Media release - 30^th May, 2013

Four out of five property investors short-changed on tax

80% of property investors failing to claim depreciation
On a new two bedroom home costing $400,000, an investor could be missing out on claiming a cumulative $50,000 in depreciation in the first five years
A depreciation schedule costs around $700 and can be claimed as a tax deduction

Investors are missing out on thousands of dollars’ worth of potential tax savings, with 80% failing to claim depreciation on investment properties, according to Raine & Horne and quantity surveying firm, BMT Tax Depreciation.

Angus Raine, CEO of Raine & Horne, is urging property investors to be pro-active about determining depreciation on rental properties before 30 June.

“Many investors do not understand how to properly claim depreciation on residential properties”, said Mr Raine.

“Anecdotal evidence from our network of offices and the experience of BMT Tax Depreciation shows around four out of five landlords overlook this entirely legitimate tax deduction, thereby paying far more in tax than necessary.”

As a guide to the potential tax savings, BMT indicates that an investor could claim cumulative depreciation of approximately $50,000 in the first five years on a new two bedroom unit costing $400,000.

According to Mr Raine, investors can claim building depreciation on a surprisingly broad range of rental property items including: built-in kitchen cupboards; clotheslines; door and window fittings; driveways and garages; fences; and retaining walls and sinks, basins, baths and toilet bowls.

“They can also claim depreciation on carpets, vinyl, and linoleum, as well as hot water systems, heaters, solar panels and air conditioning units,” said Mr Raine.

“Many also forget that blinds, curtains and light fittings are depreciable items, as are security systems.”

Apartment investors may also be able to claim depreciation on common property such as lifts and even gym equipment.

“Landlords can claim between 10-40% annually – sometimes more, on depreciable items and in many cases 2.5% of the building cost can be claimed each year for 40 years,” said Mr Raine.

Having a formal depreciation schedule drafted by a registered quantity surveyor is the best way for landlords to ensure they comply with complex tax laws.

“This one-off expense can cost around $700 but this can also be claimed on tax,” said Mr Raine.

Generous depreciation claims are not restricted to new properties.

“Up to 60% of a new property’s purchase price is potentially tax-deductible over the life of the property,” said Brad Beer, BMT's Managing Director.

“But for established properties it is also possible to back date any missed depreciation costs by two years.

“Seeking professional advice for depreciation on new and old investment properties is crucial. Preparing depreciation reports is a complex process, but a specialist will ensure your claim is maximised every time,” said Mr Beer.

Breakout: Depreciable items

Investors can claim depreciation on a broad range of rental property items including:

Stoves
Exhaust fans
Floating timber floors
Bathroom accessories
Garbage bins
Furniture
Carpets, vinyl, linoleum
Hot water systems, heaters, solar panels and air conditioning units
Blinds, curtains and light fittings
Security systems

-ENDS-

For further media information contact:

Angus Raine, CEO, Raine & Horne on 0409 920 697

Brad Beer Managing Director, BMT Tax Depreciation Quantity Surveyors on 0413 271 777

Andrew Harrington, National Marketing & Communications Coordinator on 02 9258 5400