The Government has decided to extend tax deductibility available to small and medium

businesses with turnovers of $10m or less for plant and equipment bought for the purpose

of preparing for participation in the GST system.

Previously the Government had announced taxpayers could claim a deduction in the income

year ending 30 June 2000 for equipment bought for preparing for GST where such equipment

is installed ready for use by 30 June 2000. The cost of the concession is $175m and was

included in the Budget for 2000-01.

The extension to the concession means that the deduction will be allowable in the year

ending 30 June 2000 even if the equipment is not installed for use by 30 June, provided

that the equipment is ordered by 30 June and installed by 30 June 2001. This gives an

additional 12 months for installation whilst getting full deductibility. Full

deductibility gives an immediate expense write off rather than depreciation which would

otherwise be the case.

To qualify for the extension, taxpayers will have to order the equipment before 30 June

2000, although it need not be paid for by that date. Ordering the equipment by 30 June,

through entering into a legally binding agreement to purchase, will entitle taxpayers to

the deduction.

Tuesday, 23 May 2000

Canberra