Frequently Asked Quesitons

What does ATR Tax Depreciation Schedule include?

Why choose ATR Building Consulting?

Six good reasons to choose us:

• ATR depreciation specialists are fully qualified quantity surveyors with years experience in various types of buildings. We are also registered with Tax Practitioner Board to comply with all regulations and legislations.
• We provide follow-up services to update any addition or upgrade to your assets after your depreciation is completed.
• All our existing clients will receive 5% discount on their property depreciation schedule.
• Our fee for tax depreciation schedule is 100% immediate tax deductible.
• Money back guarantee that your depreciation will be twice more than our fee in first full year, or your schedule will be free.
• We provide both English and Chinese communication to our clients.

What is the difference between Diminishing Value and Prime Cost Method for plant & equipment depreciation?

Both Diminishing Value and Prime Cost methods are used to work out depreciation on plant and equipment as per Division 40 & 42 ITAA1997. Diminishing value depreciates on previous year balancing value, where as prime cost spread out deduction evenly throughout its effective life.

What is pooling?

There are Low Cost Pool and Low Value Pool. Low Cost Pool applies to items with value less than $300. From 1^st July 2001, Low Value Pool applies to certain plants costing less than $1,000 or having an undeducted cost of less than $1,000, such plants could be allocated in Low Value Pool and depreciate on statutory rates.

Can I claim depreciation on older properties?

Can I claim depreciation on renovations?

Yes, renovations and upgrade completed after 27 Feburary 1992 may have depreciation as per Division 43, you are able to claim the depreciation even if the renovation was done by previous owner.

Why do you need an inspection?

A site inspection is required for qualified quantity surveyors to fully understand and record condition of building and depreciating assets, in order to work out accurate and maximum depreciation results.

Can I still claim depreciation if I bought my investment property four years ago?

Tax return can be reviewed two years after lodging, so you can claim depreciation for previous two years only.

When am I eligible for tax depreciation?

You start claiming the depreciation when your property becomes ready for lease, could be your settlement date or other date down the track.

Does purchase price have impact on the amount of depreciation?

Yes, for second hand properties, cost of plant and equipment will be re-valued under current market condition.

How do you determine construction cost?

As qualified quantity surveyors, we have substantial building cost data and access to construction cost yearly index, which enable us to estimate construction expenditure and renovation cost as at different times.

What is plant & equipment?

There is no court definition of Plant & Equipment, but there are a number of decisions by Administrative Appeals Tribunal ('AAT'). Click here for general classification of plants and capital works (Div 43)

Can my accountant prepare depreciation schedule?

Your accountant is not allowed to estimate the construction costs for properties built after 1985. Tax Ruling 97/25 issue by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has identified Quantity Surveyors as properly qualified to make the appropriate estimate of the construction costs, where those costs are unknown.Real estate agents, Property Managers, Accountants and Valuers are not allowed to make this estimate.

Does tax depreciation have impact on capital gain tax?

The base cost of capital gain will be calculated using your purchase price less capital allowance for held years, regardless whether you have claimed depreciation.

How to order ATR tax depreciation schedule?

We provide hassle free services to our valued clients. Once you place the order of tax depreciation report with us, we will send you the depreciation order form. The only thing you need to do is fill out this form and send back to us. Then we will contact your tenant or agent to arrange inspection and get your depreciation report done within 5 business days after the inspection and payment received.