» Property investing

Six depreciation questions to ask yourself this tax time

BMT team — Tue, 28 May 2024 05:53:56 +0000

With tax time fast approaching, here are six questions you should be asking yourself to ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment property. 1. What are some common deductions I’m entitled to as a property investor? As a property investor, you’re entitled to a range of tax deductions. These will help lower your taxable income and make owning an investment property more viable, particularly if you own a negative cash flow property. Some of the tax deductions available to investors include deductions on council rates, the interest from a mortgage, property management fees, land taxes, strata fees, maintenance costs, insurance, accounting fees and depreciation. Of these deductions, depreciation is the most often missed. This is because it is a non-cash deduction. That is, the owner does not need to spend any money to claim it. In fact, research has shown that 80 per cent of property investors are missing out on the depreciation deductions they’re entitled to. However, given that investors can claim an average of $9,000 – $15,000 in deductions in the first full financial year alone, this is a deduction that should not be overlooked. A BMT Tax Depreciation Schedule outlines all the deductions you can claim for your property. It lasts for forty years and the fee for preparing it is 100 per cent tax deductible. 2. I’ve bought an investment property in the last few months – can I make a claim this tax time? If you haven’t owned the property for long and it’s only been income producing for a few months in the last financial year, you will be able to make a partial year claim. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows investors to make a claim for depreciation based on the amount of days a property was available for lease. This could be if you’ve only recently purchased an investment property and only have one month to claim for, or you use your home as a holiday rental for part of the year. A BMT Tax Depreciation Schedule makes a partial year claim like this easy for you and your Accountant. 3. Do I need to update my tax depreciation schedule? If you’ve made any updates to your property in the past financial year, such as a renovation, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your Quantity Surveyor to see if you will require an updated depreciation schedule. It’s important to be aware that there is a difference between a repair and a capital works improvement as this will affect your claim. The cost of any repairs can be claimed in full in the same financial year they are completed. An improvement, on the other hand, is when you improve the condition of an item or property beyond that of when it was purchased. Such improvements are capital in nature and must be depreciated over time. For this reason, if you’ve made any renovations or improvements to your property in the last financial year, you should seek the advice of a property depreciation specialist or Quantity Surveyor to ensure it is claimed correctly. An updated tax depreciation schedule may be required after a renovation to capture all newly installed plant and equipment assets or capital works expenditure. 4. Am I maximising the deductions for my property? It’s one thing to be claiming deductions, but are you maximising them? A Quantity Surveyor specialising in depreciation will be aware of all the techniques you can make use of to maximise and accelerate the deductions you’re entitled to. As well as identifying assets that others may miss, they will make use of tools such as low-value pooling, scrapping and split reports to maximise the deductions you’re legally entitled to and put more money back in your pocket sooner. 5. Can my Accountant organise my depreciation deductions? An Accountant should recommend that you claim depreciation, organise a schedule on your behalf or refer you to a Quantity Surveyor. They will however not be able to estimate construction costs or provide you with a tax depreciation schedule. Only a qualified Quantity Surveyor can do that. Quantity Surveyors are one of the few professionals recognised by the ATO to have the appropriate construction costing skills to estimate building costs for depreciation. However, not all Quantity Surveyors specialise in tax depreciation. Only a tax depreciation specialist such as BMT can be relied on to maintain detailed knowledge of all current ATO tax rulings relating to depreciation. Once you have a Tax Depreciation Schedule completed, your Accountant can input these deductions into your annual income tax return. 6. I’ve only just found out about depreciation. Does this mean I’ve missed out on past years’ deductions? Investment property owners often enquire about a property they have owned and rented for a number of years but have not claimed depreciation deductions for. The ATO allows tax returns to be easily adjusted for two years after the initial submission. This enables property owners to recoup some of the deductions that may have been missed. It is important to note that a separate application will need to be submitted for each financial year requiring an amendment. Income, depreciation and other claims made will impact the outcome of each tax return. In the situation where an investor has missed or not maximised their claim in previous years, the depreciation schedule can be tailored within the eligible years. To start claiming or maximising your depreciation deductions with BMT, request a quote.

