Chattel Mortgage Tax Savings Calculator | GST, Depreciation & Year 1 Savings

Chattel Mortgage Tax Savings Calculator

Unlike a standard loan calculator, this tool shows your real after-tax cost: GST credit, Year 1 interest deduction, depreciation claim, and net monthly outlay — all in one place. Enter your asset details below to see what a chattel mortgage actually costs your business.

Why This Calculator Is Different

Most online calculators only show repayment amounts. A chattel mortgage has three tax advantages that a standard personal loan or operating lease simply doesn't offer — and they can dramatically reduce your real cost:

  • GST credit: If you're GST-registered, you claim back 1/11th of the purchase price on your next BAS. On a $110,000 vehicle, that's $10,000 back in your pocket within 3 months — reducing your effective loan balance immediately.
  • Interest deductions: The interest component of every monthly repayment is deductible as a business expense. At 25% tax rate on a $100,000 loan at 8.5% over 5 years, that's over $5,000 in tax saved on interest alone.
  • Depreciation (or instant write-off): You own the asset from day one under a chattel mortgage, so you can claim depreciation each year. If the asset costs under $20,000 and you're an eligible small business, you can write off the entire amount in Year 1.

This calculator models all three. Enter your asset price, loan term, rate, and tax details below to see your net Year 1 after-tax cost — not just your repayment figure.

How to Use the Chattel Mortgage Calculator

  1. Enter your asset price — the purchase price including or excluding GST
  2. Select "Chattel Mortgage" as your finance structure
  3. Set your term — typically 3–7 years
  4. Enter an interest rate — start with 6.5% as a guide
  5. Add a balloon (optional) — 0–50% to reduce regular payments
  6. Review results — weekly/monthly repayments, GST credit, Year 1 deductions

What the Calculator Shows You

  • Weekly and monthly repayments — principal + interest
  • GST credit — the amount you'll claim on your next BAS
  • Year 1 interest deduction — tax-deductible interest for the first year
  • Year 1 depreciation — based on the asset's effective life
  • Total cost over the term — including interest and balloon

All results are estimates for general guidance. Actual terms depend on lender approval. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

Chattel Mortgage FAQ

What interest rate should I use?
Rates vary by lender, asset type, and your credit profile. For indicative estimates, try 5.5%–8.5%. New vehicles and equipment from established businesses typically attract the lower end of that range.
Should I include a balloon payment?
A balloon reduces your regular repayments but means a lump sum at the end. It works well if you plan to trade/sell the asset or refinance the balloon. If cash flow is tight during the term, a 20–30% balloon can free up significant weekly cash.
Are these results guaranteed?
No. This calculator provides estimates for comparison purposes. Actual repayments, rates, and tax outcomes depend on your lender, credit assessment, and individual tax circumstances.
Is this the same as a commercial goods loan calculator?
Yes. A commercial goods loan is what major banks now call a chattel mortgage. This calculator works for both — the repayments, GST, interest, and depreciation calculations are identical regardless of which name your lender uses.