Australian Landlords Warned: 7 EOFY Tax Moves to Make Before June 30

Updated: July 3, 2026

Australia’s end of financial year (EOFY) deadline is becoming more than a tax filing milestone for rental property owners. With borrowing costs remaining higher than they were a few years ago and ongoing increases in insurance, council rates and maintenance expenses, many landlords are using the period before 30 June to reassess whether their investment property is still delivering the returns they expected.

Instead of focusing only on tax deductions, property advisers are encouraging investors to examine cash flow, loan costs, record keeping and the property’s long-term role in their investment portfolio. Small issues that are overlooked during the year can have a noticeable impact on both taxable income and overall investment performance.

EOFY is an opportunity to review the whole investment

Australia’s property market has changed significantly since the period of historically low interest rates. Many landlords are now paying considerably more on investment loans while dealing with higher operating costs and changing rental conditions.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requires rental property owners to report rental income accurately and claim expenses under the correct tax rules. Its official Rental Properties Guide 2026 explains how rental income, deductions, capital works and depreciating assets should be treated when preparing a tax return.

Looking beyond tax paperwork can help investors identify whether changes are needed before the new financial year begins.

Review your investment loan

Interest repayments are often the largest ongoing expense attached to a rental property. A loan that was competitive several years ago may no longer offer the best value if market conditions or personal finances have changed.

Before EOFY, landlords may benefit from reviewing interest rates, offset accounts, repayment options and refinancing opportunities. Any decision to refinance should take into account fees, break costs, available equity and long-term financial objectives rather than focusing only on a lower advertised rate.

Make sure every expense is documented

Well-organised records can simplify tax preparation and reduce the risk of overlooking legitimate deductions. Important documents typically include mortgage interest statements, property management fees, council rates, insurance premiums, strata charges, repair invoices and advertising expenses for finding tenants.

Accurate records also provide a clearer picture of whether the property is generating positive cash flow or relying mainly on future capital growth.

Check whether depreciation records need updating

Landlords who completed renovations or installed new fixtures, appliances or other assets during the financial year should review their depreciation schedule before lodging a return.

Keeping depreciation records current can help ensure eligible deductions are not missed while making it easier to distinguish between depreciating assets, capital works and other property-related costs.

Know the difference between repairs and improvements

Not every property expense is treated the same for tax purposes. Work that restores existing damage may be classified differently from projects that improve or significantly upgrade the property.

Maintaining detailed invoices and descriptions of completed work can help support accurate tax treatment if questions arise later.

Review PAYG withholding variations

Some negatively geared investors use a PAYG withholding variation to receive tax benefits throughout the year instead of waiting until their annual return is processed.

If rental income, loan repayments or deductible expenses have changed, reviewing the variation before the new financial year may help ensure it still reflects the investor’s current circumstances.

Measure the property’s current performance

EOFY is also a practical time to assess whether an investment property continues to meet financial expectations. Rental yield, vacancy periods, maintenance costs and local market conditions may have changed since the property was purchased.

Comparing these factors against broader investment goals can help landlords make informed decisions rather than relying solely on past performance. Keeping up with the latest Australian finance and economic developments may also provide useful context when reviewing investment plans.

Understand rules for buying or selling during the year

Investors who purchased or sold a rental property during the financial year should pay close attention to how deductions apply. Settlement dates, periods when the property was genuinely available for rent, loan establishment costs and certain initial expenses can affect the timing of claims.

Clarifying these details before lodging a tax return can help avoid amendments later.

Planning ahead may matter more than ever

For many landlords, the biggest EOFY benefit may come from understanding the overall financial position of the investment rather than simply identifying tax deductions. Reviewing borrowing costs, rental income, maintenance spending and documentation together provides a more complete picture of how the property is performing.

As property ownership costs continue to evolve, making informed decisions before the financial year closes can place investors in a stronger position for the year ahead while helping reduce avoidable tax and record-keeping issues.