How This Buyer Used a Chattel Mortgage to Reduce Tax on Their Horse Float Loan 🏇💰

🚛 Can You Use a Chattel Mortgage for Horse Float Finance?

Yes! A chattel mortgage is a popular business finance option that allows:

✅ Tax deductions on loan interest and depreciation
✅ Ownership of the asset from the start of the loan
✅ Lower interest rates compared to unsecured loans
✅ Flexible repayment structures

💡 Tip: Chattel mortgages are only available for business use—your horse float must be used for at least 50% commercial purposes.


🏩 How This Buyer Used a Chattel Mortgage to Reduce Tax

A 46-year-old equestrian transport business owner needed a new horse float and wanted to maximize tax deductions. They successfully used a chattel mortgage by:

🔑 Strategy ✅ How It Helped
📑 Financing under a chattel mortgage Allowed them to claim GST and interest costs
🚛 Structuring a balloon payment Reduced monthly repayments and improved cash flow
💰 Claiming GST upfront Lowered taxable income at the end of the financial year
📆 Choosing a 3-year loan term Ensured fast ownership while maintaining deductions

💡 Tip: Businesses registered for GST can claim the GST on the horse float purchase price as an upfront tax credit.


📋 How to Set Up a Chattel Mortgage for a Horse Float

Follow these steps to secure a chattel mortgage and reduce tax on your horse float loan:

🔑 Step ✅ What to Do
📑 Confirm Business Use Must be at least 50% commercial for eligibility
🚛 Register for GST Allows you to claim GST credits on the loan
💰 Choose a Balloon Payment Lowers monthly repayments while retaining tax benefits
📆 Select a Loan Term Usually 1–5 years, depending on cash flow needs
📉 Compare Lenders Different lenders offer varying tax benefits and rates

💡 Tip: Chattel mortgages allow higher tax deductions if structured correctly—consulting an accountant can help maximize benefits.


🏆 Best Loan Options for Chattel Mortgage Horse Float Finance

Chattel mortgages offer different structures based on loan term, interest rates, and business needs.

🔑 Loan Type ✅ Best For 📉 Interest Rate (Typical)
🚛 Chattel Mortgage (With Balloon) Businesses wanting low repayments with a final lump sum 5–10% p.a.*
💰 Chattel Mortgage (No Balloon) Businesses wanting to pay off the loan in full 5–12% p.a.*
📆 Low-Doc Chattel Mortgage Self-employed buyers with limited paperwork 6–14% p.a.*
📉 Business Equipment Loan Alternative financing for commercial-use floats 6–12% p.a.*

💡 Tip: A chattel mortgage with a balloon payment can free up cash flow for business expenses while keeping repayments manageable.

(*Rates vary based on lender and credit profile.)


💳 Why a Finance Broker Can Help with a Chattel Mortgage

A finance broker can:

✅ Find lenders offering competitive chattel mortgage rates
✅ Help structure balloon payments for better cash flow
✅ Ensure you maximize tax benefits with the right loan setup


🔑 Final Thoughts

A chattel mortgage is a tax-effective way to finance a horse float for business use. By claiming GST upfront, structuring repayments with a balloon, and choosing the right loan term, you can reduce your tax burden and improve cash flow.

🚀 Need a tax-saving horse float loan? Get expert advice on chattel mortgages today!

 

DISCLAIMER

The information provided on this website is general in nature only and has been prepared without considering your financial needs, circumstances and objectives and should NOT be construed as financial, taxation or legal advice. For more information, get in touch with our experienced partner brokers today.

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All Your Questions Answered

What is a car loan and how does it work?

A car loan is a finance product where a lender provides funds for you to purchase a vehicle, which you repay over time with interest.

What’s the difference between secured and unsecured car loans?

Secured loans use the car as collateral, often leading to lower interest rates. Unsecured loans don’t, but usually have higher rates.

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Most car loans offer terms from 3 to 7 years. Find out what term suits you best.

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Interest is based on the loan amount, term, and rate. Fixed-rate loans have predictable repayments, while variable rates can change.

Can I get a car loan for a private sale?

Yes, many lenders accept private sellers. You’ll need to provide extra documents.

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Yes — many lenders offer better rates due to your stable income. Explore finance options for government employees.

Can I apply for a car loan while on probation?

Yes. Many workers are approved during probation.

What credit score do I need as a government employee?

A score of 650+ is ideal, but lower scores may still be considered.

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Yes, especially if you're full-time with strong income.

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Yes, many government departments support novated leasing.

Can I get a car loan with no credit history?

Yes, it's still possible to get a car loan with no credit history.

What if I’ve been declined elsewhere?

A broker can help restructure your application for better results.

How do I check my credit score?

Use Equifax, Experian, or Illion for a free check.

Can I get finance if I have a current personal loan?

Yes, if your income supports both loans. A broker will assess your capacity.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typically: ID, payslips, and bank statements.

Can casual workers get car loans?

Yes, if you’ve worked consistently for 6+ months.

Can I apply if I’m self-employed with an ABN?

Yes. Consider a low-doc loan.

Can Centrelink be used as income?

Yes, when paired with PAYG income.

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Most lenders prefer $30,000+ annually, but this varies.

Can I apply on a fixed-term contract?

Yes, especially if it’s government-backed.

Can I finance a used car?

Yes, most lenders allow used cars under 10 years old.

Can I get a loan for an SUV or family car?

Absolutely

Can I finance a caravan or motorbike?

Yes

Can I finance an EV or hybrid car?

Yes. You may even qualify for green car loan discounts.

Can I use my car for both work and personal use?

Yes you can.

What is a balloon payment?

It’s a lump sum due at the end of the loan term.

Can I make extra repayments?

Yes, many lenders allow this without penalty.

Can I pay off the loan early?

Yes — ask if there’s an early payout fee.

Is there a deposit required?

Not always.

What loan terms are available?

1 to 7 years is standard.

How long does approval take?

24–48 hours in most cases

Can I apply online?

Yes — most lenders and brokers accept online applications.

Is a broker better than going direct?

Often, yes. They can compare lenders for you.

Can I get pre-approved?

Yes — and it gives you better negotiating power at the dealership.

What happens after I apply?

Your documents are reviewed, and if approved, the lender issues funds to the seller.

Can I get a loan with a visa?

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Yes, but learners may qualify with a co-applicant.

Can I apply with someone else?

Yes, joint applications are allowed.

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Yes, many lenders accept trade-ins toward the deposit.

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Yes, in some cases. Your job security is a major advantage.

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Yes — consistency in income matters more than job location.

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Yes, especially if you’re returning to work. Here’s how.

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Yes — just make sure the seller provides all required documents.

Can I finance a car from an auction?

Yes, but only through select lenders. Ask your broker first.

Will applying hurt my credit score?

Only if you apply to multiple lenders directly. Brokers help protect your score.

Can I get a car loan if I’ve been bankrupt before?

What if I want to upgrade my car before the loan ends?

You can sell the car, pay off the loan early, or refinance.