Business Details
26 Years
experience
Expert Tax Depreciation Services in Sydney
Australian Cost Planners has been a trusted leader in tax depreciation and quantity surveying services for over 35 years. Founded in 2000 by Michael Sturgess, a seasoned professional with decades of construction industry expertise, we specialize in delivering ATO-compliant depreciation reports that maximize tax deductions for residential and commercial property investors. Our team of registered tax agents combines deep technical knowledge with a commitment to best practices, ensuring clients receive accurate, reliable, and legally sound financial strategies. With a nationwide service network and a reputation built on transparency and client-centric solutions, we have helped thousands of investors optimize their property portfolios.Our services are underpinned by rigorous adherence to professional standards, including membership in the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and registration with the Tax Practitioners Board. We pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing without compromising quality, backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. Our expertise extends beyond depreciation to include construction cost estimates, insurance valuations, and expert witness services, positioning us as a comprehensive partner for property-related financial planning.
Services
Tax Depreciation Reports
Quantity Surveying
Expert Witness Services
Insurance Valuations
Project Auditing
Council DA Estimates
Construction Cost Estimates
Residential Depreciation
Commercial Depreciation
Dispute Resolution
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of specialized experience in tax depreciation and quantity surveying
- ATO-compliant reports prepared by registered tax agents
- Competitive pricing with a 100% money-back guarantee
- Nationwide service trusted by over 1,000 chartered accountants
- Comprehensive expertise in construction cost analysis and dispute resolution
Associations and certifications
- Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS)
- Tax Practitioners Board (TPB)
What people say
Excellent report
Reliable and trustworthy
Good value for money
Never been challenged by ATO
Accurate depreciation figures
Services
Tax Depreciation Reports
Our ATO-compliant tax depreciation reports identify all eligible deductions for residential and commercial properties. Using detailed analysis of building components under Divisions 40 and 43, we maximize first-year deductions averaging $2,000-$15,000. Reports remain valid for 40 years, with options for prime cost or diminishing value calculation methods. Clients receive graphical representations of depreciation patterns and guidance on low-value pooling strategies.
Quantity Surveying
We provide expert construction cost estimates for projects at all stages, from initial planning to final audits. Our services include council DA estimates, insurance replacement valuations, and project risk analysis. With specialized knowledge of building codes and materials, we help clients manage budgets, optimize tax outcomes, and resolve disputes through detailed cost breakdowns and forensic analysis.
Expert Witness Services
As court-recognized experts, we offer impartial valuation of disputed construction costs and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings. Our services cover contractual disagreements, workmanship disputes, and delay claims. With over 30 years of industry experience, we deliver clear, evidence-based reports that withstand scrutiny in tribunals and courts across Australia.
Insurance Valuations
Our insurance valuations ensure adequate coverage by calculating accurate replacement costs for residential and commercial properties. We consider current construction rates, building specifications, and regulatory requirements to prevent underinsurance. These reports are regularly updated to reflect market changes, providing ongoing protection against financial exposure from inadequate coverage.
Construction Cost Estimates
We deliver precise cost estimates for construction projects at every development stage. From feasibility studies to final audits, our services help clients control budgets, secure financing, and avoid cost overruns. Our team analyzes material prices, labor rates, and project timelines to provide actionable financial insights for builders, developers, and financial institutions.
People
Michael Sturgess
Director
With over 30 years in property and construction, Michael Sturgess founded ACP Quantity Surveyors in 2000 after graduating as a quantity surveyor in 1990. A court-recognized expert witness and registered tax agent, he specializes in tax depreciation and construction cost analysis while maintaining active involvement in industry dispute resolution.
Questions
Do I need a quantity surveyor to claim property depreciation?
Yes, the ATO requires a registered tax agent with quantity surveying qualifications to prepare depreciation schedules for investment properties.
Can I claim depreciation on older properties?
Properties built after 1987 qualify for full depreciation claims, with significant deductions available for renovations completed after 1992.
How long do depreciation reports remain valid?
Our reports provide 40-year forecasts, covering the full depreciation lifecycle of building components and plant equipment.
What's the difference between prime cost and diminishing value methods?
The diminishing value method accelerates deductions in early years, while prime cost spreads them evenly over asset lifespans.
Are depreciation report fees tax-deductible?
Yes, the full cost of preparing depreciation schedules is immediately tax-deductible in the year of purchase.
