HOW DOES A CHATTEL MORTGAGE WORK?

CHATTEL MORTGAGE

A Chattel Mortgage is a commercial finance product where the customer takes ownership of the vehicle (chattel) at the time of purchase.

HOW DOES A CHATTEL MORTGAGE WORK?

Under a Chattel Mortgage the financier advances funds to the customer to purchase a vehicle, and the customer takes ownership of the vehicle (chattel) at the time of purchase. The financier then takes a "mortgage" over the vehicle as security for the loan, by registering their interest over it with the PPSR. Once the contract is completed, the security interest is removed giving the customer clear title to the vehicle.

BENEFITS OF A CHATTEL MORTGAGE

• Flexible contract terms ranging from 12 to 84 months (1to 7 years)
• A residual value (balloon) can be applied to the contract enabling the monthly repayments to be tailored to a budget
• Fixed interest rates
• Monthly repayments are fixed
• Costs are known in advance
• Deposit (either cash or trade-in) may be used
• A tax deduction is available when the vehicle is used for business purposes
• A customer who is registered for GST can claim the GST contained in the vehicle price as an input credit on their next Business Activity Statement (BAS)
• No GST is charged on the monthly repayment or the contract balloon amount
• The finance is secured against the vehicle, allowing lower interest rates

WHO DOES A CHATTEL MORTGAGE SUIT?

A Chattel Mortgage is suitable for those companies, partnerships and sole traders who use the cash method of accounting (they record business income and expenses as and when they occur) as it allows them to claim the GST in the vehicle's price up-front.

TAX IMPLICATIONS OF A CHATTEL MORTGAGE

GST is charged in the purchase price of the vehicle but not the monthly rental or the contract balloon (final instalment). Where the customer is registered for GST, they can claim some or all of the GST contained in the vehicle price as soon as they lodge their next BAS, rather than over the term of the loan. Under a Chattel Mortgage the customer can claim the interest charges on the contract and depreciation up to the Depreciation Limit as a tax deduction.

OTHER OPTIONS

If you are considering a Chattel Mortgage you may also want to consider other business car finance options such as a Commercial Hire Purchase (CHP) or Car Lease (Finance Lease). To find out what is best for you, try our easy "Which Finance Is Right For You?"  online tool.

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

If you have any questions or would like an instant online quote please send us an online finance enquiry, email us at adelaide@stratton.com.au or call us on 1300 471 767 and one of our local Adelaide finance consultants will contact you shortly. You may also wish to consider other business car finance & business car loan options.