How to order a tax depreciation schedule in Australia for your rental property in 2025
A tax depreciation schedule is your ticket to unlocking thousands in deductions each year as a property investor in Australia. The ATO requires that this schedule be prepared by a qualified Quantity Surveyor. You can’t legally estimate depreciation yourself or rely solely on your accountant unless they too are a qualified Quantity Surveyor. Note: Quantity Surveyors who provide tax depreciation schedule services should also be registered tax agents.
The process is straightforward:
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
If your property generates income (rented or available for rent), you’re likely eligible to claim depreciation. Even older properties may qualify under capital works deductions.
Step 2: Engage a Quantity Surveyor
The ATO requires that depreciation schedules be prepared by qualified Quantity Surveyors, such as those from BWK Group. These experts inspect your property or use construction cost databases to value depreciable assets accurately.
Step 3: Use Your Report at Tax Time
Once you receive the report, your accountant will use it annually to calculate depreciation claims under Division 40 (plant/equipment) and Division 43 (capital works).
Step 4: Reclaim Missed Deductions
If you haven’t claimed depreciation in past years, don’t worry—your QS can backdate claims, and your accountant can lodge amendments.
For more help, visit BWK’s full guide:
Your schedule includes capital works (Division 43) and plant & equipment (Division 40), covering up to 40 years of deductions.
Want a full walkthrough? Read BWK Group’s guide:
>How to Get a Depreciation Report: A Step-by-Step Guide for Australian Property Investors
For FAQ-style clarity, see:
>Tax Depreciation FAQ