Who can claim
This deduction is available to individuals and companies.
- The expense is incurred in carrying on an existing income-producing business.
- Any private, capital or non-income-producing component is reasonably apportioned or excluded.
- The asset is used or installed ready for a taxable purpose.
What you cannot claim
- Do not include private drawings or personal expenses.
- Do not treat a capital asset, improvement or acquisition cost as an ordinary operating expense.
- Private use must be excluded.
- Simplified depreciation rules, low-value pools and immediate-deduction rules may change the calculation.
How the amount is worked out
Use the applicable depreciation method and effective life, then apportion for business use.
You can work this amount out step by step in the Deductit calculators.
Records the ATO expects
- Purchase invoice
- Date first used
- Depreciation schedule
- Business-use calculation
Where this rule comes from
Primary source: Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 section 40-25 (Section 40-25). Reviewed 30 July 2026. Covers the 2025-26 and 2026-27 income years.
Supporting sources:
- ATO guide to depreciating assets 2025 (Guide to depreciating assets 2025)