Case Study

Transforming Cashflow on a New Apartment Purchased for $675,000

By ordering a Duo Tax depreciation schedule and claiming depreciation on her brand new apartment, Martha went from being in a significant negative cash flow situation to being in a far more advantageous one.
Martha chose to live in the property before renting it out, which unfortunately impacted her depreciation deductions. However, brand-new properties generally offer significant tax deductions, so she still ended up saving $3,626.
Here's how.
A New Apartment Purchased for $675,000

The Numbers: Martha’s Investment Property

Here are some figures regarding Martha’s investment property:

Type of Purchase

She purchased a brand-new apartment for $675,000 two years ago and only rented it out six months after living in it.

Rent

Her yearly rental amounted to $27,300 per year – a weekly rental of $525.

Expenses

The property’s expenses amounted to $36,333, covering her interest repayments, management fees, rates and maintenance.

While Martha wasn’t able to claim deductions for the depreciation on the property’s existing plant and equipment (Division 40 assets) due to living in the property before renting it out, she claimed significant depreciation on the property’s capital works (Division 43) deductions. This was due to her purchasing a new property.

Without Depreciation vs With Depreciation Services

The following cost breakdown shows Martha’s cash position with and without depreciation in her first year of owning the property. 

According to her Duo Tax depreciation schedule, Martha was open to claiming $9,800 depreciation in her first year of ownership.

A brand-new apartment purchased for $675,000

Martha’s numbers without a depreciation claim

Annual Rental Income
$525 x 52 weeks
$27,300
Annual Property Expenses
$36,333
Net Income (Pre-tax)
Income minus expenses: $27,300 - $36,333
-$9,033
Total Taxation Loss With No Depreciation
-$9,033
Tax Refund
Tax loss x tax rate: -$9,033 x 37%
$3,342
Annual Costs of the Investment Property
Net income + tax refund: (-$9,033) + $3,342
-$5,691
Weekly loss
-$109

Martha’s numbers with a depreciation claim of $9,800

Annual Rental Income
$525 x 52 weeks
$27,300
Annual Property Expenses
$36,333
Net Income (Pre-tax)
Income minus expenses: $27,300 - $36,333
-$9,033
Total Taxation Loss With Depreciation
Net income + depreciation: (-$9,033) + ($9,800)
-$18,833
Tax Refund
Total Taxation Loss x Tax Rate: -$18,833 x 37%
$6,968
Annual Costs of the Investment Property
Net Income + Tax refund: (-$9,033) + ($6,968)
-$2,065
Weekly loss
-$40
Difference of $70 per week / $3,626 per year

Without depreciation, Martha had to pay $109 out of her own pocket each week. However, by taking advantage of the Australian Tax Office’s tax breaks and making a depreciation claim, Martha reduced that weekly payment by $70 per week. 

This means that Duo Tax was able to save Martha a total of $3,626  in her first year of owning the investment property. 

The best part about her depreciation schedule is that it remains valid for up to 40 years. This allows  Martha to continue saving money annually, as long as she continues to carry ownership of the property.

Here’s How Much You Could Be Claiming

As you can see from Martha’s scenario, tax depreciation schedules can make a significant difference in an investor’s cash flow each year.

However, if you’re still feeling unsure about committing to ordering a depreciation schedule, we have designed a tax depreciation calculator to help you estimate what you could potentially claim on tax depreciation.

This is an accounting tool designed to help estimate and calculate the declining value of capital works and plant and equipment assets and relies on accurate figures to present accurate estimations.
Rental Property Depreciation Calculator

Obtain your tax depreciation schedule in 3 easy steps.

Step 1
Qualify your Property
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Step 2
Order a Report
Order over the phone or via our online form and we will begin preparing your report.
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Step 3
Claim Maximum Deductions
Within approx. 5 business days your report will be delivered to you and your accountant.
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