Depreciation Rate for Business Signage in Australia (2026 ATO Guide)
What Is the Depreciation Rate for Business Signage in Australia?
According to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), business signage have a effective life of 5 years. This gives you two depreciation rate options:
| Method | Rate | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Diminishing Value | 40.00% | Higher deductions in earlier years |
| Prime Cost | 20.00% | Equal deductions each year |
Diminishing value rate = 200% ÷ effective life (200% ÷ 5 = 40.00%). Prime cost rate = 100% ÷ effective life (100% ÷ 5 = 20.00%).
Worked Example: $3,000 Business Signage
Purchase business signage for $3,000 on 1 July 2025 (start of the financial year) for a full-year deduction:
Diminishing Value Method (40.00%)
| Financial Year | Opening Value | Deduction | Closing Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–26 | $3,000 | $1,200 | $1,800 |
| 2026–27 | $1,800 | $720 | $1,080 |
| 2027–28 | $1,080 | $432 | $648 |
| 2028–29 | $648 | $259 | $389 |
| 2029–30 | $389 | $156 | $233 |
| 2030–31 | $233 | $93 | $140 |
| 2031–32 | $140 | $56 | $84 |
Prime Cost Method (20.00%)
| Financial Year | Opening Value | Deduction | Closing Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–26 | $3,000 | $600 | $2,400 |
| 2026–27 | $2,400 | $600 | $1,800 |
| 2027–28 | $1,800 | $600 | $1,200 |
| 2028–29 | $1,200 | $600 | $600 |
| 2029–30 | $600 | $600 | $0 |
Which method is better? Diminishing value gives you $1,200 in Year 1 vs $600 with prime cost. Most small businesses prefer diminishing value for the bigger upfront deduction.
First-Year Pro-Rata Rule
If you purchase the sign partway through the financial year, your first-year deduction is pro-rated based on the number of days you held the asset.
Example: Buy business signage for $3,000 on 1 January 2026 (181 days remaining in the FY).
- Diminishing value: $3,000 × 40.00% × (181/365) = $595
- Prime cost: $3,000 × 20.00% × (181/365) = $298
Instant Asset Write-Off
If your sign costs less than the instant asset write-off threshold ($20,000 for the 2024–25 income year), you may be able to deduct the entire cost immediately rather than depreciating over 5 years. This applies to small businesses with aggregated turnover under $10 million.
Always check the current ATO guidance as thresholds can change each financial year.
What Counts as “Business Signage” for ATO Purposes?
The ATO’s 5-year effective life applies to:
- Illuminated signs and lightboxes
- A-frame and sandwich board signs
- Digital display signage
- Vehicle signwriting (treated as separate from the vehicle)
- Banners and flags used for business promotion
Note: permanent signage attached to a building may be treated as a capital works deduction (Division 43) rather than plant depreciation. Freestanding signs are generally plant.
How to Claim Depreciation
- Must be used for business purposes. Only claim the business-use percentage. If you use the sign 70% for work, claim 70% of the depreciation.
- Choose your method — diminishing value or prime cost. You must stick with the same method for the life of that asset.
- Keep records — purchase receipt, proof of business use percentage, and your depreciation schedule.
- Report in your tax return — include the deduction amount in your business expenses or work-related deductions.
Calculate Your Depreciation
Use our free depreciation calculator to get an instant depreciation schedule — just select “Signage” and enter the purchase price and date.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ATO effective life for business signage?
The ATO sets the effective life at 5 years for business signage.
Should I use diminishing value or prime cost?
Most small businesses use diminishing value because it gives a bigger deduction in the first year ($1,200 vs $600 on a $3,000 sign).
Can I claim the full cost as an immediate deduction?
If the sign costs less than the instant asset write-off threshold and you are an eligible small business, yes — you can deduct the full cost in the year of purchase. If you also use it personally, only claim the business-use percentage.
What if I sell or dispose of the sign before it’s fully depreciated?
You’ll need to do a balancing adjustment. If you sell it for more than the written-down value, the difference is assessable income. If you sell for less, you can claim the remaining amount as a deduction.