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Maximising Your Tax Deductions As A Home-Based Business

by | Jul 18, 2023

Small business owners may be able to claim deductions for the costs of using their home as a principal place of business when filing their income tax return.

A home-based business is one where an area of your home is set aside and used exclusively as a place of business. If you do not have an area set aside and used exclusively as a place of business but you do some work from home, you may still be able to claim a deduction for some of your expenses relating to the area you use.

Tax deductions may be claimed for the business portion of household expenses, however, it can be difficult to ensure you are claiming expenses you are entitled to. How you operate the business out of your home will determine the types of expenses that may be claimed. Your business structure will also affect your entitlements and obligations when claiming deductions on home-based business expenses.

There are generally three types of expenses that can be claimed, running expenses and occupancy expenses, and in some cases, the cost of motor vehicle trips between your home and other locations (if the travel is for business purposes). You can claim both occupancy expenses and running expenses if you have an area of your home set aside as a ‘place of business’.

Running expenses refer to the increased costs of using your home’s facilities for the running of your business, including

·        Repairs to your business equipment.

·        Heating, cooling and lighting a room.

·        Cleaning.

·        Phone and internet.

·        Depreciation of business furniture and equipment.

To calculate the running expenses of your home-based business, you must ensure that you exclude your private living costs and that you have records to show how you calculated the expense.

Occupancy expenses are those that you pay to own or rent your home, including:

·        Mortgage interest or rent.

·        Land taxes.

·        Council rates.

·        Insurance premiums.

Occupancy expenses are calculated based on the floor area of your home that is used for the business and the portion of the year that it was used.

Small business owners should note that capital gains tax (CGT) payments may be required for periods when your home was used for business. However, CGT won’t apply if you operate your business from a rented home, didn’t have an area specifically set aside for your business activities or the business was run through a company or trust.

Records that need to be kept include written evidence, tax invoices and receipts, and should substantiate your claims for all home-based business expenses. This needs to be kept for at least 5 years to substantiate your claims.

Your business structure can affect the method you can use and the expenses you can claim, especially if your business is a company or trust. If you are a sole trader, a partnership or a company or trust, there are specific rules that may apply to you. Speaking with a trusted tax adviser is the best way to make sure you’re in compliance with those guidelines – why not start a chat with us today?

Disclaimer for External Distribution Purposes:

The information contained in this publication is for general information purposes only, professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein. The receiver of this document accepts that this publication may only be distributed for the purposes previously stipulated and agreed upon at subscription. Neither the publishers nor the distributors can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person as a result of action taken or refrained from in consequence of the contents of this publication.

  • Why Are My “Connections” Important To Know During Tax Season? - In the realm of tax law, a critical concept revolves around understanding the notion of "entities connected with you." This…

    In the realm of tax law, a critical concept revolves around understanding the notion of “entities connected with you.”

    This concept serves as a linchpin in several aspects of taxation, from determining one’s status as a Small Business Entity to ascertaining the value of assets when seeking eligibility for Small Business Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Concessions.

    Furthermore, it holds significance when an individual has sold an asset and claimed it was used by an ‘entity connected with them.’

    In various tax scenarios, having an entity connected to you can either prove beneficial or burdensome. A prime example of the former is when you sell a factory unit, and a company affiliated with you operates a mechanics business within that unit. In this case, you become eligible to claim the Small Business CGT Concessions on the sale of the factory unit, potentially leading to substantial tax benefits.

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    Entities controlled by the same person or entity are also considered connected with each other. For instance, if you oversee two trusts, those trusts are not only connected to you but also to each other. This interconnectedness has implications for tax planning and assessment.

    Remarkably, spouses are not automatically deemed connected to each other in the eyes of tax law. This is not the default assumption, and typically, spouses are not considered connected entities. For instance, if you are in control of a company, and your spouse independently manages their own separate company, they would generally not be considered connected to each other. The implications of this can vary depending on the specific tax scenario.

    While the concept of entities connected with you may seem intricate, it is a dynamic factor that necessitates ongoing attention and evaluation. Circumstances surrounding the connections can change over time. Returning to the example of the factory unit, the nature of its disposal could alter the connection dynamics. For instance, you may have retained ownership of the factory unit while transferring ownership of the company to your son five years ago. In this case, the company is no longer connected with you, potentially affecting your eligibility for specific tax concessions.

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    Therefore, individuals and businesses should remain vigilant and seek professional advice when dealing with entities connected with them in the realm of taxation.

    Keeping us apprised of your plans for your assets and of changes that could impact your connections means we can ensure that you do not inadvertently miss out on any of the tax concessions available.

    Disclaimer for External Distribution Purposes:

    The information contained in this publication is for general information purposes only, professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein. The receiver of this document accepts that this publication may only be distributed for the purposes previously stipulated and agreed upon at subscription. Neither the publishers nor the distributors can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person as a result of action taken or refrained from in consequence of the contents of this publication.

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    Falling ill can be a very stressful and traumatic time for you and your family, especially if you are the primary financial provider for your household. Taking the time to become prepared and evaluating your financial situation can help you to future proof if you are out of work for health reasons. It is essential to ensure you know of every entitlement available should you become sick or incapacitated.

     

    Income Protection:

    Income protection is a form of insurance that pays you a regular cash amount if you are unable to work as a result of a sudden illness, covering up to 75% of your income for a set period of time. You can insure your income through agreed value, where you decide the amount you wish to receive each month, or indemnity, where you prove your income at the time of claim rather than during application.

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    Incapacity plan:

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    Early release of super:

    There are very limited circumstances in which you can access your super before you retire. You may apply for early release on the grounds of:
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    • Compassionate grounds: to pay for medical treatment if you are seriously ill.
    • Terminal medical condition: if you have a terminal illness or injury likely to result in death within 2 years, as certified by two registered medical practitioners, at least one of whom is a specialist.

    Disclaimer for External Distribution Purposes:

    The information contained in this publication is for general information purposes only, professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein. The receiver of this document accepts that this publication may only be distributed for the purposes previously stipulated and agreed upon at subscription. Neither the publishers nor the distributors can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person as a result of action taken or refrained from in consequence of the contents of this publication.

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    Have concerns about your obligations as an employer when it comes to super? Why not have a chat with one of our team members, who may be equipped to assist you in this matter?

    Disclaimer for External Distribution Purposes:

    The information contained in this publication is for general information purposes only, professional advice should be obtained before acting on any information contained herein. The receiver of this document accepts that this publication may only be distributed for the purposes previously stipulated and agreed upon at subscription. Neither the publishers nor the distributors can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person as a result of action taken or refrained from in consequence of the contents of this publication.