Lastly, another notable fact is that the investors residing in their building before July 1, 2017, do not have to think about the changes made in the legislation as they are exempted from it.
How to Claim the Right Returns Efficiently?
Sometimes technical terms become quite difficult to understand and analyze and hence it is better to seek professional help rather than trying to be the jack of all trades and master of none. Hence, creating a tax depreciation schedule for a rental property can be extremely easy if done by an experienced, professional quantity surveyor. A person with that profession knows exactly what is to be done for your property and will help you extract maximum benefits by giving you a clear-cut view of your costs, expenditures, and returns.
There are a number of companies providing professional help to people in need of a good tax depreciation schedule and hence you can look out for one such service provider.
The main advantage of choosing this way is that they have immense knowledge about the concerned topic and they are aware of such minor details which can fill up your pockets and make you feel rich by just paying a humble fee for the service.
What after June 30, 2017?
For your information, even if it is past June 30, 2017, you are eligible to calculate depreciation on rental property and submit a tax schedule with your tax returns for 2017-2018. Hence, it’s a win-win situation for many of the investors.
Deriving complete information of such legislative changes isn’t a cup of tea and might leave you confused and unsure of your action despite the hard efforts. Thus, a little bit of assistance and help is never harmful.

Are You Missing Out On Tax Depreciation Claims?

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So many Australians miss out on property tax deduction claims every year. Tax depreciation on property investment is a legitimate deduction which the government allows you to claim. Due to the of lack of information on investment property depreciation rules, tax savings worth thousands of dollars are missed out.

Claiming for a tax deduction on the value of your property seems difficult but with the help of a professional expert, it can become really easy. Claiming depreciation can make a huge difference in a property investor’s cash flow. Despite all of this, it is most often missed.

That is where DEPPRO comes in.

What can be Done to Not Miss Out on Tax Depreciation Claims?

In Australia, only 30% of property investors claim deductions for the depreciating value of their property. It is nothing but a non-cash expense which you can claim every year on your property depreciation. You do not need to spend any cash to make this claim.

You are claiming on the declining value of your building or asset. Of course, there are certain conditions like any other tax deduction. If you have a residential property which was built before 1985, then you can claim depreciation on Division 40, Depreciating Assets only. But if it was built after 1985, then you can claim under Division 40 as well as Division 43.

The Tax Depreciation Schedule

A Quantity Surveyor is an official who is professionally qualified to produce a legal tax depreciation schedule by the ATO. It includes the following two divisions:

  1. Division 40: Depreciating Assets: This element of property depreciation schedule is all about assets like plant and equipment, lights, fans, carpets, floating floorboards, smoke alarms, air conditioners, refrigerators and so on. Every item which has a diminishing life is included in this. The tax deduction calculation, according to the investment property depreciation schedule ATO, is carried out based on the effective life of the items.
  2. Division 43: Capital Works Allowance: The immovable parts of the structure like the building, walls, roof, swimming pool, built-in furniture, toilets etc. are a part of this division. The investment property depreciation rules state that this capital works allowance is calculated on the basis of the construction cost of the building and not the current purchasing price. So if you are buying a property, you can claim a deduction based on the original construction cost while the building was made.

How Can DEPPRO Help You?

We have been in the industry for more than 12 years now and have a passion for tax saving. Our team has industry-leading skills and can assist in all areas of investment property taxations. We are always updated and are well-versed with all the latest Australian Taxation Office (ATO) rulings, investment property depreciation rules, and interpretations for our clients.

The property depreciation schedule made by us ensures that our clients get maximum tax benefits and at the same time it complies with all the latest ATO regulations. If you have the property of your own and make money owning it, get a qualified surveyor immediately to perform a tax depreciation schedule. We have offices all over Australia. Contact the one nearest to you today!

Top 5 Tax Depreciation Tips You Need to Know

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No one loves paying their taxes. That’s why you shouldn’t let go of an opportunity to legally reduce your tax. The guidelines regarding property tax depreciation allow you to do exactly that. If you go through the provisions of ATO property depreciation you will understand exactly how you can reduce your tax burden, but in this article, you can read that in very simple terms of 5 easy steps.

1. Understanding Your Assets

You need to demarcate each and every asset on your rental or investment property into the two broad categories of capital works and plant and equipment.

2. Getting an Expert Opinion

If you are not sure about how the distinction is to be made, you can get a dependable company like deppro to review your property and list down all the assets correctly. This is done by one of their certified, professional quantity surveyors.

3. Preparing Property Tax Depreciation Schedule

Based on the property review done completed by a qualified quantity surveyor, a complete property tax depreciation schedule would be prepared to detail the exact amounts of depreciation each element of your property is subject to. The company whom you have employed would prepare the correct details of each year’s depreciation.

