In a move aimed at bolstering small business cash flow and reducing compliance costs, the Australian government has announced an extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off for another 12 months. This extension, part of the 2024–25 Budget released on 14 May 2024, will see the measure continue until 30 June 2025.

This initiative allows small businesses with an aggregated turnover of less than $10 million to immediately deduct the full cost of eligible assets costing less than $20,000. To qualify, these assets must be first used or installed and ready for use between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2025.

Eligibility

Eligibility to use instant asset write-off on an asset depends on:

• your aggregated turnover (the total ordinary income of your business and that of any associated businesses)
• the date you purchased the asset
• when it was first used or installed ready for use
• the cost of the asset being less than the threshold.

You are not eligible to use the instant asset write-off on an asset if your aggregated turnover is $500 million or more.

If temporary full expensing applies to the asset, you do not apply the instant asset write-off.

How Does It Work?

The $20,000 threshold applies on a per-asset basis, providing substantial flexibility for small businesses to acquire and immediately write off multiple assets. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses looking to upgrade equipment, invest in new technology, or make other capital improvements without the burden of prolonged depreciation.

The immediate deduction is not available for assets valued at $20,000 or more. However, these higher-cost assets can still be placed into the small business simplified depreciation pool. This method allows businesses to depreciate the asset at a rate of 15% in the first income year and 30% each year thereafter, providing a structured yet advantageous depreciation timeline.

The continuation of this measure is designed to aid small businesses by improving their cash flow and reducing the administrative burden associated with asset depreciation. By allowing immediate deductions on lower-cost assets, the government aims to incentivise investment and growth within the small business sector. However, this will be dependent on the individual circumstances of businesses as to whether or not they may benefit from this measure. 

What About The Legislating Of This Measure? 

It’s important to note that while these measures have been announced, they are not yet law. The Treasury Laws Amendment (Support for Small Business and Charities and Other Measures) Bill 2023, which includes provisions for the $20,000 instant asset write-off for the 2023–24 income year, is still before Parliament.

Once passed, this legislation will formalise the extension and ensure small businesses can continue to benefit from these deductions through to the new deadline of 30 June 2025.

The $20,000 instant asset write-off extension could be a significant boost for small businesses, providing immediate financial relief and encouraging ongoing investment in business growth and development. 

Small business owners should monitor the legislative process to ensure they can take full advantage of these provisions once they become law. 

Speak With Us

If you have any questions about this measure or if it would be suited for your business, why not speak with one of our trusted team for answers? We are here to assist you with any questions or enquiries you may have in the lead-up to the end of the financial year.