Rental properties 2015 will help you, as an owner of rental property in Australia, determine:
- which rental income is assessable for tax purposes
- which expenses are allowable deductions
- which records you need to keep
- what you need to know when you sell your rental property.
Many, but not all, of the expenses associated with rental properties will be deductible. This guide explains:
- how to apportion your expenses if only part of them are tax deductible
- what expenses are not deductible
- when you can claim those expenses that are deductible
- some you can claim in the year they occur
- others must be claimed over a number of years (including decline in value of depreciating assets and capital works expenses).
When you own a rental property, you may also need to know about capital gains and goods and services taxes, negative gearing, pay as you go (PAYG) instalments and the effects of the general value shifting regime.
Tax and natural disasters
We have special arrangements for people affected by natural disasters such as a cyclone, flood or fire occurring during the financial year. For more information see Dealing with disasters.
If your tax records were lost or destroyed, we can help you to reconstruct them, and make reasonable estimates where necessary.
Phone our emergency support team on 1800 806 218 and we can discuss the best way we can help you.
We can also:
- fast track refunds
- give you extra time to pay debts, without interest charges
- give you more time to meet activity statement, income tax and other lodgment obligations, without penalties
- help you if you are experiencing serious hardship.
Publications and services
To find out how to get a publication referred to in this guide and for information about our other services, see More information.
Is your rental property outside Australia?
If your property is located outside Australia, special rules apply to the deductibility of your rental property expenses. For more information on foreign source income, see Question 20 in the tax return instructions. If you are unsure of your obligations, contact your recognised tax adviser or us.
The examples given in this publication featuring Mr and Mrs Hitchman are based on the assumption that the Hitchmans own their rental properties as joint tenants who are not carrying on a rental property business.