Deductions for the decline in value of depreciating assets are available under the Uniform
capital allowance (UCA) system.
In addition to the rules for depreciating assets, deductions are allowed for certain other capital expenditure. Small business entities have
the option of choosing simplified
depreciation rules.
Land, trading stock and most intangible assets (excluding exceptions such as intellectual property and in-house software) are not
depreciating assets.
The decline in value is calculated by spreading the cost of the asset over its effective
life,
using one of two methods:
MORE: Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Decline in value calculator.
For most depreciating assets, taxpayers can either self-assess the effective life, or use estimates published by the ATO. Taxpayers can
recalculate, either up or down, the effective life of an asset if the circumstances of use change and the effective life initially chosen is
no longer accurate. An improvement to an asset that increases its cost by 10% or more in a year may result in an obligation to recalculate
the effective life of the asset.
Decline in value of cars is restricted to the car limit. From 1 July 2017 the luxury car tax threshold for luxury cars increased to
$57,581. Luxury car leases are treated as a notional sale and purchase, with decline in value restricted to the car limit.
The decline in value of certain depreciating assets with a cost or opening adjustable value of less than $1,000 can be calculated through a
low-value pool. The decline in value for depreciating assets in the pool is calculated at an annual diminishing value rate of 37.5%.
Whatever your requirements, we can help you find the solution.