On 9 May 2017, the Australian Government announced an extension to the 2015-16 Budget measure providing an instant asset write-off provision for small business. Small businesses can immediately deduct the business portion of most assets if they cost less than $20,000 and were purchased between 7:30 PM on 12 May 2015 and 30 June 2018.

This deduction can be used for each asset that costs less than $20,000, whether new or second-hand. They can claim the deduction through their tax return, in the year the asset was first used or installed ready for use. The current ‘lock out’ laws for simplified depreciation rules will continue to be suspended until 30 June 2018.