For businesses that invest in physical assets such as equipment, understanding depreciation is crucial for accurate financial reporting and tax compliance. As an accountant, we regularly assist Australian business owners in navigating the complexities of equipment depreciation. This process involves allocating the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life, offering both financial and tax benefits. Here’s what you need to know about depreciating your equipment.

1. What is Equipment Depreciation?

  • Asset Depreciation: Depreciation is the accounting process of allocating the cost of tangible assets, like equipment, over their useful life. It reflects the wear and tear and ageing of the asset.
  • Impact on Financial Statements: Depreciation affects both the balance sheet (asset value) and the income statement (depreciation expense).

2. Why is Depreciation Important?

  • Tax Deductions: Depreciation is a non-cash expense that reduces your taxable income, potentially leading to tax savings.
  • Accurate Financial Reporting: It provides a more accurate picture of the asset’s value and your business’s financial health.

3. Methods of Depreciation

  • Straight-Line Method: The cost of the asset is evenly spread over its useful life. This method is straightforward and commonly used.
  • Diminishing Value Method: The depreciation expense decreases over time. This method accelerates the cost recognition in the early years of the asset’s life.

4. Determining the Useful Life of Equipment

  • ATO Guidelines: The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) provides guidelines on the effective life of different types of assets, which can be used as a reference.
  • Business-Specific Assessment: You can also make your own estimate based on how long you expect to use the asset in your business.

5. Calculating Depreciation

  • Initial Cost: Consider the purchase price and any additional costs required to get the asset ready for use.
  • Residual Value: Estimate the residual or salvage value of the asset at the end of its useful life.
  • Depreciation Calculation: Use the chosen depreciation method to calculate the annual depreciation expense.

6. Claiming Depreciation for Tax Purposes

  • Tax Claims: You can claim the depreciation of your equipment as a tax deduction over the asset’s effective life.
  • ATO Compliance: Ensure compliance with ATO rules and regulations regarding depreciation claims.

7. Record-Keeping and Reporting

  • Asset Register: Maintain an asset register that details all your business assets, their cost, depreciation method, and accumulated depreciation.
  • Regular Review: Review and update the depreciation calculations annually for accuracy.

8. Instant Asset Write-Off and Temporary Full Expensing

  • Government Incentives: Be aware of any current government incentives like instant asset write-off or temporary full expensing that allow businesses to immediately deduct the cost of eligible assets.

9. Seeking Professional Advice

  • Give us a call: Given the intricacies of depreciation and tax laws, consulting with an accountant is advisable for tailored advice and ensuring compliance.


Depreciating your equipment is a key aspect of managing your business’s finances. It not only aids in tax deductions but also ensures accurate representation of asset value and profitability. By understanding the methods of depreciation, calculating it correctly, and maintaining proper records, you can effectively manage this aspect of your business’s financials. Remember, professional advice can provide invaluable assistance in optimizing your depreciation strategies.