Note that the boost to the instant asset write off rules that the government put in place to help stimulate the Australian economy in the face of the COVID-19 crisis has been extended to the end of this year. Businesses with a turnover of up to $500 million a year will be allowed to continue writing off newly purchased assets worth up to $150,000.

To get your claim right, remember:

• check if you’re an eligible business
• both new and second-hand assets can be claimed, provided each asset costs less than $150,000
• assets must be first used or installed ready for use between 12 March and 30 June for a claim for the 2019-20 year, or between 1 July and 31 December for a claim for the 2020-21 year
• a car limit applies to “luxury” passenger vehicles. The limit is $57,581 for the 2019-20 income tax year
• if your asset is for business and private use, you can only claim the business portion
• you can claim a deduction for the balance of your small business pool if it’s less than $150,000 at 30 June 2020 (before applying depreciation deductions)
• different eligibility criteria and thresholds apply to assets first used, or installed ready for use, prior to 12 March 2020.

The threshold applies on a per asset basis, so eligible businesses can immediately write-off multiple assets provided each costs less than $150,000. The extension will also give businesses additional time to acquire and install assets (which can be new or second-hand), as they will now have until the end of the calendar year.