Tax strategy

Instant Asset Write-Off + Business Overdraft = Double Deduction in 2026

By John Pierre Saliba · April 2026 · OverdraftMe

The double deduction play

The $20,000 instant asset write-off has been extended to 30 June 2026 for businesses with turnover under $10 million. That means you can buy a business asset under $20,000, install it, and claim the full cost as a deduction in the year of purchase - no depreciation over multiple years.

Here's what most people miss: if you fund that purchase with a business overdraft, the interest on the overdraft is ALSO tax deductible. Two deductions from one purchase.

Buy a $19,999 asset before 30 June 2026. Claim the $19,999 as an instant deduction. Pay the overdraft interest as a separate deduction. At the 25% base rate entity tax rate, you save ~$5,000 in tax on the asset alone - plus the ongoing interest deduction.

How it works

  1. Draw $19,999 from your business overdraft
  2. Purchase the asset (equipment, tools, technology, fitout items)
  3. Install and use it before 30 June 2026
  4. Claim the $19,999 as an instant deduction on your 2025-26 return
  5. Repay the overdraft over the following months from business cash flow
  6. Claim the overdraft interest as a separate business deduction

What qualifies for the instant write-off?

The real benefit: cash flow preservation

Without an overdraft, buying a $20K asset means $20K leaving your bank account immediately. That's a cash flow hit. With an overdraft, the $20K stays available as working capital while you repay gradually. You get the tax deduction NOW and spread the cash outflow over months.

Example: electrician buys a new van fitout

An electrical contractor buys a $18,000 van fitout in June 2026, funded from their business overdraft at 18% p.a.

ItemAmountTax deductible?
Van fitout (instant asset write-off)$18,000YES - full deduction in 2025-26
Overdraft interest (repaid over 6 months)~$970YES - deductible as incurred
Overdraft line fee (6 months)~$135YES - deductible
Total deductions$19,105Tax saving at 25%: ~$4,776

Deadline: 30 June 2026

The asset must be installed and ready for use by 30 June 2026. If you're planning a purchase, get your overdraft sorted now so the funds are available when you need them. Don't wait until June - approval takes hours but you don't want to be scrambling at EOFY.

Talk to your accountant about your specific situation. This is general information, not tax advice. The instant asset write-off rules and overdraft deductibility depend on your individual circumstances.

Related

Need working capital for your business?

2 minutes. No credit impact. No commitment.

Check your eligibility →
JP
John Pierre Saliba
Director, OverdraftMe | ACL 511092
Specialist business finance broker with $600M+ facilitated for Australian SMEs. MFAA Member, AFCA Member.
Related reading
Best Business Overdraft Lenders in Australia 2026 - What to Look For Business Overdraft Interest Rates Australia 2026 - What You'll Actually Pay Unsecured Business Overdraft Rates Australia 2026 How Much Can I Borrow? →
Related reading
100k Tax Debt ATO Payment Plan vs Overdraft → Advantages And Disadvantages Of Business Overdraft Australia → Anz Declined Business Overdraft Australia → Apply Business Overdraft Australia Step By Step →
Find a broker near you
Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Perth Adelaide All locations →