4. Completing Your Tax Return

Once your depreciation schedule is ready, you need to go through the ATO regulations to understand what tax allowance each depreciation amount attracts. Based on that, your tax return will need to be reworked and the additional allowances factored in.

5. Check Your Refunds

If you pay advance tax, then the tax deductions your depreciation will allow you, will be granted to you as a refund. Make sure that this refund is exactly the same as the calculations you had calculated earlier.

 

Tax Depreciation for Investment Properties

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Most investors are aware that their property’s value will only decrease over time. But many investors are not aware of the benefits of this depreciation on investment property. Depreciation can help an investor claim tax benefits. The loss due to depreciation would be partly offset by the tax allowances claimed. A typical rental or investment property would have several components. Some would be fixed and part of the property. Some would be attached or constructed additionally. A property depreciation schedule would enable the right tax breaks to be computed. Let us see how an owner can take the help of companies like Deppro Perth to do this.

The Need for an Accurate Schedule

Different depreciation rates apply to different components of a property. As per Australian tax rules, each type of attracts different tax allowances – a property owner might not have complete knowledge of this. It is also time-consuming and tedious. That is why property owners often entrust the job to competent agencies. This ensures that the tax breaks are accurately claimed.

Calculation of Depreciation on Investment Property

A good agency would have competent Deppro quantity surveyors. These surveyors assess every small and big asset included on the property. This is done in strict accordance with ATO guidelines. The rules laid down by ATO often undergo revisions: Deppro quantity surveyors are always completely up to date with such changes. Therefore, you are guaranteed an accurate calculation of your depreciation with Deppro surveyers. Once depreciation is accurately calculated, the right tax deductions can be claimed.

Investors can easily claim the benefits of depreciation on investment property; these benefits accrue through allowable tax deductions. A well-trained and knowledgeable quantity surveyor from a reputable company can help claim the maximum tax benefits. This also ensures that tax benefits allowed by law are not missed.

Do You Need to Make Estimated Tax Payments?

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You might be planning to pay advance tax or it might be time for the last tax submission date. Whatever your situation, it is always useful to estimate tax returns in advance, to ensure you plan your finances carefully. Tax returns can have several aspects, depending on your profession and your source of income. So keeping some time in hand is a good idea. Not to mention, you may be eligible for tax refunds from earlier years, so you should take that into account in your tax estimate as well.

Impact of Property on Tax Returns

If you are the owner of a rental or investment property, it will impact your tax liabilities. Every property attracts depreciation as per ATO rules. However, there is an upside, as property depreciation makes you eligible for tax allowances. This reduces your tax when you file your tax return Australia. But to ensure you get this reduce in tax, it is crucial your depreciation schedule has been made properly. This helps calculate the correct tax breaks you are eligible for. However, the current applicable laws must be considered when making the schedule. This will ensure that the property owner doesn’t pay double tax and assist with claiming the maximum deductions possible.

How to Estimate Tax Returns with Correct Depreciation

To estimate Tax Returns with the accurate depreciation, a property and all of its assets must be correctly assessed. This is where a reputable company like Deppro can help. They have qualified expert quantity surveyors on their rolls; they can help you to make the most accurate property depreciation schedule. Firstly, the surveyors make several field visits to take accurate measurements. This is then used to quantify each asset’s depreciation for each year.

When you wish to estimate tax returns, you need to take depreciation and refunds into account. Reputable companies with skilled staff can help you do these calculations. Instead of wasting your own valuable time, these companies do it all for you!

Commercial property renovation hacks that add value

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As an investor, you want to be up-to-date with market trends and find ways to bring in tenants to your commercial properties. If they’ve sat bare for a couple of years, and looking dates, then it’s time to get renovating. We have a couple of hacks so you can focus on the right areas, where you can make the most money off your depreciation schedule.

 

Bathrooms

Not just any type of bathroom with a few toilet stalls and basins; looks definitely matter. Offices, shops and restaurants are becoming fancier with their designs. Even gyms have bathrooms worthy of an interior design featurette.

A gym shower and sauna in the USA

Bathrooms are major selling points for tenants in both residential and commercial property. Natural wood elements and lighting paired with neutral tiles is a common combination that never fails to impress. If you own an office block and have the room, fully equipped bathrooms are an excellent selling point. Workers often hit the gym before they make their way to the office. They’ll need a place to freshen up before the day ‘officially begins’.

 

Kids play area

Employees have families, as do potential visitors. And not everyone can bring in a babysitter or find a daycare. Having am on-site kids play area in a commercial property isn’t that unusual. Shopping centres have done it before, and the trend is slowly spreading to gyms and workplaces.

