Why does the EOFY deadline matter for solar in 2026?
The instant asset write-off threshold drops from $20,000 to $1,000 on 1 July 2026. A solar system installed and operational before 30 June 2026 qualifies for an immediate full deduction. The same system installed on 1 July goes into the simplified depreciation pool at 15% in year one and 30% per year after that. On a $10,000 system at a 25% tax rate, the difference is a $2,500 year-one tax saving versus $375.
This checklist covers every step from first enquiry to system commissioning, timed against the 30 June deadline.
What should you do 8 to 12 weeks before 30 June? (April to early May)
- Contact Solar Galaxy for a free site assessment, system design, and quote
- Speak with your accountant to confirm eligibility for the instant asset write-off and agree on the claiming approach
- Review 12 months of electricity bills to understand your usage profile and size the system correctly
- Confirm your roof condition and suitability for solar (assessed during the quoting process)
- Set your budget, keeping the total system cost under $20,000 per asset to qualify for the full write-off
What should you do 6 to 8 weeks before 30 June? (May)
- Accept your quote and sign the installation contract to lock in your date
- Arrange full payment within the financial year (the asset must be paid for in the year you claim it)
- Confirm the installation date is at least 1 to 2 weeks before 30 June to allow buffer for weather delays
- Submit any required approvals: strata, council, or body corporate
- Confirm your installer has submitted the network connection application (systems above 10kW require DNSP approval, which takes 4 to 8 weeks)
What should you do 2 to 4 weeks before 30 June? (early to mid June)
- Installation day: the Solar Galaxy team installs the system (1 to 2 days for most commercial systems)
- System commissioning: testing and verification that the system is generating and exporting correctly
- Receive your Certificate of Compliance (electrical safety certificate from the installer)
- Confirm the system is “installed ready for use” before 30 June, which is the ATO’s requirement for the write-off, not just “purchased” or “contracted”
- Set up monitoring so you can track generation and consumption from day one
What documents do you need for your tax return?
6 documents are required to support your instant asset write-off claim:
- Tax invoice from Solar Galaxy showing system cost, date, and business details
- Proof of payment (bank statement or credit card receipt showing the transaction date falls within the financial year)
- Certificate of Compliance or installation completion certificate
- Photographs of the installed system (useful evidence in the event of an ATO audit)
- Record of the date the system was first used or generating power
- Your accountant’s written advice on the claiming method and business-use proportion
What are the most common EOFY solar mistakes?
5 mistakes cause businesses to miss the write-off or have claims rejected:
- Starting too late: installer crews across Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth book out 6 to 8 weeks ahead in May and June. Begin in April.
- Paying only a deposit: the full asset cost must be paid within the financial year (confirm payment terms with your accountant)
- Signing a contract without installation: a signed contract alone does not meet the ATO’s “installed ready for use” requirement
- Exceeding the threshold: a system costing $20,001 does not qualify for the instant write-off. Size the system carefully, and note that each asset (panels and battery) is assessed separately
- Ignoring mixed-use rules: only the business-use proportion is deductible when the asset is used for both business and private purposes
How long does the full process take from quote to commissioning?
A 6.6kW solar system takes 4 to 8 weeks from initial quote to commissioned system. A 13kW system or larger takes 6 to 12 weeks. Network applications for systems above 10kW add 4 to 8 weeks to the timeline. Working backwards from 30 June, a business targeting an EOFY claim should begin the quoting process no later than early April.
Get your free solar quote from Solar Galaxy and secure your installation date before the EOFY rush.
This article is general information only. Consult your accountant for tax advice specific to your business.
