We are here to help you break down rental properties and what to include in your tax return:
Income
The rent you received is taxable income
If you received rent at lower than market rate (for example you rent to
Deductions
Any interest paid on a loan that was used to purchase the property can be claimed as a deduction
Advertising
Bank Charges
Body Corporate Fees
Cleaning
Council rates
Electricity and Gas
Gardening
Lawn Mowing
Insurance
Land Tax
Legal Expenses
Lease Costs
Pest Control
Property Agent Fees
Quantity surveyor's fees
Repairs and Maintenance
Security
Stationery
Postage
Telephone
Water Charges
You are also able to claim depreciation on any improvements made to the property, as these are capital in nature they can't be claimed in full in the first year. However they are written off over the effective life of the asset.
The building cost of the asset can be claimed as a deduction of 2.5% per year. Please note this only includes the cost of the construction of the building and does not include the land, to get the building cost you should contact a quantity surveyor such as BMT Tax Depreciation. An important note when claiming the building cost is that this reduces the cost base of the property for Capital Gains Tax purposes.
For more information regarding rental properties, please contract us here at Nixer.