Small businesses will be able to access the tax break for assets costing $1,000 or more. For all other businesses, the asset threshold is $10,000.
The tax break provides an additional tax deduction for assets acquired from 13 December 2008 to 30 June 2009, where the asset is also installed before 30 June 2010. The deduction will be equal to 30 per cent of the asset’s cost.
For assets acquired between 1 July 2009 and 31 December 2009 and where they are installed ready for use before 31 December 2010, the deduction is 10 per cent of the asset’s cost.
Who will be assisted?
- Taxpayers that carry on a business will be able to claim the tax break in the form of a bonus tax deduction.
When and how can it be claimed?
- The core provisions of the uniform capital allowance in Subdivision 40-B of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA97) will provide the framework for determining which assets are eligible and who is entitled to claim the bonus deduction. This approach will reduce complexity and compliance costs for businesses.
- The allowance will take the form of a tax deduction on top of the usual capital allowance deduction able to be claimed for the asset as part of the taxpayer’s income tax return.
What kinds of assets will qualify?
- Assets that are eligible will be tangible depreciating assets used in carrying on a business, for which a deduction is available under Division 40 of the ITAA97.
- Further, the tax break will be available for new expenditure on existing assets as well as for new assets. The assets must be used in Australia.
- A minimum expenditure threshold of $10,000 will also apply, except for small business entities which only have to meet a minimum threshold of $1,000.
- Draft legislation to implement the investment allowance will be released for public consultation later this month.
Article by Christie Lewis
Christie is Practice Manager at Alan Lewis Accountants . Besides accounting, her passion is for all things small business (and blogging, of course). You can contact Christie directly at christie@lewistaxation.com.au.
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