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Transforming spaces: The rise of life science real estate

BMT team — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 05:23:42 +0000

Global interest in the life sciences showed significant increase in recent years. With Australia boasting one of the largest life science sectors in the Southern hemisphere, our local industry witnessed a remarkable 40% growth since 2021, emerging as a highly sought-after destination for investment in life science real estate, which includes private hospitals, medical precincts, innovation districts, laboratories and residential aged care facilities. This $250 billon dollar local industry is home to 2,600 organisations and the continual growth is underpinned by a world-class medical research sector nurtured in internationally respected universities, hospitals, and medical research institutes. The industry is further boosted by significant government support, which includes a research and development tax offset of up to 43.5% and more than A$21.5 billion in support funds for the life sciences, which would include funding for facilities. With an aging population and rising cases of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes, the urgency for advancements in life sciences and healthcare solutions has never been greater, positioning Australia as an enticing hub for investment, development, and the conversion of existing properties into life science real estate. These facilities can include laboratories and research facilities that are furnished with advanced scientific equipment and infrastructure to support research in areas such a genomics, medical discovery and biomedical engineering. Manufacturing and production facilities designed to meet stringent regulatory requirements for the production of pharmaceuticals, biologics, medical devices and other healthcare products are also sought after life science real estate. Creating collaborative spaces like innovation hubs or biotechnology parks that bring together scientists, entrepreneurs, investors and academic institutions to foster innovation, collaboration and knowledge are also excellent examples of rejuvenating existing property into life science real estate. Life science real estate conversion projects can take various forms, depending on the type of property and the specific needs of the life science tenants. Some common examples include: Office buildings: Vacant or underutilised office space can be converted into modern laboratories equipped with specialised equipment, biosafety features, and collaborative workspaces. This transformation often involves significant upgrades to infrastructure, HVAC systems, and safety protocols to meet industry standards. Industrial warehouse spaces: Large industrial buildings or warehouses can be repurposed into biomanufacturing facilities or research labs for biotech and pharmaceutical companies. These projects may require extensive renovations to accommodate regulatory compliant cleanrooms with controlled air quality and regulated humidity for cell culture, fermentation, purification and other bioprocessing operations. Retail and commercial spaces: Former retail or commercial properties may be transformed into incubator spaces, shared labs, or start-up hubs for emerging life science companies. These conversions focus on creating collaborative environments with access to mentorship and shared amenities. Historic buildings: Adaptive reuse of historic buildings or heritage sites can preserve architectural heritage while providing modern laboratories or other life science facilities. Converting existing property into life science real estate requires strict adherence to regulatory standards like building codes, biosafety guidelines, and environmental regulations. Older buildings may need significant upgrades to infrastructure, utilities, and HVAC systems to meet the specialised needs of life science tenants and investing in cutting-edge equipment is vital for operational efficiency and industry compliance. Despite these challenges the life science real estate conversion trend is expected to continue and expand as the demand for innovative research and development spaces grows. Key stakeholders, including real estate developers, investors, life science organisations, and local governments, play a vital role in shaping the future of these conversion projects. These projects not only contribute to the growth and sustainability of the life sciences industry, but also drive economic development, job creation, and technological innovation while exemplifying the spirit of adaptive reuse that will solve the increasing demand for state of the art research and development facilities. Collaboration with experienced professionals including architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and other consultants is crucial for navigating the complexities of life science real estate conversion. Adaptive reuse conversion to life science real estate will hold significant depreciation value. Below is a case study of a substantially renovated warehouse of close to 460sqm that was converted into a life science centre with various office spaces, breakout rooms, a staff kitchen, laboratories and various utility rooms. Table 1. An example a life science real estate conversion from warehouse to research space. *The Depreciation deductions in this table were calculated using the diminishing value method. With significant depreciation benefits available on the conversion of an existing property for adaptive reuse, we recommend contacting a specialist quantity surveyor like BMT Tax Depreciation for further advice or to request a quote on your life science real estate conversion.

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Start claiming depreciation deductions sooner

