Make the most of tax time for your small business

When you run a small business, EOFY is an important time. To help you make the most of tax time, we're sharing with you the best devices and appliances to help your business operate smoothly all year round. Whether you’d like to get the latest laptop for your home office or jazz up your waiting room with a smart TV, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help you!

Small business tax breaks: who qualifies and what can you write off?

Depending on the size of your small business you may be eligible to deduct the entirety or part of your purchases with the instant asset write-off scheme . There are threshold limits and eligibility criteria, so be sure to check out the ATO website and speak to your accountant or financial professional for more information.

Before you make a purchase, ask:

• Is the item genuinely for business use?

• Is it under the current instant asset write-off threshold?

• Will it be delivered, installed and ready to use before 30 June?

• Do you have invoices and records to support your claim?

• Have you checked the rules with your accountant?

A purchase may be good for your business, but that doesn’t automatically mean it is claimable in full. Getting advice first can help you avoid surprises at tax time.

What is the small business instant asset write-off?

The instant asset write-off is a tax concession that may help eligible Australian small businesses claim an immediate deduction for eligible business assets.

In simple terms: instead of depreciating an eligible asset over several years, your business may be able to claim the business-use portion in the same income year the asset is first used or installed ready for use.

That could include practical business purchases such as:

• laptops, computers and monitors

• printers, hard drives and storage

• tablets and phones

• TVs for meeting rooms or waiting areas

• fridges, microwaves and coffee machines

• air conditioners, heaters and air purifiers

• vacuums, carpet cleaners and floor care

• modems, routers and smart office tech

The key word is eligible. The asset, your business and the timing all need to meet the relevant rules.

What part of your small business needs updating?

Do you have a small business with a home office , office kitchen or waiting room that needs updating? Perhaps you’d like to upgrade your devices, hospitality or salon equipment or maybe spruce up your gallery or retail space? Keep reading for value-adding inspiration!

Home Office

Whether you have a small office space or a workplace set up at home, now is the perfect time to upgrade on office essentials and cross off those items on your wish list before the end of financial year.

Top things to consider buying for your home office at tax time

• Faster computer to improve productivity

• Bigger monitor so you can see more at once

• 65-inch (or larger) TV so your presentations look clear

• USB sticks and hard drives to back up all your work

• Printer because hard copies are still relevant

• New modem and router so your Internet can work as fast as it can

• Air con or heater so you’re comfortable year round

• Carpet Cleaners to freshen up ‘tired’ carpets and remove marks

Office Kitchens & waiting rooms

Offer staff and clients a space where they can feel comfortable. How? By ensuring you have the latest appliances and tech - this could include a new coffee machine or TV so people can enjoy themselves with a warm cup of coffee and be entertained whilst they wait.

Top things to consider buying for your office kitchen or waiting room at tax time

• TVs to make wait times and break times more enjoyable

• Automatic or capsule coffee machines for fuss-free coffee without having to leave the building

• Kettle and a range of teas to keep clients and staff happy

• Toasters for those mornings when you want to have breakfast before work

• Sandwich press that can be used for everything from toasties to fried halloumi

• Microwave to warm up delicious lunches

• Fridge with enough space for everyone’s lunch and groceries

• Dishwasher to make clean-up super easy for everyone

• Air purifier to keep the air clean and remove pollution particles

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"Whether you have a small office space or a workplace set up at home, now is the perfect time to upgrade on office essentials and cross off those items on your wish list before the end of the financial year."

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On the go devices

Whether you’re on the road, working from home or in an office space, you want your clients and employees to be able to reach you at all times. You never know where your day will take you, so this tax time why not stock up on a new phone, laptop and more to ensure you’re always prepared.

