National Tax & Accountants’ Association Ltd

The ATO has advised that it is sending letters to taxpayers in approximately 500 postcodes across Australia, reminding them to only claim the deductions they are entitled to, for the periods a holiday home is rented out, or is genuinely available for rent.

They advise that, to avoid making mistakes on their tax return, property owners should:

• keep accurate records to ensure they declare the right amount of rental income and have evidence for claims made; and
• only claim deductions for the periods the property is rented out, or is genuinely available for rent.

If a property is rented at below market rates, for example to family or friends, claims for deductions must be limited to the income earned while rented.

Ref: ATO Media Release 31 August 2015