BMT team — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 00:13:07 +0000

With the end of financial year fast approaching, now is the time to get your tax depreciation schedule sorted if you haven’t already. There are significant advantages to ordering a depreciation schedule immediately after purchase that can help you to maximise your return and make the most of your investment. Before we look at those advantages, let’s recap what depreciation is and how it assists property investors. Contents: Depreciation deductions Claim the cost of your schedule straight away Partial year claims Receive payments regularly using Pay as You Go (PAYG) Claim missed deductions Depreciation deductions The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows property owners to claim the depreciation, or decline in value of an asset, as a tax deduction. Depreciation is a non-cash deduction, meaning an investor doesn’t need to spend any money to claim it. For this reason, depreciation deductions are often overlooked. This is a costly mistake for investors, as depreciation deductions carry significant taxation benefits. With tax time approaching, property owners should be sure they are claiming all the deductions to which they are entitled. Owners of income-producing properties can claim depreciation deductions related to the building’s structure as well as the plant and equipment assets within the property. It’s important to organise a depreciation schedule before the end of the financial year to maximise your deductions and claim everything you’re eligible for from the year. Failing to claim depreciation means missing out on thousands of dollars. In FY2022/2023 to-date, BMT found investors an average first year deduction of almost $9,000. Claim the cost of your schedule straight away A depreciation schedule has a one-off cost which lasts the life of the property (forty years) and will ensure the owner claims their depreciation entitlements correctly. The cost of the depreciation schedule is 100 per cent tax deductible. One of the advantages to ordering and paying for a depreciation schedule before 30 June is that an investor will be able to claim the fee straight back that financial year. This not only means less time out of pocket, but it eliminates the risk of forgetting to claim the depreciation schedule’s fee as a tax deduction in the following financial year. Partial year claims If a property has been owned and rented for only a short period, investors often postpone obtaining a tax depreciation schedule until the next year. However, there are ways in which partial year deductions can be maximised, resulting in extra cash for the owner. Usually, the total depreciation available in the first financial year is adjusted according to the portion of the year the property is owned. For example, if a property is owned for six months, then 50 per cent of the depreciation could become available. However, specialist quantity surveyors can use legislative tools to make partial year claims beneficial to property owners, regardless of the time a property is owned and rented. Immediate write-off is one tool used. Any item added to a property costing less than $300 can be immediately written off within the first year. This is regardless of how many days the property is owned in that year. Low-value pooling can also be used to maximise claims over a short period of time. Low-value pooling applies to items in an investment property that are worth less than $1,000. Placing items in a low-value pool allows the owner to accelerate the rate of depreciation, increasing deductions earlier. A high-quality tax depreciation schedule should include a partial year claim based on the time the property is rented. Receive payments regularly using Pay as You Go (PAYG) Investors often look forward to tax time. Many of the losses from holding a property can be claimed back, including interest, rates, repairs and maintenance, property management fees and depreciation deductions. Many investors may not realise that they don’t have to wait all year to benefit from the deductions available to them. Instead, they can improve their cash flow throughout the year simply by nominating to use a Pay as You Go (PAYG) withholding variation. Introduced in July 2000, a PAYG withholding variation allows individuals to vary the amount of tax withheld by their employer in each pay to anticipate their tax liabilities. This means that they can take advantage of the deductions available to them regularly, rather than waiting until the end of a financial year for their tax refund. By selecting a PAYG withholding variation, a property investor’s expected tax refund for the financial year is estimated. This allows their employer to take less tax out of their wages. As can be seen in the example, a PAYG withholding variation will provide added flexibility for a property investor. Having access to the extra money during the year makes it easier to manage cash flow, especially when there can be surprise costs such as urgent repairs or maintenance. The additional income also gives the owner the option to invest the extra money or reduce loan liabilities. It is important to note that submitting a PAYG withholding variation does not replace a normal tax return. A tax return still needs to be filed at the end of the year to calculate the actual amount of tax liability. Claim missed deductions If you have not previously claimed depreciation deductions on your investment property, the ATO allows you to recoup missed payments for past financial years by adjusting your tax return. This is particularly useful for first time investors who were previously unaware of depreciation deductions. It is always advisable to stay on top of your finances by claiming deductions in the applicable year, as delaying your claim will only add extra confusion and stress to your next tax return. Ordering your tax depreciation schedule before 30 June is important if you want to maximise your returns and keep your finances on track. If you have any questions about claiming depreciation, contact the expert team at BMT Tax Depreciation on 1300 728 726 or Request a Quote.

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The capital gains tax implications of inheriting an investment property

