Australian Government has rage of tax related programs which can help you to save money as a business owner or employee working from home. Older Australians or people with disabilities are entitled for capital gains tax exemption. Check below for more detailed information.
Working from a cabin in your own backyard has more benefits than escaping traffic and enjoying a slower morning routine, as a separate home office space could be 100% tax-deductible. Small business owners can write-off an asset costing less than $150,000 instantly and the employees working from home can also claim expenses related to their work.
Instant asset write-off for Business
The Australian Government is assisting businesses by raising the asset threshold that can be instantly written off as a business expense from $30,000 to $150,000 for each asset.
So, if you have a business with an aggregated turnover of less than $500 million and if you can prove your asset is:
- work-related and
- costs less than $150,000 and
- Purchased, installed and ready for use until June 30, 2023.
You are eligible to use simplified depreciation rules and claim the immediate deduction.
As this Tax scheme excludes buildings, for a cabin to be classed as a ‘Plant and Equipment’, it would have to be a free-standing unit attached to the premise only for the cabin’s temporary stability. Building a cabin as a demountable or non-fixture structure will have no implications on Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in the future when you sell your home.
Most of YZY Kit Homes backyard cabins in sizes of up to 20 m² will fit this tax scheme costing as low as $19,500 for a small cabin kit or fully installed 20m² cabin within $58,000 price range. As well as an office, cabins can also be useful for business-related storage shed, a workshop, maybe a portable gallery or space as a work-related purchase. Talk to your nearest cabins builder about the many possibilities. But before making enquiries, check with your accountant for professional advice first.
Find your perfect backyard workspace today – explore our range of stunning cabin designs and pick your favorite!
If you own a small business and need more space to improve your business, building a backyard cabin could be justified just like the other six most surprising items businesses claimed under the scheme. As long as you can adequately explain the usage of the item is work-related, even the latest Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo games consoles, children’s pillows, doona covers and pyjamas, decorative wall hangings, bedding and night lights can be legitimately claimed.
It is a good chance to take advantage of the tax incentive and write off up to $150,000 per asset from this fiscal year. The cabin must be constructed by June 30, 2023.
Get inspired for your own backyard office, check out our Home Office case studies now!
Tax deductions for employees
If you are an employee and are working from your backyard home office, work-related expenses may be claimed to reduce your income tax. Work-related expenses include the cost of using equipment and utilities. If you have an outdoor cabin built as a demountable structure, it may be classed as a piece of equipment and depreciated over time.
When using your separate backyard home office space for work only, you may be able to fully claim costs of the decline in value of other equipment and furniture in your workspace. Also, other expenses such as electricity and gas for heating, cooling and lighting, phone and internet and other running expenses, including computer consumables (such as printer paper, ink) and stationery.
But first, get professional advice specific to your circumstances to make sure you can reduce your tax with having a home office built in your backyard.
Capital Gains Tax exemption for granny flats
From 1st of July, 2021 The Government announced capital gains tax (CGT) exemption for granny flat arrangements to support older Australians and those with a disability. This change will apply to agreements between family members or other personal ties, but will not apply to rental granny flat arrangements. This measure is aimed at reducing the risk of abuse to vulnerable Australians in cases like family breakdown by removing the CGT impediments.
Get in touch with your nearest builder for more information and get help starting your project now!
Information sources
For older Australians or people with disabilities
CGT exemptions set to apply to granny flat arrangements: https://www.accountantsdaily.com.au/tax-compliance/14904-cgt-exemptions-set-to-apply-to-granny-flat-arrangements
Supporting older Australians – exempting granny flat arrangements from capital gains tax: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/capital-gains-tax/property-and-capital-gains-tax/granny-flat-arrangements-and-cgt/
For Business
Instant asset write-off expansion: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/30000-Instant-Asset-WriteOff
Instant asset write-off for eligible businesses: https://www.ato.gov.au/Business/Depreciation-and-capital-expenses-and-allowances/Simpler-depreciation-for-small-business/Instant-asset-write-off/
Businesses given beefed-up asset write-off in $300m expansion: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/businesses-given-beefed-up-asset-write-off-in-300m-expansion-20200608-p550j3.html
Deductions you can claim: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/income-deductions-offsets-and-records/deductions-you-can-claim/
Home Office Deductions: https://oneclicklife.com.au/tax-return/
For Employees
Working from home deduction changes for 2022-23: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/income-deductions-offsets-and-records/deductions-you-can-claim/how-to-claim-deductions/
Disclaimer
Information in this article is a general in nature and does not take into account your situation, is not a substitute for professional advice. You must not rely on the information in this article as an alternative to legal advice from your accountant, registered tax agent or other professional legal services provider. Please consult with a professional tax agent before the purchase.