June 30, 2023 | 6 min read
Summary: Here, we have outlined some key mechanisms that can help maximise your investment property tax deductions.
Key takeaways
Investing in real estate has long been a popular choice for Australians seeking to build wealth and secure their financial future. Apart from potential capital gains and rental income, investment property owners in Australia can also benefit from various tax deductions. These deductions can significantly reduce the tax liability associated with owning and operating an investment property.
Here, we have outlined the key mechanisms available to investment property owners in Australia to help maximising deductions.
One of the most significant investment property tax deductions available to Australian property investors is the ability to claim interest expenses and loan costs associated with financing their investment property. This deduction applies to the interest paid on the loan used to purchase or maintain the property. Additionally, costs such as loan establishment fees, mortgage broker fees, and refinancing costs can also be claimed.
It is important to note that deductions for interest expenses are only applicable to the portion of the loan used for investment purposes. If the loan is for a combination of personal and investment purposes, the interest deduction should be apportioned accordingly.
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows property investors to claim tax deductions for the depreciation of both the building structure (capital works deduction) and the assets within the property (plant and equipment deduction, which includes items such as dishwashers, fridges, and air conditioning units).
To help maximise depreciation deductions, engaging a qualified quantity surveyor who can prepare a depreciation schedule can be helpful. This schedule will outline the depreciable value of each asset and provide a detailed breakdown of the deductions available over the lifespan of the property. By claiming depreciation, investors can offset the costs associated with the gradual deterioration of their property against their taxable income.
Investment property owners can deduct expenses incurred for repairs and maintenance of their property. These expenses include plumbing repairs, electrical work, painting, and general upkeep to ensure the property is in a habitable condition for tenants. The costs associated with pest control and prevention measures, such as termite treatments, can also be claimed as a deduction.
Note that whilst expenses for repairs and maintenance are deductible, improvements and renovations are not. Keeping accurate records of all repair and maintenance expenses is essential as evidence that those costs correspond to the amount being claimed, and as proof that the works actually took place, if subsequently requested by the ATO.
Engaging a property manager to handle the day-to-day operations of an investment property is common among landlords. The fees paid to property management companies or agents are fully deductible. These fees cover tasks such as tenant selection, rent collection, property inspections, and dealing with maintenance requests. By outsourcing property management, investors can save time and also benefit from a tax deduction for these associated costs.
Insurance is a vital component of property investment, providing protection against potential risks such as fire, theft, or damage caused by natural disasters. The premiums paid for landlord insurance, building insurance, and contents insurance are all tax-deductible.
Council rates cover the cost of local services such as rubbish collection and disposal, street maintenance, and public lighting. Land tax is a state-based tax on the value of land that exceeds a certain threshold.
Council rates and land tax are obligatory payments that property owners must make, but both payments are deductible.
Strata fees can be included as part of your overall property expenses when calculating your taxable rental income. These fees are considered a legitimate expense associated with owning and renting out the property.
It's important to note that strata fees can only be claimed for the portion that relates to the investment property itself. If the property is used for personal purposes, a deduction can only be claimed for the portion that is attributable to the income-producing use.
Additionally, accurate records must be kept of the strata fees paid, as well as any other associated expenses, to support a claim.
When looking for new tenants, property owners often incur advertising and marketing costs to promote their rental property. These expenses - including online listings, newspaper advertisements, and signage - are generally tax-deductible. Again, it is essential to keep a record of these expenses to claim them accurately when lodging tax returns, and for evidence in the event of an audit.
When selling an investment property, there are potential CGT concessions available for holding the property for more than 12 months, such as the 50 percent discount on capital gains or the ability to defer the CGT by reinvesting in another qualifying property.
Negative gearing is a tax strategy that allows investors to claim investment property tax deductions for any losses incurred from owning an investment property.
The concept of negative gearing applies when the expenses associated with the property, such as mortgage interest payments, property management fees, maintenance costs, and insurance, exceed the rental income generated by the property. The tax deduction can be applied against your other assessable income, like salary or wages.
Understanding the available tax deductions for investment properties in Australia is essential if you are to maximise the financial benefits of property investment. By taking advantage of deductions, investors can significantly reduce their tax liability.
To ensure compliance, as well as to ensuring that all eligible deductions are being claimed, it is recommended that investors consult a qualified tax professional or accountant who specialises in property investment. They can provide personalised advice based on an investors specific circumstance and help navigate the complex regulatory landscape.
By adopting a proactive approach and maintaining accurate records of all expenses, investment property owners can optimise their tax position and enhance the overall returns of their investment property portfolio.
Note: the ATO will now receive data direct from insurers and banks to confirm landlord insurance premiums and loan interest payments. It’s therefore critical to keep accurate records of all your expenses.
Have questions? Start the conversation with one of our friendly finance coaches.
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This article has been prepared by NULIS Nominees (Australia) Limited ABN 80 008 515 633 AFSL 236465 (NULIS) as trustee of the MLC Super Fund ABN 70 732 426 024. NULIS is part of the Insignia Financial group of companies comprising Insignia Financial Ltd ABN 49 100 103 722 and its related bodies corporate (‘Insignia Financial Group’). The information in this article is current as at November 2023 and may be subject to change. This information may constitute general advice. The information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions based on this information. It is recommended that you consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before you make any decisions about your superannuation. You can obtain the latest copy of the PDS (or other disclosure documents) and TMD by calling us on 132 652 or by searching for the applicable product at mlc.com.au. You should not rely on this article to determine your personal tax obligations. Please consult a registered tax agent for this purpose. Opinions constitute our judgement at the time of issue. The case study examples (if any) provided in this article have been included for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon for decision making. Subject to terms implied by law and which cannot be excluded, neither NULIS nor any member of the Insignia Financial Group accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in the information in this communication.