Property investing – what records should I keep?

2015

Property investing generates a lot of paperwork and email correspondence. What should you keep, and what is safe to throw out? Keeping organised records is important for the smooth running of your investments and to make sure you are compliant with regulations.

Software packages

There are software packages available that can help you do this. They range from comprehensive packages for property investors to general accountancy packages which provide some of the record-keeping described here. You can also keep effective records without spending money on these programmes if you are organised and want to go it solo.

Do it yourself

Permanent files

Set up permanent files – one for each property. These will run for the life of your investment – from purchase to post-sale.

This will include:

  • Purchase contract
  • Solicitor’s settlement letter on purchase
  • Loan agreement, including any refinancing
  • Depreciation schedule
  • Renovation costs, details and totals
  • Any communication between you (or your property manager) and your tenants
  • Details of any changes to rent or tenancy conditions
  • Tenancy application forms
  • Contract of sale
  • Selling agent agreement
  • Solicitor’s settlement letter on sale
  • Loan finalisation documents.
  • Each permanent file must be kept for 5 years from the date of lodgement of the tax return in which the property sale is declared.

Annual files

Set up annual files and/or folders – one for each of your properties. This will run for the financial year and should contain:

  • Your receipts and invoices
  • Rental statements
  • Tenancy agreements
  • Property inspection records
  • Loan statements
  • Cash book (this is a clear record of your income and expenditure using paper, a spreadsheet or accounting software).

Keeping these records in an organised manner will help you keep track of your cash-flow and will make sure you have everything you need at hand. It is important to keep each annual file for a period of 5 years from the date of lodging the tax return.

Our goal is to empower you to become a better, more finance-focused and well-rounded entrepreneur. Contact us at [email protected] or 1300 328 855

The right time to buy

There are many fantastic investment opportunities available right now. 2015 is presenting us with the lowest interest rates in recent history, a nationwide under-supply of property and strong economic fundamentals.

For more information or to arrange for a free, no-obligation initial consultation please contact us today.

You can click here to speak to a businessaccounting and bookkeeping firm. We also offer hospitality business consultation and mortgage services. We will give you a call to know more about your needs. We will explain to you how we can improve your business.

Ballarat Accountants

Phone: 1300 328 855

Office Address: 902 Howitt Street, Wendouree, Victoria 3355, Australia

Postal Address: PO Box 2234, Bakery Hill, Victoria 3354

Gisborne Accountants

Phone: 03 97444522

Sunbury Office Address: Suite 13, 33-35 Macedon Street, Sunbury, Victoria 3429, Australia

Gisborne Office Address: 45 Hamilton Street, Gisborne, Victoria 3437, Australia

Postal Address: PO Box 270 Gisborne Victoria 3437

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