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TaxDark__(Enthusiast)Enthusiast
28 Jan 2026

Hi Team,


I’d like to confirm the correct income tax treatment for the sale of a business motor vehicle.


Scenario:

  • I am a sole trader and not registered for GST.
  • I purchased a used Isuzu FRR Series truck for $30,000.
  • The vehicle was used 100% for business purposes.
  • The cost of the vehicle was claimed in full under temporary full expensing (not depreciation over time).
  • I also claimed running expenses such as insurance, registration, fuel, and repairs.
  • I later sold the vehicle for $18,000.

Questions:

  1. Do I need to report the sale of the vehicle in my tax return?
  2. If yes, how should it be reported?

My understanding:

  • As the vehicle is a depreciating asset used for business and was fully expensed, its adjustable value is nil.
  • The sale proceeds of $18,000 represent the termination value.
  • This results in a balancing adjustment assessable income of $18,000, which should be included in my tax return.

Please confirm if this treatment is correct or if there are any additional tax implications I should be aware of.

181 views
1 replies
181 views
1 replies

All replies

NikkiATO(Community Moderator)Community Moderator
2 Feb 2026

Hi @TaxDark__,


Yes, that’s right. You need to report the sale of the vehicle in your tax return, and your understanding of the treatment is accurate.


When you claimed the full cost of the truck under temporary full expensing, the adjustable value of the asset became nil. When you sold it for $18,000, this sale price is the termination value. The difference between the termination value and the adjustable value creates a balancing adjustment, which is assessable income of $18,000.


This balancing adjustment amount needs to be included as income in your tax return for the year the sale occurred. Since you're not registered for GST, there's no GST to account for on the sale.


You can find more information about depreciation and balancing adjustments on our website.

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Selling a motor vehicle used 100% for a sole trader business – tax implications (not GST-registered) | ATO Community