Tax Depreciation Schedules for Commercial Properties

Warehouses • Factories • Offices • Plus All Income-Producing Assets

If you own or operate a commercial property, a professionally prepared tax depreciation schedule can significantly reduce your taxable income and improve cash flow. Whether you’re an investor, business owner, developer, or advisor, understanding your eligible deductions is essential to maximising returns and maintaining compliance.

We specialise in preparing detailed, accountant-ready depreciation schedules for commercial assets across Melbourne and throughout Australia.

Why Commercial Property Depreciation Matters

Commercial buildings typically deliver larger and more complex deductions than residential properties. These may include:

  • Structural building write-off (capital works)

  • Plant and equipment assets

  • Specialist installations

  • Fit-out and tenant improvements

  • Electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems

A professionally prepared report ensures every eligible component is identified and correctly categorised in accordance with legislation recognised by the Australian Taxation Office.

Commercial Properties We Cover

While many clients come to us for warehouses, factories, and offices, we prepare depreciation schedules for a wide range of commercial property types:

  • Warehouses and distribution centres

  • Factories and industrial facilities

  • Office buildings and strata offices

  • Retail shops and shopping centres

  • Cafés, restaurants, and hospitality venues

  • Caravan parks and accommodation assets

  • Agricultural and rural income-producing properties

  • Mixed-use developments

This breadth allows us to tailor reports to different construction methods, asset mixes, and industry-specific installations.

Depreciation for Business Owners & Fit-Outs

If you run your business from your premises, you may also be eligible to claim depreciation on commercial fit-outs and internal assets, even if you didn’t construct them yourself.

Fit-out depreciation may include:

  • Joinery and counters

  • Flooring and wall finishes

  • Lighting systems

  • Air conditioning units

  • Security systems

  • Plumbing installations

  • Built-in cabinetry

For many business owners, these deductions represent substantial annual tax savings that would otherwise be missed without a specialist report.

What Makes Commercial Reports Different

Commercial schedules require deeper technical analysis than residential reports because of:

  • Larger asset volumes

  • More complex services infrastructure

  • Industry-specific equipment

  • Multiple construction stages

  • Manufacturing buildings rate at 4%

  • Historical capital works

Our methodology involves detailed cost estimation, asset classification, and effective life assessment to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Benefits of a Professional Schedule

A specialist commercial depreciation report can help you:

  • Maximise legitimate deductions

  • Improve annual cash flow

  • Reduce accountant preparation time

  • Support audit-ready records

  • Capture missed historical claims

Many clients find the fee is outweighed by the first year’s tax savings alone.

Designed for Investors, Advisors & Businesses

We regularly prepare schedules for:

  • Commercial property investors

  • Owner-operators

  • Accountants and financial advisors

  • Mortgage brokers

  • Property managers

  • Developers

Each report is prepared to suit both taxation reporting requirements and long-term financial planning.

Simple process

  1. Request a quote — tell us property type and address.

  2. We assess & confirm fee — fixed price, clear scope.

  3. Inspection (if required) — we schedule promptly.

  4. Report prepared and delivered promptly.

  5. You claim deductions with your accountant — every year.

  • “Friendly, efficient and professional service resulting in a great tax return for depreciation of my investment property. Highly recommended!”

    — Rosemary

  • “Mintax were very easy to deal with and provided our depreciation reports in a timely manner. Would highly recommend!”

    — Joelene

  • “Extremely happy with Mintax. A very professional and friendly service which I highly recommend. Thank you, Geoff and Aaron! ”

    — Veronica

  • “We were delighted with the service and report we received from Mintax. We would never have imagined what tax savings were achievable without having this discussion with Geoff. I highly recommend anyone with property to get the Mintax team in for an assessment. It’s the best money you could ever spend.”

    — James

Frequently Asked Questions

  • In most cases, yes. Commercial properties often generate significantly higher depreciation deductions than residential properties, particularly due to plant and equipment claims. Many owners find that the first year’s deductions alone exceed the cost of the report.

  • In many cases, yes. Commercial properties may be eligible for capital works deductions at 4% per year under Division 43, depending on when construction commenced.

    Generally, buildings constructed after 27 February 1992 may qualify for 2.5%, while some later commercial constructions may qualify for the higher 4% rate, subject to ATO eligibility criteria (generally traveller accommodation and manufacturing. We assess each property individually to determine the correct rate.

  • Yes — unlike residential properties, commercial property owners can typically claim depreciation on both new and second-hand plant and equipment assets under Division 40.

    This can include items such as:

    • Air conditioning systems

    • Lighting and electrical assets

    • Floor coverings

    • Security and fire systems

    This is one of the key advantages of commercial investment properties.

  • Yes. Even older commercial properties may still be eligible for capital works deductions, particularly if:

    • The building was constructed after the relevant eligibility dates

    • Renovations or improvements have been carried out

    In addition, plant and equipment assets may still provide substantial deductions depending on their condition and effective life.

  • Where construction costs are unknown, the ATO recognises qualified Quantity Surveyors as appropriately skilled to estimate these costs for depreciation purposes.

    A professionally prepared schedule ensures:

    • Accurate cost allocation

    • Maximum eligible deductions

    • Compliance with ATO requirements

  • Yes. A tax depreciation schedule is typically prepared once and can be used by your accountant each year over the life of the property.

    Updates may only be required if:

    • Significant renovations or improvements are made

    • New assets are installed

    • Ownership structure changes

Get started today.

Request a fixed quote today and see exactly what your depreciation schedule will cost.