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Guidelines for using the depreciating assets worksheet

Last updated 31 May 2005

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Primary production and Non-primary production-Use a separate worksheet for each category.

Cost-The cost of a depreciating asset includes the first and second elements of cost. The cost of an asset can be adjusted in certain circumstances, such as if the first element of a car's cost exceeds the car limit. If the cost of the asset has been adjusted, include the adjusted cost in this column see The cost of a depreciating asset.

Opening adjustable value and Adjustable value at end of year-The adjustable value of a depreciating asset at any time is its cost reduced by any decline in value up to that time. The opening adjustable value of an asset for an income year is generally the same as its adjustable value at the end of the previous income year.

Balancing adjustment events-A balancing adjustment event occurs for a depreciating asset if you stop holding it (for example, if you sell it) or you stop using it see What happens if you no longer hold or use a depreciating asset?

Termination value-Generally, the termination value is what you receive for the asset as a result of a balancing adjustment event, such as the proceeds from selling the asset see Termination value.

Balancing adjustment amounts-If the asset's termination value is greater than its adjustable value, the excess is an assessable balancing adjustment amount. If the termination value is less than the adjustable value, the difference is a deductible balancing adjustment amount. If the asset is used for non-taxable purposes, the balancing adjustment amount is reduced and a capital gain or capital loss may arise see Depreciating asset used for non-taxable purpose.

Balancing adjustment relief-This refers to the offsetting of otherwise assessable balancing adjustment amounts for involuntary disposals-see Involuntary disposal of a depreciating asset or if roll-over relief applies see Roll-over relief.

Decline in value-There are two methods of working out the decline in value of a depreciating asset-prime cost and diminishing value see Methods of working out decline in value.

Effective life and Percentage rate-Both the prime cost and diminishing value methods are based on a depreciating asset's effective life see Effective life. However, if you are able to use accelerated rates of depreciation see Accelerated depreciation you use the relevant percentage rate to work out the decline in value rather than the effective life. A list of accelerated rates is provided see Accelerated rates of depreciation.

Percentage of non-taxable use-This is the percentage of your non-taxable use (for example, private use) of the asset during the income year.

Deduction for decline in value-Your deduction for the decline in value of the asset is the decline in value reduced to the extent you used the asset for a non-taxable purpose see Decline in value of depreciating asset used for non-taxable purpose. Your deduction may also be reduced if the asset is a leisure facility or a boat.

The letters G, H, I, J and K on the worksheet correspond to labels on the Capital allowances schedule 2003. The worksheet will assist if you have to complete the schedule see Completing the Capital allowances schedule 2003.

Examples of effective lives - from Taxation Ruling TR 2000/18

Depreciating asset

Effective life in years given in TR 2000/18 (as at 1 July 2002)

Carpets:

  • in business places, picture theatres, hotels, etc
 

 

5

  • in houses let furnished
 

10

  • in professional chambers
 

10

  • in ten- pin bowling centres
 

4

Cash registers

6 2/3

Computers:

  • generally
 

 

4

  • laptops
 

3

Curtains and drapes

6 2/3

Fire extinguishers

13 1/3

Floor coverings (linoleum and vinyl)

10

Furniture and fittings

13 1/3

Hot water installations

20

Lawn mower:

  • motor
 

 

6 2/3

  • self propelled
 

5

Library (professional)

10

Motor vehicles, etc:

cars

  • generally
 

 

 

8

  • hire and travellers' cars
 

5

  •  taxis
 

4

  • motor cycles and scooters
 

6 2/3

Photocopying machines

5

Power tools (hand operated)

5

Refrigerators

20

Television receivers (not used for hire)

10

Tools (loose)

5

Vacuum cleaners (electric)

10

Washing machines

6 2/3

For houses and flats let furnished only:

  • blinds, venetian
 

 

20

  • electric clock
 

13 1/3

  • electric heater
 

10

  • garbage units (compacting)
 

6 2/3

  • refrigerators
 

13 1/3

  • stoves
 

20

QC27453