Tax Deductions for Mobile Handset

Waldo000000 on 31/08/2016 - 12:15

If I buy a mobile phone handset outright (not as part of a plan), and use it partly for work, can I claim a tax deduction on the cost of the purchase? Assuming the answer is yes, could you please quote the relevant section on ato.gov.au? I have found the following quoted below, but it refers to "desktop computers" and "laptops" specifically. For phones that cost more than $300, over how many years should they be depreciated? Thanks!

…desktop computers are depreciated over a period of four years, and laptops can be depreciated over three years. You can claim an immediate deduction for the full cost of the item if it costs $300 or less.

Financial

Comments

    • Waldo000000 on 31/08/2016 - 15:15

      Ahah! While almost all of that page (which I've seen) seems to deal with phone call costs, as opposed to the phone itself, I now see this right at the bottom:

      If you purchased a smart phone, tablet or other electronic device and use it for work, you can claim a deduction for a percentage of its cost.

      Quite brief, and doesn't suggest how many years over which to depreciate it, but it's a good start. Thanks.

      • bemybubble on 31/08/2016 - 15:17

        over $300 and under $1000 is 18.75 in the first year and 37.50 every year after. Anything over $1000 you would need to work out the life of the phone. Usually 50% I use…

        • Waldo000000 on 31/08/2016 - 15:40
          +1

          Got a source for that? That doesn't sound like either of the methods described here. EDIT: Found it here.

        • bemybubble on 31/08/2016 - 15:47

          @Waldo000000:

          Phew, my next step was to scan my text book :P

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