BMT team — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 04:17:36 +0000

Property inheritance is the transfer of property to an heir or beneficiary upon the death of an owner. There are various tax implications triggered when inheriting an investment property, particularly where capital gains tax (CGT) is concerned. In the instance that an inherited property is sold immediately, the tax implications will be determined by factors around the date of acquisition and the type of use of the property by the previous owner from whom it was inherited. In this article BMT outlines the CGT implications of four different scenarios including: inheriting a property that was a main residence and selling it immediately inheriting an investment property and selling it immediately inheriting an investment property and living in inheriting an investment property and keeping it as an investment property Scenario 1: Inheriting a property that was a main residence and selling it immediately Let’s say that a beneficiary has inherited a property from a deceased family member and decides to sell the property rather than keep it. Will capital gains tax apply? Well, that will depend on the purpose of the property and the date the deceased acquired the property. The property will be exempt from CGT if: • the property was the main dwelling (i.e., was not used to produce income) from the time the deceased acquired the property until their death, and is sold by the beneficiary within two years • from the time the deceased died, the property was used only as the main residence of at least one of the following people: – the spouse of the deceased immediately before their death (but not a spouse who was permanently separated from the deceased) – a person who has a right to occupy the property under the deceased’s will – the beneficiary, if they dispose of the property as a beneficiary. If the property was used to produce income, i.e., it was an investment property, the property is not fully exempt. However, the beneficiary could qualify for a partial exemption. Scenario 2: Inheriting an investment property and selling it immediately Let’s now say a beneficiary has inherited a property which was used to produce an income – and never as a main residence. In this scenario the full CGT applies when selling. But if the inherited property was used as both a main residence and as an investment property, then a partial CGT exemption may apply. The partial exemption is calculated as follows: Capital gain (A) × non-main residence days (B) ÷ total days (C) = capital gain or loss (D) ExampleSally inherited her grandmother’s rental property which she sold immediately, resulting in a capital gain of $400,000 (A). The house was owned by Sally’s grandmother for twenty years (C), twelve (B) of which was used to produce an income. Sally will need to pay CGT on the time the property was income producing but will be eligible for an exemption for the time it was a main residence and will qualify for the fifty per cent discount as it was owned for longer than twelve months.The capital gain is calculated as follows: $400,000 × 4,380 days ÷ 7,300 days = $240,000 A B C DThe fifty per cent discount is calculated as follows: $240,000 x 50% = $120,000 A capital gain of $120,000 is then taxed at Sally’s marginal tax rate. In instances where an inherited property was used both as a rental and a main residence, but was the deceased’s main residence right before their death and disposed of within two years, the property is exempt from CGT. For inherited properties that were previously inherited a different tax implication applies. The formula for calculating the partial main residence exemption is adjusted if the deceased also acquired the property on or after 20 September 1985 as a beneficiary (or trustee) of a deceased estate. The main residence exemption is calculated according to the number of days the property was the main residence of the current owner and the previous beneficiaries. It’s important to note the main residence exemption is generally not available to foreign residents or if the deceased was a foreign resident. Scenario 3: Inheriting an investment property and living in it There are partial CGT exemptions available to people who inherit investment properties and live in them as their main residence. A person who inherits an investment property can claim the days the property was not used to produce an income under the main residence exemption in the event of selling. ExampleTom inherited a property from his father (James) which James used as a rental property for eight years. Tom lived in the property for ten years after taking ownership, which makes it his main residence. He is therefore eligible for the main residence exemption. Tom decides to sell the property after ten years of living in it, resulting in a capital gain of $350,000.The main residence exemption is calculated as follows: Capital gain × non-main residence days ÷ total days = capital gain or loss$350,000 × 2,920 ÷ 6,570 = $155,555 As Tom owned the property for longer than twelve months, he is also entitled to the fifty per cent discount. $155,555 x 50% = $77,777.50 In this scenario Tom will pay CGT on the $77,777.50 at his marginal tax rate instead of $350,000 under the main residence exemption and the fifty per cent discount. Scenario 4: Inheriting an investment property and keeping it as an investment property In scenarios where the new owner wants to continue using their inherited property as a rental property, a different set of tax implications and benefits apply. If the property was used as a main residence at any stage of ownership, it may be eligible for a partial exemption. The fifty per cent CGT discount will also apply in this scenario if the property is owned for […]

