Tax Return Checklist – Property Investors (2025)
Use this checklist to gather the usual income and rental property deduction information we need for your return. Tick items off as you go.
Income
Deductions
Immediate deductions (claimable in the year incurred) and items deductible over a number of
years.
Immediate deductions: these expenses are generally claimable straight away in your tax return.
Administration expenses
Insurances
Property agent management
Property management + maintenance
Rates + taxes
Repairs + maintenance
Repairs relating to wear and tear or damage because of renting out the property are generally
deductible.
Be aware of the difference between repairs and improvements (improvements are typically capital in
nature).
Example: fixing broken glass can be a repair; replacing a whole window frame is typically an improvement
(often depreciated at 2.5%).
Repairs made immediately after purchase to make the property suitable for rental may be capital
(“initial repair”).
Settlement items (from your lawyer’s settlement letter)
Interest and loan account fees
For interest to be deductible, the loan must have been applied to acquire an income-producing asset
(e.g., a rental property).
Where a loan is used for both investment and private purposes, interest generally needs to be
apportioned based on use.
Travel expenses
Travel expenses for rent collection, inspections, repairs and maintenance are not allowed by the ATO as
tax deductions.
Quantity surveyor
Seminars
Deductible over a number of years: these items are typically claimed over time rather than all at once.
Borrowing expenses
Generally deductible over the shorter of the loan term (if less than five years) or five years.
Depreciation (plant & equipment)
The ATO refers to this as “decline in value” of depreciating assets. Installation costs can also be
depreciated.
Depreciation (building construction)
The ATO refers to this as a “capital works” deduction.
Need help?
If you’re unsure whether an item is deductible or capital in nature, send it through and we’ll sort it.