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SoulStream(Initiate)Initiate
4 Dec 2023

Hi guys


If I bought some things for my business but didn't officially start the business or earn any income from it in that financial year, can I claim those expenses as business expenses that financial year or another financial year?


And when can I start claiming/listing them as assets?


Thank you

5,657 views
4 replies
5,657 views
4 replies

Most helpful response

Most helpful reply

YianaATO(Community Support)Community Support
4 Dec 2023

Hi @SoulStream


You can claim them in the financial year you incurred the expense. You'll have to complete the business section of your tax return.


If you have business expenses and no income, then you'll have what's called a business loss. If you have no income, you can offset this loss against then it's carried forward to the next year and so on. As soon as you have income you can claim it against, then it must be used.

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Most helpful reply

YianaATO(Community Support)Community Support
4 Dec 2023

Hi @SoulStream


You can claim them in the financial year you incurred the expense. You'll have to complete the business section of your tax return.


If you have business expenses and no income, then you'll have what's called a business loss. If you have no income, you can offset this loss against then it's carried forward to the next year and so on. As soon as you have income you can claim it against, then it must be used.

SoulStream(Initiate)Initiate
5 Dec 2023

Hi Yiana


Just to clarify as well, what if the business wasn't started in the same year the expenses were incurred - can they still be listed as expenses in that financial year ?


Thank you


ATO Certified Response
Deb_ATO(Community Support)Community Support
ATO Certified Response12 Dec 2023

Hi @SoulStream


Generally, expenses incurred prior to commencing a business aren’t deductible.

This is because it’s essential that a business is being conducted.


Check out our further info on Are you in business? if you need help determining this.

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Claiming business expenses if no business income | ATO Community