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Property Market Update 2024

BMT team — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 23:34:44 +0000

2023 was a year filled with more than its fair share of challenges, but Australians are tough and the property market was resilient in the face of multiple interest rate hikes and hesitant investor sentiment. Residential home prices across Australia grew by 7% over the year to November 2023, with dwelling prices in the combined capital cities peaking in May, slowing again towards the end of 2023 and settling at 8.2% growth over the year. In contrast residential property values in regional areas showed slower growth, at a rate of 3.4% over the past year. Interest Rates As expected, interest rates continued to rise and many fixed-term mortgage rate loans came to an end, putting some Australians under mortgage stress. Despite these pressures, residential house prices continued to grow, due to the continued imbalance between housing availability and strong demand. This housing imbalance has also impacted the rental market with national rental increases averaging 8.1% over the past year. Despite these increases in rental values, rental yields have shown much smaller growth rates due to interest rate hikes impacting mortgage repayments. Loan Approvals First time loan approvals have increased by 11.8% over the past year, but investor lending was still strong, comprising of more than a third of total approved loans across Australia in 2023. Rising interest rates have done little to slow down the residential property market outlook in most parts of Australia, with monthly sales volumes trending higher than the five-year average despite rising house prices and tighter lending. This upward trend in residential property prices is forecast to continue well into 2024 due to the housing shortage. Investment in alternative property classes will continue to grow in the year ahead. The return of international students is expected to stimulate the demand for student housing and Build-to-rent investment opportunities. Recovery in tourism will also boost consumer demand and growth in the hotel and short-term accommodation market. In line with this predicted growth, we at BMT have seen 15% growth in tax depreciation schedule orders for hotels and motels, affirming the expansion of this sector. Commercial Property Commercial property investors will remain focused on attracting top tenants who are prepared to pay for prime location and amenities, reinforcing the ‘flight to quality’ trend. BMT Tax Depreciation Schedule orders in the industrial sector have grown by 8% while the embattled office sector has shown a 6% decline in the request for tax depreciation schedules in line with market trends. BMT News Overall, it was a challenging but positive year for BMT. We completed more than 40,000 depreciation schedules in 2023, earning our clients hundreds of millions in tax deductions. In 2024 we will have completed close to 1 million depreciation schedules across Australia; an accomplishment that solidifies our position as the number one choice in tax depreciation. In 2023 the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors released a white paper validating our approach to property depreciation, insisting that a site inspection by an expert quantity surveyor remains the most reliable way to maximise the depreciation deductions on an investment property. They have also encouraged our industry to move away from referral fees, a practice that BMT has always avoided. Video link We look forward to another great year of partnering with you at BMT. To maximise the tax depreciations on your investment property Request a quote.

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When do you need a depreciation schedule for your rental property?

BMT team — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 17:20:09 +0000

We know that depreciation is the natural wear and tear of property and assets over time. And in good news, investors just like you can claim it as a tax deduction that could result in thousands of dollars back at tax time. What is a tax depreciation schedule and who needs one? A tax depreciation schedule is a document prepared by a specialist quantity surveyor. This schedule outlines every depreciation deduction available throughout the lifetime of the property. If you own a rental property that is eligible for depreciation, you should get a tax depreciation schedule, or at least a depreciation estimate, to help with your decision. This will allow you to claim depreciation deductions each financial year when lodging your tax return, so you pay less tax. When do you need a depreciation schedule? Ideally, you will get a tax depreciation schedule after you make an investment property genuinely available for rent but before the end of the financial year. This is important because depreciation is only available for properties that are genuinely available as a rental. However, you can still obtain a depreciation estimate prior to this so you have a better idea of the likely deductions available. Getting this done before your first tax lodgement after the purchase of the investment property will ensure you can claim depreciation as soon as possible. This will provide a much-needed cash flow boost after your finances take the hit from the upfront costs of purchasing the property. What happens if you get a tax depreciation schedule later? Let’s say you purchased and rented out the property from the start of the 2021/2022 financial year but have only just realised you can claim depreciation. The good news is that it’s not too late to claim back dollars in missed deductions. A tax depreciation schedule will give you the information needed to back-claim missed deductions in a compliant way. How far back the claim can go varies. The schedule always starts from when you purchased the property and the ATO will usually allow you to back-claim for at least two years, sometimes more. The schedule gives figures for your accountant to amend previous tax returns, so you can adjust the taxable income with the applicable depreciation deductions for the given financial year. Do you need a new tax depreciation schedule after a renovation? This answer depends on the nature of the renovation. A substantial renovation can include removing and rebuilding entire parts of a property so it may need a new schedule. A cosmetic renovation like renovating a kitchen, retiling a bathroom or replacing a hot water system will only need an update to the current schedule. BMT Tax Depreciation can easily make updates to their existing schedules to ensure any addition or renovation is included where depreciation is concerned. Now that you know why and when a tax depreciation schedule is needed to maximise cash from your investment property, contact BMT on 1300 728 726 or Request a Quote today.

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5 ways to improve commercial property performance

