Instant asset write-off passes in post-budget Senate blitz

SmartCompany, April 4, 2019

The government’s instant asset write-off expansion was passed through the Senate yesterday afternoon and is expected to be voted on in the lower house later today.

Part of a post-budget blitz that saw 28 bills passed by the Upper House on Wednesday, the passage of the reforms will put the coalition in a stronger position with small business ahead of the federal election.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced an expansion of the instant asset write-off in the 2019-20 budget on Tuesday, proposing a cap increase from the legislated $20,000 to $30,000.

Medium-sized firms with revenue up to $50 million annually will now also have access to the scheme, which allows businesses to immediately depreciate eligible asset purchases through to June 30, 2020.

There was uncertainty over whether the government would pass the measures before the election, with Minister for Small and Family Business Michaelia Cash yesterday saying they intended to take the budget to the election.

However, by making amendments to a February bill to increase the cap from $20,000 to $25,000 in the Senate yesterday afternoon, the government was able to pass the reforms.

Businesses who purchased assets “first used or installed ready to be used” before budget night (April 2) will only be able to claim under the $25,000 cap, but eligible assets purchased after that point will be eligible for the $30,000 cap. READ MORE: https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/politics/instant-asset-write-off-senate/?utm_campaign=SC&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter