MILLIONS of small-business owners will secure a tax windfall under the mining tax when they buy new assets up to the value of $6500.
But the fate of the tax windfall now rests with the independents after
Tony Abbott's leadership group confirmed it would not only oppose the mining tax but repeal the small business tax write-offs if elected.New computers, printers, fridges and other tradies' equipment will qualify for instant tax write-off from July 1 next year if the laws pass Parliament.
The tax write-off is also uncapped, allowing business to claim for more than one new asset.
That's an increase from the current arrangements which only allow tax write-offs for assets up to only $1000.
New figures obtained by The Sunday Mail confirm how the tax write-off would work. For example, a bricklayer purchasing a new cement mixer, brick saw, brick elevator and trailer worth around $13,000 would secure a cashflow benefit of $3770 in the first year the goods were purchased.
Treasurer Wayne Swan warned Mr Abbott's opposition to the tax write-off would be a blow for small business.
"The millions of hard-working Aussie small business all around our country are the backbone of our economy and deserve all the support we can provide," Mr Swan told The Sunday Mail.
"That's why it's so important we spread the benefits of the mining boom to all Australians with this tax break for small business worth about $1 billion a year.
"This will be a really serious cashflow boost for a lot of small businesses doing it tough, and that will be good for the economy and good for Aussie jobs."
The write-off for new business assets is on top of a separate measure allowing small operators to claim a $5000 tax write-off for when they buy a ute, car or business vehicle after July next year.
But the passage of the tax breaks is being blocked by the Coalition, which has now vowed to repeal all of the new measures funded by the mining tax apart from the plan to increase the superannuation guarantee from 9 to 12 per cent.
Council of Small Business of Australia executive director Peter Strong said his members would always welcome decisions that made tax easier and freed up cash.
The tax windfall for new business assets will be available to all businesses with a turnover of less than $2 million, with the government funding the measure from the mining tax.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/business/business-tax-break-in-doubt/story-fn7kjcm...