BMT team — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 05:12:21 +0000

Businesses are finding themselves in a position where improving the performance of their commercial property is paramount. Improving the performance of a commercial property can lead to an increase in value, better occupancy rates, and a healthier bottom line. In this article, BMT Tax Depreciation explore how to increase commercial property performance and how claiming depreciation can help businesses recoup costs. 1. Renovate Renovating and completing upgrades is the most effective way to increase commercial property value. Upgrades may include new flooring, painting, fixtures or perhaps a complete rebuild of the building’s structure. Renovating will increase the value of a property and boost rental demand and rental return. Businesses should consider completing smart renovations which appeal to a large cohort of tenants and will deliver a high return on the investment. It’s important to discuss any upgrades with a commercial real estate professional to ensure that the works will increase returns. 2. Improve energy efficiency Improving energy efficiency can save on overhead costs, reduce environmental impacts and attract quality tenants. Switching to energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, can help reduce energy consumption and costs. Businesses can also install sensors and timers to ensure that lights are turned off when not in use. Other improvements can include insulation, upgrading appliances, solar panels, improving water storage, airtight window sealing and improving material selection. Where possible, renovating buildings to use natural lighting and ventilation, utilising green roofs and walls, and using environmentally friendly materials will significantly improve sustainable practices and energy efficiency. 3. Utilise government depreciation incentives Businesses who own and operate commercial buildings can take advantage of the various incentives introduced by the Australian Government to boost performance. Under the extended Instant Asset Write-Off, businesses with an aggregated turnover of less than $10 million can claim an immediate deduction for new or second-hand assets added to a building costing less than $20,000 on a per-asset basis. Owners can enhance their cash flow by accelerating deductions and seize the opportunity to carry out asset upgrades that might otherwise be unfeasible. 4. Introduce new amenities Introducing new amenities to a commercial property can be an effective way to add value to the property. Installing amenities such as new bathrooms, kitchens, fitness centres, cafés, accessible parking and transportation, an outdoor space and security measures will add value and likely attract high end tenants. 5. Claim depreciation Depreciation is a tax deduction available for the natural wear and tear of an income-producing property and the assets within it. Claiming depreciation allows commercial property owners and tenants to lower potential taxation liabilities while also improving cash flow. Increasing the value of a commercial property requires a multifaceted approach. Businesses can maximise the depreciation deductions they claim by engaging a quantity surveyor to prepare a tax depreciation schedule. Quantity Surveyors, such as BMT Tax Depreciation, are one of the few recognised professionals with the training to identify and accurately calculate construction costs. BMT has streamlined its commercial process to guarantee that both property owners and tenants can claim the highest possible deductions in full compliance with regulations. Additionally, BMT diligently applies relevant government incentives, maximising the benefits available to clients. If you’re considering upgrading a commercial property or don’t yet have a commercial tax depreciation schedule, call BMT on 1300 728 726 or Request a Quote.

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Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance of the premises?

BMT team — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 05:15:44 +0000

A rental property must always be in a suitable state for tenants to live in. While a rental property doesn’t need to be in perfect condition, a landlord must keep it in a reasonable state of repair considering its age and the rent charged. Tenants, too, have a responsibility to keep the property in a state of cleanliness considering the state of the property when the tenancy began. Occasionally disputes arise, leaving people to wonder, who is responsible for repairs and maintenance of the premises – the landlord or the tenant? Here is a rundown of some of the things that are commonly contested. Pest control Fire safety Gardens Plumbing Pest control Is pest control the responsibility of a landlord or tenant? It is a landlord’s responsibility to ensure their rental property meets the standards of health and safety laws. Meanwhile, the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 states that tenants must take reasonable care of and keep the premises reasonably clean. Generally, a landlord is accountable for pest and vermin issues at the beginning of a tenancy, and a tenant is responsible after they move in. But of course, there are exceptions. Say a cockroach infestation is caused by a hole in the wall and not the tenant’s lack of cleanliness. In this case, the tenant may not be held responsible for eradication. However, if the infestation is due to the tenant failing to remove rubbish, then the eradication would likely fall on the tenant. In the event of a dispute, other factors that could determine who is responsible for pest control on the premises include the history of the property, what is recorded in the condition report, and if there were factors beyond the tenant’s control. Fire safety Smoke alarm rules vary across Australia, but generally they must meet Australian Standards. Landlords are obliged to fit their rental property with compliant smoke alarms as defined by the relevant state or territory legislation. Failure to do so can result in penalties. To find out more about smoke alarm legislation, read Australian smoke alarms regulations and rules for landlords. Gardens Living in a rental property with a beautiful garden can be great, but gardens require maintenance to keep them looking good. Yard work such as mowing, edging and weeding is usually the responsibility of the tenant, unless the tenancy agreement states otherwise. Major works such as tree lopping or hedges that require specialist upkeep are normally the responsibility of the landlord. Outdoor area maintenance arrangements should be listed in the tenancy agreement and noted in the entry and exit condition reports. Plumbing The upkeep of plumbing is a frequent point of contention. Essentially, both landlords and tenants play a part in the maintenance of plumbing in a rental property. It is the landlord’s job to ensure the property’s plumbing is in a safe state and suitable for tenants. And once a tenant has signed the tenancy agreement, it is up to them to take good care of the property and maintain the functional aspects including plumbing. This means that the tenant should be diligent in preventing issues like blockages by keeping the property clean and not flushing things down drains. Again, all the requirements around who will take responsibility for the issues that may arise during the tenancy term – and each person’s rights – should be laid out in the Residential Tenancy Agreement. In the case of an emergency such as a burst water pipe or broken toilet, the landlord should be called to contact a plumber. If the plumber finds the issue was caused by tenant negligence, it would be the tenant’s responsibility to pay for the work. If the landlord or real estate agent cannot be contacted or can’t attend to any urgent repairs in a suitable timeframe, the tenant can arrange the repairs. It is advisable the tenant doesn’t pay more than $1,000 as the landlord is only required to pay for any reasonable costs up to this amount. The tenant must give the landlord or agent written notice about the repairs, costs and copies of receipts. The landlord is obliged to pay this within 14 days of notice. BMT’s Rate Finder calculator finds the effective life and depreciable rate of plant and equipment assets for rental properties which can assist with disputes over damaged assets and maintenance and replacement scheduling. Call BMT on 1300 728 726 for more information.

