The instant asset write-off
Our Services get in touch The instant asset write-off threshold increased from $1,000 to $20,000 for 2023-24. The increase to…
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The instant asset write-off threshold increased from $1,000 to $20,000 for 2023-24.Â
The increase to the instant asset write-off threshold provides a major cashflow advantage by enabling small businesses to claim an immediate tax deduction for certain assets in the year of purchase, instead of spreading the deduction over a number of years.
Remember that the deduction is not a refund, it will only reduce the taxable income of the business entity, or in some cases, it will create or increase a tax loss that needs to be carried forward to future years. For example, if your business operates through a company structure, the economic benefit of the write-off is limited to the relevant company tax rate (25% for base rate entities, 30% for other companies). If your business is likely to make a tax loss for the year, then a larger deduction might not provide any short-term benefit.
Eligibility to access the instant asset write-off looks at both your business entity and the asset.
To utilise the instant asset write-off, your business entity must:
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And, for an asset to be eligible, it must:
The provisions that prevent small business entities from re-entering the simplified depreciation regime for five years if they opt-out will continue to be suspended until 30 June 2024 (the lock-out rules).
If your business is a small business entity and chooses to apply the simplified depreciation rules, then assets costing $20,000 or more (that cannot be immediately deducted) can continue to be placed into the small business general pool and depreciated at 15% in the first income year and 30% each income year thereafter.
The increased instant asset write-off threshold also means that a $20,000 threshold applies for the purpose of determining whether the full pool balance is written off in the 2024 income year. Just remember that when you are applying these rules, you don’t look at the closing pool balance, you are looking at what the pool balance would have been if you ignored the current year depreciation deductions for the pool for the 2024 year.
The write-off threshold applies per asset, so a small business entity can potentially deduct the full cost of multiple assets. Assuming all the other conditions are met, an immediate deduction should be available for each individual item costing less than $20,000 – just be careful of cashflow.
The instant asset write-off does not distinguish between new or second-hand goods. For example, second hand machinery may qualify if it meets the other requirements.
In the 2024-25 Federal Budget, the Government announced an extension to the increased instant asset write-off threshold to 30 June 2025. A Bill is currently before Parliament to enact this change.
The increase to the instant asset write-off threshold offers a valuable opportunity for small businesses to improve cash flow by immediately deducting the cost of eligible assets. However, it’s important to fully understand the eligibility criteria and limitations, such as the relationship between the asset and your business activities, and how it impacts your taxable income. To maximize the benefits of this tax provision and ensure compliance, seek professional advice tailored to your business’s specific circumstances. At Breathe Accounting, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and make informed decisions for your business’s financial health.
Note: The material and contents provided in this publication are informative in nature only. It is not intended to be advice and you should not act specifically on the basis of this information alone. If expert assistance is required, professional advice should be obtained. Current as of June 2024.