FAQ

Leasing is just one of several commercial finance lending available to businesses for asset acquisitions. Another very popularly used form of commercial financing is Chattel Mortgage. This is different from Leasing in that the borrower takes ownership of the goods when the contract is finalised and the goods form the security against the loan. The finance is repaid over a fixed term at a fixed interest rate in equal monthly instalments. A balloon is optional. Unlike Leasing where the entire repayment is tax-deductible, only the interest portion of Chattel Mortgage repayments are immediately tax-deductible. The major tax benefit is realised at the end of year accounts through depreciation of the goods in line with ATO guidelines at the time. Businesses should consider the benefits of all types of lending and preferably in discussion with their accountant in making a decision about which is most suited to their operation.

Leasing is a business lending product and many lenders operating in this market offer no deposit finance. This means that 100% of the total purchase price of the goods can be included in the leasing contract. The no deposits reference is different what a seller or dealer may request from a buyer to confirm a sale or hold a product while finance is arranged. Leasing can be sourced for the entire purchase price and if the seller does request a holding deposit, that may be included and the seller refunds any monies prepaid to the buyer. Options and accessories may also be included in the leasing contract when acquired at the same time as the main purchase. All arrangements are subject to individual lender requirements and the condition of the goods being purchased may impact the lender’s decision around including the entire purchase price in the lease.

In applying for leasing finance, a business must hold a current ABN, and ID and be requested to produce a range of financial documents regarding the business trading history. This information or documents are referred to simply as docs in the lending services sector. Where a business is relatively new, has only been trading for a short period or is in the process of setting up, it may not have all or any of the docs requested by a lender. In these circumstances, specialist lenders offer what is known as low docs or no docs leasing. To be eligible for this category, a business is required to have, at minimum, an ABN, ID and a good credit profile. The greater the quantity and quality of docs the business can then produce can improve the prospects for a better leasing deal. Additional conditions may apply such as additional security being requested and a possible cap on the total lending amount approved.

Leasing is a business finance product and to be eligible to apply, the applicant must be a business and the goods must be for use in the business. In applying for a lease, the applicant must have a current ABN; identification; and present a range of financial records and information about the business. These financial records and documents may include business income tax returns, annual accounts, BAS statements, bank statements, profit and loss statements and other similar verifiable information. Being registered for GST is not an essential requirement for leasing but may be perceived as desirable by some lenders. Businesses can apply via online application forms or over the phone with a lender. Documents can be submitted electronically to many lenders to negate the need for in-person applicant interviews.

Leasing is a commercial finance facility and all business loan products have a tax-deductible benefit. With leasing, ownership of the asset is held by the lender and the borrower leases the asset from the lender. The lease payment is considered an operating expense and under ATO rulings is tax deductible. (Subject to individual circumstances and eligibility) The interest portion of the lease payment is a tax deduction. GST is applied to the monthly lease repayments and can be claimed by the borrower if registered for GST. Residual payments are subject to ATO rulings.

Leasing payments are calculated based on the fixed interest rate applied to the loan over the fixed leasing term and making allowance for any residual that may be selected. The residual is the amount of the financials which is deferred for payment at the end of the lease term. Repayment estimates can be calculated by potential borrowers using a leasing calculator. These are self-serve devices provided by lenders on their websites. The user enters the total amount they want for their lease, the interest rate being offered by that lender, the preferred leasing term and any residual if required. The device auto-calculates the monthly leasing payment estimates. Repayments calculated using these tools do not allow for all charges and fees and as such should be taken as estimates or ballpark figures only. Borrowers should request a quote for a specific repayment figure.

No. Hiring or rental of goods is a contract undertaken which acknowledges that the owner of the goods is the owner of the goods and the period of use of those goods is for the time as specified and no change of ownership or right to ownership is claimed by the person hiring. Leasing is a business finance product with the intention of the borrower acquiring the goods. The concept is that the lender retains ownership of the goods and the borrower leases the goods over a set timeframe in return for a fixed monthly lease payment. The objective is that at the end of the leasing term the borrower has the ability to take ownership title of the goods. Leasing is a form of buying assets for a business.

Leasing is a commercial finance facility that is available for business entities. In order to be eligible for business finance including leases, the applicant must have an ABN and meet other application requirements. To be considered a business acquisition and therefore eligible for business financing, the goods being acquired must be for use in the business. As such individuals purchasing goods for private use would not qualify for leasing. Individuals can purchase leisure vehicles with either a secured or unsecured personal loan. These lending products are structured to suit the requirements of individual borrowers.