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Claiming depreciation on your rental property

BMT team — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 02:05:17 +0000

Imagine buying a lottery ticket that won you almost $9,000. It would be pretty amazing, wouldn’t it? Think of all the things you could do with the additional money – pay off debt, buy that new lounge, renovate the bathroom. What if we told you that on average residential rental property investors can claim this amount in depreciation deductions in the first financial year alone, but around 80 per cent fail to do so. This is because depreciation is a non-cash deduction, meaning that unlike expenses such as interest and property management fees, an investor doesn’t have to spend money to be eligible to claim it. As a result, it’s often missed. If you haven’t been claiming depreciation on your rental property, here are some fast facts to help you better understand what it is and what you can claim. In this article, we will answer the following questions: What is rental property depreciation? What are capital works deductions? What are plant and equipment assets? What are the 2017 legislation changes and why do they matter? What rental properties benefit most from depreciation? Should you get a tax depreciation schedule following a rental property renovation? Can you claim depreciation on a fully renovated rental property? How can you claim depreciation on a rental property? What is rental property depreciation? As a property gets older, the building’s structure and the assets within it wear out – they depreciate. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows owners of residential rental properties to claim this depreciation as a tax deduction. Depreciation can be claimed under two categories – capital works and plant and equipment assets. What are capital works deductions? Capital works deductions relate to claims for the wear and tear that occurs to the structure of the rental property and any fixed items like the roof, walls, doors and kitchen cupboards. Owners of residential property that commenced construction after 15 September 1987 are eligible to claim capital works deductions. These deductions can be claimed at a rate of 2.5 per cent per year for forty years. If your rental property was constructed before this date, you should still enquire about the depreciation deduction available as often these buildings have undergone some form of renovation which can result in capital works deductions. What are plant and equipment assets? Plant and equipment assets refer to the easily removable fixtures and fittings found within a rental property. Common examples include carpet, blinds, air-conditioners, hot water systems and smoke alarms. Depreciation deductions for these assets are calculated based on their individual effective life as set by the ATO. Unlike capital works deductions, depreciation for plant and equipment assets was affected by the 2017 legislation amendments. What are the 2017 legislation changes and why do they matter? Legislation passed in November 2017 brought about major changes to residential plant and equipment depreciation claims. These changes are important because they affect the amount of depreciation you can claim. Under current legislation, owners of second-hand residential properties who exchanged contracts after 7:30pm on 9 May 2017 cannot claim deductions for previously used plant and equipment assets. You can still claim depreciation for any brand-new plant and equipment assets you purchase and install in the property once it is income producing. For example, if you purchase a new hot water system while your property is being leased, you are entitled to claim depreciation for this asset. What rental properties benefit most from depreciation? While almost all residential property investors are able to claim depreciation, given the 2017 legislation those who build or buy brand new rental property will usually claim higher deductions. However, any residential property that has either been built or renovated since 1987 will have a structural claim that will give ongoing deductions for forty years. I want to renovate my rental property. Should I get a depreciation schedule? If you’re considering renovating your rental property, it’s important to have a tax depreciation schedule prepared. There may be substantial depreciation deductions available for structural elements and plant and equipment assets removed during the renovation. A process known as scrapping allows investors to claim any undeducted entitlements for eligible assets in the year the items are removed. It’s important to note that if you live in the rental property while renovating, any newly installed plant and equipment assets will be classed as previously used. This means the assets cannot be claimed. Unless there is good reason, you should only install new plant and equipment assets after you have move out of the rental property and it is available for lease. This will ensure you can claim maximum depreciation deductions. I bought my rental property fully renovated. Can I claim depreciation for the renovation? If a rental property is considered to have been substantially renovated by the previous owner for selling purposes, you can claim depreciation on the new plant and equipment assets along with any qualifying capital works deductions available. It must qualify as a substantial renovation, not just cosmetic. A Quantity Surveyor will estimate anything in the property that is part of a previous renovation and calculate the deductions accordingly. This includes items that may not be so obvious, such as new plumbing, waterproofing and updated electrical wiring. For capital improvements to qualify for the division 43 building write-off, construction must have commenced within specific qualifying dates. Doesn’t my accountant calculate depreciation for my rental property? No. Specialist quantity surveyors such as BMT Tax Depreciation are one of the few select professionals recognised by the ATO under Tax Ruling 97/25 as having the skills to estimate construction costs for depreciation purposes. BMT Tax Depreciation often works alongside your accountant to provide the tax depreciation schedule for your property. How can I claim depreciation on my rental property? The easiest and best way to claim depreciation on your rental property is to get a tax depreciation schedule prepared for the property. BMT Tax Depreciation specialise in maximising depreciation deductions for property investors, […]

