If you have income from investment properties, now is the time to start gathering your records and reviewing your expenses for the 2022 financial year.
Income to Declare
All income earned from each property must be declared. If you have multiple properties, keep the records for each property separate to make the tax return more efficient.
Rent received, whether paid directly to you or through an agent or through an online management platform. Rent includes recurring regular amounts as well as any lump-sum amounts paid in advance.
Rental bonds returned for example if the tenant caused damage or defaulted on rent payment.
Insurance payouts received as compensation.
Expenses reimbursed by the tenant, for example, if they have caused damage and you have paid for the cost of fixing the damages, or if they have reimbursed you for water.
Extra fees received, for example letting or booking fees.
Government rebates, for example for the installation of solar utilities.
You will need statements or recipient created tax invoices from agents or management platforms and documents for all other payments received.
Tax Deductions
Deductible expenses for property are different for residential and commercial properties. Not all expenses related to owning a property are allowed as deductions, so it’s important to check what you can claim.
Expenses You May be Able to Claim This Year
Advertising for tenants
Body corporate fees
Council rates
Water supply charges
Land tax
Cleaning, gardening, pest control and property maintenance
Insurance
Agent fees
Repairs and maintenance
Some legal expenses
Loan interest
Other Expenses
There are some expenses that need to be claimed over a longer period such as several years or decades. These can include borrowing, capital, depreciation, initial repairs, and capital works.
Some expenses cannot be claimed. These include stamp duty, loans and repayments, some legal expenses and some insurance premiums.
Get Help to Simplify Your Property Records
Tax matters for property investors can be complex. The ATO keeps a close eye on tax returns that involve property investment, as it’s easy to make mistakes. There are other matters to consider such as the period of rental availability, private use of the property, capital gains tax, legal contracts and positive or negative gearing. This year for many owners there will be insurance claims because of floods.
We’d love to help ensure you are claiming the right deductions to make the most out of your investment property this year and beyond. Call us on 02 9800 9522 or email admin@harkaccountants.com.au.
Hark Accountants is a boutique Chartered Accounting firm, specialising in accounting, tax and advisory for HNWI individuals and small businesses. Please visit our website for more information.
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