Buying a new ute, welder or set of tools? Check whether it qualifies for an immediate deduction under the instant asset write-off — and see the real tax it saves you.
Track tools, vehicles and equipment against your jobs in traqR so you know exactly what you’ve bought, what it’s worth and what it’s costing to run.
Start free trialOnly the business-use share of an asset is deductible. A $14,000 ute used 90% for work gives a $12,600 deductible cost.
If the asset costs less than the write-off threshold, the whole business portion can be deducted immediately in the year you first use it.
The deduction reduces your taxable income, so the real benefit is the deduction times your tax rate — that’s the cash the purchase saves you at tax time.
It lets eligible small businesses immediately deduct the full business-use cost of an asset in the year it’s first used or installed ready for use, instead of depreciating it over several years. It brings the tax benefit forward and improves cash flow when you invest in tools, vehicles or equipment.
The threshold is set year by year and has moved around. A $20,000 per-asset limit (for businesses with turnover under $10 million) applied to recent income years, and extensions are often announced at budget time. Because it changes and can be subject to legislation, confirm the exact threshold for your income year with the ATO or your accountant — the field is editable so you can enter it.
No — it’s a deduction, not a rebate. It reduces your taxable income, so the benefit is the deduction multiplied by your tax rate. A $12,600 deduction at a 25% company rate saves $3,150 in tax; the asset still costs you the rest. Never buy gear you don’t need just for the deduction.
It can’t be written off instantly. Small businesses can instead add it to a general small business pool and deduct 15% in the first year and 30% each year after, or use standard depreciation. This tool estimates the pooled first-year deduction when you’re over the threshold.
Yes. Passenger vehicles are subject to the car limit for depreciation and GST purposes, which caps the amount you can write off regardless of the price you pay. Utes and vans designed to carry heavy loads may be treated differently. Check the current car limit with your accountant if you’re buying a vehicle.
This calculator is a general estimate, not tax advice. Eligibility depends on your turnover, the income year, when the asset is first used, the car limit and other rules that change frequently. Confirm the current threshold and your eligibility with the ATO and your accountant before relying on a deduction.
Track tools, vehicles and equipment against your jobs in traqR so you always know what you own and what it costs to run. Try it free for 14 days.