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Commercial property tax deductions for owners

BMT team — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 16:30:48 +0000

Navigating the world of commercial property investment isn’t always easy. Investors must consider economic factors like population growth and demand to work out if it’s worthwhile investing in a commercial property. As with residential investment, there are many ongoing expenses involved with owning a commercial property which can sometimes deter investors from making the leap into commercial property investment. It is important to be aware of the deductions available to investors which make holding a property much more affordable. Here are some common commercial property tax deductions available to investors. Contents Maintenance and management costs Depreciation Depreciation: capital works Depreciation: plant and equipment Renovations BMT are the commercial depreciation experts Maintenance and management costs According to legislation governed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), commercial property owners can claim deductions for related expenses for the period their properties are rented or available for rent. Owners can claim an immediate deduction for any expenses relating to the maintenance or management of their property. This may include things like interest on loan repayments, leasing agent fees, council rates, air conditioning repairs, water leaks, cracked tiling or replacing smoke alarms. Depreciation Depreciation is a lucrative deduction available to owners of income-producing properties. As a building and its contained assets age, they depreciate in value. ATO-governed legislation allows owners of investment properties to claim a tax deduction for this wear and tear called depreciation. Owners can claim under two different categories, capital works or division 43 and plant and equipment or division 40. Depreciation: capital works Capital works is the deduction for the building’s structure and any permanently fixed assets. It is commonly referred to as building write-off and can be claimed at either 2.5 per cent over forty years or 4 per cent over twenty five years depending on the property’s construction commencement date. For more information, read BMT Tax Depreciation’s tax depreciation overview. Commercial properties qualify for capital works deductions if construction started after the 20th of July 1982. Examples of qualifying capital works assets include roofs, bricks, mortar, wiring, walls, windows, flooring and other permanently fixed assets. Depreciation: plant and equipment Owners can also claim for plant and equipment assets they own or those which are left behind by tenants. Plant and equipment refers to assets that can be easily removed from the property and includes items like rangehoods, ovens, carpets and air conditioning. Plant and equipment depreciation is calculated based on each asset’s individual effective life as determined by the ATO. Effective life and depreciation rates for commercial and residential assets can be found on BMT Tax Depreciation’s Rate Finder tool. Renovations Commercial property owners can claim depreciation for renovations on their properties including those completed by previous owners. This includes things which may not be so obvious, like updated plumbing, water-proofing and wiring. For renovations of a structural nature to qualify for capital works deductions, they must have commenced within the qualifying dates set by the ATO. BMT are the commercial depreciation experts To maximise the depreciation claim for your commercial investment property, it’s important to engage specialist Quantity Surveyors such as BMT for a tax depreciation schedule. BMT is the largest and most successful tax depreciation company in Australia with extensive experience in creating comprehensive, ATO-compliant schedules. BMT has prepared tax depreciation schedules for commercial properties ranging from primary production, manufacturing, retail centres, mining, office towers, medical centres, traveller accommodation and many more. Find our more about BMT Tax Depreciation’s extensive experience with our Commercial Capability Statement. If you’re considering commercial property investment, contact BMT on 1300 728 726. Alternatively, if you need a quote for your existing commercial property, request a quote here.

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