 

Kitchenette

Definitely a feature that will attract tenants. They need a place to keep their food, make their coffee and take a break from their desks. The kitchen is where you can make money in terms of the plant and equipment items in place there. This includes the dishwasher, espresso machine, microwave, sink and fittings.

Outdoor entertaining

Humans need sunlight and fresh air; what better way to access it at work than an outdoor area? When you’re renovating the property/making an extension, turn the extension into a patio with some hedges, a barbecue and some outdoor furniture. The barbecue and the furniture can be depreciated.

 

TVs

Yes, we are giving you an excuse to go out and buy some big screen televisions. Modern properties have a showreel on their TV screens, usually placed in the foyer and meeting rooms.

 

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Depreciation And Real Estate Mistakes That Will Lose You Money

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Mistakes are part of life, but you’ll be kicking yourself if they lose you money. Make sure you avoid the ones below.

 

Rent at mates rates

It’s natural to want to help your mates out; it’s what friends do. But there are some situations where mates rates should not apply, and that includes property. The reason investors get into the property market is because they want to make an income. Friends can certainly live in properties you own, but be firm when you say they must pay rent. You’re running a business, not a charity.

Don’t mix business with mates; you can’t be a friend and a land lord

Depreciation DIY

Don’t attempt this unless you’re a quantity surveyor. These people work out costings for building projects and have a high level of education. They’re part of an official body (Australian Institution of Quantity Surveyors) that ensures members are aware of the latest industry standards and participate in the training required to keep up their skillset.

Long story short; unless you have a Bachelor of Urban Development (Honours) (Quantity Surveying and Cost Engineering), leave it to the experts. Book an appointment here to get a qualified surveyor in for a visit.

 

Saying ‘that’s not worth anything’

Just because some of the properties have a few decades on them doesn’t mean they aren’t worthless. Some capital works are still eligible for deductions.

Items that are worth $300 or less are eligible for immediate deduction; think the rubbish bins, smoke alarms, children’s play equipment and the curtains. Other overlooked deductions include spa baths, bathroom and kitchen appliances and even the swimming pool are items that can be claimed on a tax depreciation schedule.

Old doesn’t equal worthess

Putting it in the wrong category

Yes, this is one of the dangers of DIY depreciation. In the schedules that quantity surveyors create, there’s two categories; capital works and plant and equipment. They’re also known as Divisions 43 and 40, respectively.

Capital works include items that are built into the property itself; wiring, driveways, fences and some landscaping. Plant and equipment include things you can easily remove from the property such as furniture and carpeting. If you own a commercial property the desks, blinds and shelves can be claimed. You can find out more about deductions on the ATO website.

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Common Errors Property Investors Should Avoid

The amazing tax benefits from rental properties you probably forgot about

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Thinking about tax is much more fun when you’re thinking about tax benefits. Property investment is a tricky game to play, but smart investors reap the rewards when they remember to claim on the below items.

 

Tax depreciation

The tested-and-true method, and Deppro’s speciality. Getting a tax depreciation schedule ASAP is a guaranteed way of earning back the money from your portfolio. It’s one of few tax benefits that doesn’t discriminate.

It’s best for the quantity surveyor to do their inspection before the tenants move in. When the investor does renovations, they’re obliged under ATO law to tell the surveyor how much was spent. Measures like this make sure that the maximum benefits are awarded.

The depreciation fee is a tax benefit; it’s fully deductible!

Capital gains tax

Yes, there are some benefits to capital gains tax, particularly thanks to the exemptions available!

It’s not available to your entire property portfolio, typically the exemptions apply to the home you actually live in. You can get a full exemption if you live in the home for at least 6 months after buying and can prove it’s your primary residence.

Another full exemption is possible if you own the home but have to move thanks to special circumstances. You can lease out the house during this time for a maximum of six years before you have to pay some CGT.

 

Claim against the mortgage

You probably think that ‘mortgage’ and ‘tax exemption’ don’t go together in the same sentence but it’s possible! But tax benefits like this come with conditions.

Investors with interest-only loans can claim against it come tax time. Interest is the money you’re making on the house/commercial space. 

 

General upkeep fees

It’s the owner’s responsibility to make the property presentable. Because these services are of benefit to the rental property they’re possible to claim. Examples of maintenance fees include cleaning, fixture repairs, pest control, gardening, and more.

 

Management costs

You have to spend money to make money as the saying goes. Real estate advertising and fees paid to the property manager can be claimed as tax benefits alongside other management costs. Some of these are overlooked and owners potentially miss out on thousands.

  • Body corporate
  • Council fees
  • Land tax
  • Legal fees

Cleaers, real estate services, property management services…all eligible for tax benefits

 

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