DIY Builds
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto Pexels Logo Photo: Ketut Subiyanto

Can I claim a shed as a business expense?

As long as the shed and all of the tools and equipment inside are worth less than $30,000, it can be written off as a business expense.

What do I need to make a home studio?
What do I need to make a home studio?

Popular on Rolling Stone Computer. Start by picking up a reliable computer, which will serve as the backbone for your home studio. ... Digital...

Read More »
What can I do with leftover cedar boards?
What can I do with leftover cedar boards?

So, without further ado, let's dive in! Create an Accent Wall. Using just a few planks of cedarwood, you can create a stylized accent wall for your...

Read More »

With the end of the fiscal year fast approaching, it’s time to talk about everyone’s favorite topic: tax time! And, if you’ve been wondering where your outdoor shed comes into play, we’re here to help you out. Here are some of the questions we’re going to tackle, here: Can you class your shed as a business expense?

What is the depreciating value of a shed?

What other expenses can you claim when you work in your shed?

When is the best time to buy a shed?

Where can you get more information on your unique situation? Let’s get started! Question one: Can you class your shed as a business expense? First, let’s talk about the differences between a shed on your personal property that you may use for business and a shed that is located on your business property. If the first is true, the ATO states that you must calculate what’s called your taxable purpose proportion. This is a percentage that reflects the amount of time you use the shed as your workplace. For instance, if you spend half of your time in the shed enjoying your own meditation practice, and the other half of your time teaching meditation, then the taxable purpose proportion would be 50%. The idea is simple, but it’s important to be able to prove this number to the ATO through receipts or other relevant paperwork. Once you have the taxable purpose proportion, you multiply it by the cost of the asset (and in the next section, we’ll talk about depreciating value) to get the number you can use for your deduction. Now, let’s say that you have a shed that is on your business property and therefore is used for business 100% of the time. As long as the shed and all of the tools and equipment inside are worth less than $30,000, it can be written off as a business expense. Question Two: What is the depreciating value of a shed? Outdoor sheds are considered depreciating assets, which means that unlike a home, their value decreases over time. According to BTM Quantity Surveyors and depreciationrates.net.au, free-standing sheds, like the one the you would have in your backyard, have an effective life of 15 years, with a diminishing value rate of 13.33%. This is helpful information for you to know when you’re trying to figure out how much your shed is worth after you’ve had it for a number of years. Question Three: What other expenses can you claim when you work in your shed? Of course, if you’re using your shed for your business, it’s not just the initial cost of your shed that you can include in your taxes. Here are the other business expenses that you can include, according to the ATO information about running your business at home: Utilities hooked up to your shed: gas, electricity, etc.

What is the best insulation for a metal shed?
What is the best insulation for a metal shed?

Closed-cell spray foam Closed-cell spray foam is the best option for insulating your metal shed. It offers excellent R-value per inch, as it can...

Read More »
Do cell phones work in Barndominiums?
Do cell phones work in Barndominiums?

Metal buildings of all shapes and sizes - from barns and barndominiums to commercial warehouses - are notoriously bad for getting reliable cellular...

Read More »

Phone costs associated with your business. The tricky part is that even if your phone is used only for business, you can only claim the cost of rental and calls, not the cost for installation. And, if you’re using the phone for your personal use as well, you can only claim the business calls. Decline in value of the equipment in your office. Things like computers, office furniture, and even light fixtures and window coverings are counted as depreciation claims The cost of occupying the space where your shed is located. If you are renting the property or paying a mortgage, and if you’ve taken out insurance for the property, the part that goes towards you business can be deducted. Clearly, there are many expenses that can go towards a deduction. However, what you probably noticed is that the laws are very strict about separating your business from your private life. Make sure that you keep clear records to avoid any confusion in the future. Question Four: What is the best time to buy a shed? Obviously, you can buy a shed whenever the time is right for you. In fact, many people wait until they’ve received their tax refund to purchase a shed. But, you’ll be eligible for the deduction the year that your shed has been set up for your business use. For example, if you buy your shed today and use it for storage for a few years before converting it into your home office, you can list it as a business expense only during that year that you start generating income out of that space.

Why is sitting on a bike so uncomfortable?
Why is sitting on a bike so uncomfortable?

A combination of pressure from your bodyweight bearing down on the saddle, friction from the constant pedalling motion, moisture from sweat, an...

Read More »
How can I build privacy without offending neighbors?
How can I build privacy without offending neighbors?

Although fences and brick walls can do the trick, adding an extra divider, screen or plant barrier can block your neighbor's two-story view for...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »
What features are considered beautiful on a woman?
What features are considered beautiful on a woman?

Don't forget to pin this story for later and follow Redbook on Pinterest for more sex and relationship advice. A Wider Waist to Hips Ratio. A ratio...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
What attracts brown recluse spiders?
What attracts brown recluse spiders?

Brown recluse are attracted to cardboard, and they prefer the stillness of a storage room. They may also be found in attics, basements, closets,...

Read More »