Business Details
26 Years
experience
Trusted Tax Depreciation Services in Australia
Established in 2000, Australian Cost Planners has emerged as a leading provider of tax depreciation and quantity surveying services across Australia. With over 35 years of combined industry experience, our team specialises in delivering ATO-compliant tax depreciation reports, construction cost estimates, and expert witness services. Our commitment to precision and compliance ensures clients receive maximum deductions while adhering to regulatory standards. We serve residential and commercial property investors, financial institutions, and construction professionals with tailored solutions backed by a 100% money-back guarantee.Our expertise in council DA estimates, insurance valuations, and project auditing positions us as trusted advisors in property investment and construction cost management. Backed by partnerships with over 1,000 chartered accountants, we prioritise transparency, client education, and long-term value creation.
Services
Tax Depreciation Reports
Council DA Estimates
Insurance Valuations
Expert Witness Services
Project Auditing
Construction Cost Estimates
Depreciation Schedules
Risk Analysis
Quantity Surveying
Dispute Resolution
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- Over 35 years of ATO-compliant tax depreciation expertise
- 100% money-back guarantee on all reports
- Nationwide service trusted by 1,000+ chartered accountants
- Court-recognised expert witness capabilities
- Specialised council DA estimates meeting NSW regulations
Associations and certifications
- Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS)
- Registered Tax Agent
What people say
Reliable and trustworthy
Excellent depreciation reports
Never had an issue
Timely delivery
Expert industry knowledge
Services
Tax Depreciation Reports
We prepare ATO-compliant tax depreciation reports that identify all claimable deductions for residential and commercial properties. Our detailed schedules cover building works and plant equipment, ensuring maximum returns over 40 years. With case studies showing first-year claims up to $15,007, our reports transform property investments into cash-positive assets through precise, auditable calculations.
Council DA Estimates
Our council DA estimates ensure compliance with Section 7.12 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act. We provide elemental cost breakdowns and gross floor area measurements meeting AIQS standards. These reports determine infrastructure contribution liabilities for development approvals, preventing delays and financial surprises while aligning with local council requirements across Australia.
Insurance Valuations
We deliver insurance valuation reports that calculate accurate replacement costs for property insurance purposes. Our assessments include construction costs, demolition expenses, and professional fees while accounting for geographic risks. These valuations ensure adequate coverage under Strata Management Regulations, protecting property owners from under-insurance and premium overpayments through detailed, court-recognised methodologies.
Expert Witness Services
As court-recognised experts, we provide impartial cost assessments for construction disputes. Our services cover contractual disagreements, workmanship quality issues, and delay claims with clear evidence presentation. With 30+ years of experience in residential and commercial projects, we deliver legally defensible reports that resolve conflicts efficiently while maintaining strict adherence to AIQS and Tax Practitioners Board codes.
Project Auditing
Our project auditing services assess financial and operational risks in construction projects. We verify budgets, insurance coverage, and builder licences while forecasting variation costs. These audits include cash flow analysis and progress valuation reports, ensuring developments stay on schedule and within budget. Financial institutions and developers rely on our independent assessments to mitigate risks across Australia's residential and commercial sectors.
People
Michael Sturgess
Director
With over 30 years' experience, Michael Sturgess founded Australian Cost Planners in 2000 after graduating as a quantity surveyor in 1990. An AIQS associate and registered tax agent, he specialises in tax depreciation and expert witness services. His career spans residential to large-scale commercial projects, combining practical construction knowledge with court-recognised expertise in cost dispute resolution.
Questions
What is a tax depreciation schedule?
A tax depreciation schedule details claimable deductions for property components over 40 years, maximising annual tax returns for investors.
Do older properties qualify for depreciation claims?
Yes, even properties over 30 years old can claim depreciation on remaining asset values and recent renovations.
How do council DA estimates affect development approvals?
DA estimates determine infrastructure contribution liabilities, ensuring council compliance and preventing approval delays through accurate cost breakdowns.
What's included in insurance valuation reports?
Reports include replacement costs, demolition expenses, professional fees, and escalation allowances to ensure adequate insurance coverage.
How does project auditing benefit construction developments?
Auditing identifies financial risks, verifies budgets, and ensures compliance through independent assessments of costs, documentation, and progress payments.
Can depreciation reports be claimed as tax deductions?
Yes, the cost of preparing depreciation schedules is 100% tax-deductible in the year of preparation.
