For years, the instant asset write-off came with an expiry date. Every year, business owners waited to see if it would be extended. That uncertainty is now gone.
In the 2026 to 2027 Federal Budget, the Government made the $20,000 instant asset write-off permanent for eligible small businesses from 1 July 2026. For hospitality owners planning their next upgrade, that changes how you can think about timing.
What actually changed
The write-off lets an eligible small business claim an immediate deduction for the cost of an eligible asset, rather than writing it down slowly over many years. The change in 2026 was simple but important: the $20,000 threshold is now permanent, not a year-by-year measure. Eligible businesses are generally those with a turnover under $10 million.
This is the part many owners miss. The write-off applies per asset, not per business. So more than one piece of gear can qualify, as long as each one sits under the threshold and is installed and ready to use. For a venue kitting out a kitchen, that can add up.
What it might cover in a venue
Think about the gear that keeps a hospitality business running: an oven, a fridge, a cold room, a coffee machine, a dishwasher, front-of-house furniture. Many of these are exactly the kind of assets small businesses look at when they plan an upgrade.
Here is the good news for cash flow: financing the gear does not lock you out. You can fund an eligible asset now, keep your cash working in the business, and still review the write-off with your accountant. You do not have to choose between protecting your cash and making a smart purchase.
The simple way to think about it: let Geared help you fund the gear, and let your accountant handle the tax side. Everyone's situation is different, and the rules have conditions. This is general information, not tax advice. Before you buy, confirm your eligibility and how the write-off applies to you with your accountant or the ATO.