Top things to consider buying for working on the go devices at tax time

• Powerful and fast laptop to work from anywhere

• Tablets so you can access everything you need on a sleek, portable device

• 2-in-1 laptops that can transform from laptop to tablet for flexibility

• Mobile phones with big screens so you can get more done

• A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for full functionality

• Computer bags with lots of pockets to keep everything in the one place

• USB sticks and SD cards to transfer large files easily

• Portable chargers to keep your phone charged at all times

Hospitality equipment

Allow the focus to be on service with the use of high-powered quality appliances making prep time easier and faster. It’s time to get the products you’ve been eyeing off and make use of the small business tax offset.

Top things to consider buying for your Café, Restaurant or Bar at tax time

• High-powered blenders like Vitamix to make delicious nut-butters, sauces and dips

• Stand mixers to help produce a variety of delicious food

• An extra sandwich press to alleviate the lunch-time rush

• iPads to run the latest POS software

• A fast and powerful laptop so you can pay invoices and still keep an eye on service

• Refrigerated drawer for convenient bar storage

• New modems and routers so your Internet can work as fast as it can

• Upgrade your heating and cooling so customers can sit in comfort all year round

Retail spaces

Create the perfect atmosphere for your shop with the help of some little luxuries, allowing customers to feel comfortable and welcome in your space. There’s no better time to make these adjustments than now by taking advantage of the small business tax offset.

Top things to consider buying for your retail space at tax time

• Air purifiers and/or air conditioners for year-round comfort

• Smart lights to control brightness from your phone

• Lightweight vacuum cleaner to keep the place clean with minimal effort

• Tablets or iPads for processing payments

• New phone with a great camera for updating social media

• Powerful and fast computer to finish your admin as fast as possible

• New modems and routers so your internet can work as fast as it can

• Automatic coffee machine or a Sodastream for café quality refreshments for customers or clients

• Reverse cycle air conditioner to keep clients warm in winter and cool in summer

How to make the most of EOFY without overbuying

A tax-time purchase should still make good business sense. The best EOFY buys are the ones you already need, will use regularly and can properly document.

Before you buy, make a simple plan:

1. List what needs replacing or upgrading - start with products that are slowing your business down or costing you time.

2. Prioritise practical value - choose items that help with productivity, customer experience, comfort or efficiency.

3. Check delivery and installation timing - for the write-off to apply in the relevant income year, the asset generally needs to be first used or installed ready for use in that year.

4. Keep good records - save invoices, receipts and any documents your accountant may need.

5. Get professional advice - tax treatment depends on your circumstances, so check with your accountant before making a decision.

Quick answer: what can small businesses buy at EOFY?

Small businesses often look at EOFY as a chance to upgrade essential equipment such as laptops, monitors, tablets, phones, printers, TVs, fridges, coffee machines, microwaves, air conditioners, air purifiers, vacuums, routers and storage devices.

These products may help your business run more smoothly, but whether they are tax deductible depends on eligibility, business use and current ATO rules.

Shop smarter this tax time with The Good Guys

Whether you’re upgrading your home office, refreshing your staff kitchen, improving your customer waiting area or investing in portable tech, The Good Guys can help you find the right products at great prices. Don’t forget to check out our product buying guides here to help maximise your EOFY tax purchases.

Explore EOFY deals across appliances, computers, tablets, TVs, heating and cooling, floor care and more — because when your business runs better, life feels better too.

FAQs

What is the instant asset write-off?

The instant asset write-off is a tax concession that may allow eligible businesses to immediately deduct the business-use portion of eligible assets, rather than depreciating them over time. The deduction generally applies in the year the asset is first used or installed ready for use.

Does the asset need to be used before 30 June?

Generally, timing matters. ATO guidance refers to claiming the deduction in the year the asset is first used or installed ready for use, and parliamentary material states the 2025–26 extension runs until 30 June 2026.

Can I claim a laptop, tablet or office appliance?

You may be able to claim eligible business-use assets, but it depends on your circumstances, the item, the cost, the business-use portion and the current rules. Speak with your accountant or financial professional before purchasing.

Is this tax advice?

No. This article is general information only and should not be relied on as tax, legal or accounting advice. Always check the ATO website and speak with a qualified accountant or financial professional to understand what applies to your business.