Are you a property investor who has completed renovations, upgraded or updated assets? If so, you may be making a costly mistake by not updating your tax depreciation schedule. 

Many property investors are under the misconception that depreciation is not available on older second-hand properties. However, BMT has found that two-thirds of second-hand properties undergo some form of addition or renovation and therefore will contain depreciable assets. 

Completing renovations, upgrades or replacing assets then updating a schedule is a way owners of second-hand properties can claim otherwise non-qualifying deductions and boost cash flow. 

Renovations and upgrades can yield their owners thousands of dollars in deductions every year. Failing to update a schedule can mean forfeiting these deductions. By updating a schedule, investors take advantage of potential tax deductions and avoid overestimating the useful life of assets. 

For instance, if you install a brand-new dishwasher and brand-new carpet, they’re eligible for depreciation. But if you don't update your tax depreciation schedule, you won't be able to take advantage of this deduction. 

So, how do you update your tax depreciation schedule? The best way is to work with a qualified quantity surveyor or tax depreciation specialist. They can help you identify which assets are eligible for depreciation and calculate the correct depreciation rates.

While not essential when updating a schedule, it’s important to keep hold of receipts and documentation of all updates and upgrades so costs, dates and items can be recollected or used as proof in the event of an audit. 

For investors with a tax depreciation schedule prepared by BMT Tax Depreciation, updating is a simple process and can be and can be done online via MyBMT or over the phone.

Once an investor has contacted BMT or put through an update via the online portal, BMT will contact the investor to confirm the cost, date and details of the upgrade. Depending on what upgrades are completed will determine the cost involved in updating their schedule. For instance, if new light fixtures and a new security system are installed, this doesn’t generally require a site inspection and could be free or incur a small fee to update. Whereas, if an investor has knocked out walls or demolished and renovated a kitchen, this requires a site inspection and will incur a larger fee. 

Fortunately, fees of ordering or updating a tax depreciation schedule are fully tax-deductible in the year the cost is incurred.  

BMT Tax Depreciation is the industry’s leading expert in depreciation with over twenty years of experience and over 800,000 schedules completed. 

To update your BMT schedule, visit MYBMT or call a helpful 1300 728 726 or if you don’t have one, Request a Quote. 

Tax depreciation schedules provide property investors with a forty-year forecast of all the deductions within the property. 

The information provided in this article is of general use only and should not be used as a quote or advice. BMT recommend consulting an accountant before making financial decisions. Contact BMT for a specialised tax depreciation schedule. 

Related Reading:

Prepare for 2023 by claiming depreciation - BMT

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Ways to build your investment property portfolio - BMT