What is the Section 179 Deduction?

With Section 179 of the IRS Tax Code allows a business to deduct, for the current tax year, the full purchase price of financed or leased equipment and off-the-shelf software that qualifies for the deduction. The equipment purchased, financed or leased must be within the specified dollar limits of Section 179, and the equipment must be placed into service in the same tax year that the deduction is being taken (for example, the equipment must be put into service between January 1st and December 31st of the year the deduction is to be taken.)

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What’s the difference between Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation?

The most important difference is both new and used equipment qualify for Section 179 Deduction, while Bonus Depreciation covers new equipment only. Bonus Depreciation is useful to very large businesses spending more than whatever Section 179’s spending limit is for that year. Also, businesses with a net loss in a given tax year qualify to carry-forward the Bonus Depreciation to a future year. When applying these provisions, Section 179 is generally taken first, followed by Bonus Depreciation – unless the business has no taxable profit in the given tax year.

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Can I lease (or finance) equipment and take the Section 179 Deduction?

Yes, you can. The strategy is effective, as the deduction you take may exceed the total loan or lease payments you make for the year.

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How do I know if the property I am purchasing, or leasing qualifies for the Section 179 Deduction?

Most equipment that businesses purchase, or lease will qualify for the deduction. Please review the list of equipment that qualifies for the Section 179 Deduction.

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What is the deduction limit for Section 179 Deductions?

        The 2018 Section 179 Deduction Limit is $1,000,000. This deduction is good on new and used equipment and “off-the-shelf” software.

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Can I buy or lease a vehicle and take the Section 179 deduction?

It depends on the vehicle. Generally, the vehicle must have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) in excess of 6,000 lbs. Click here for more information regarding Section 179 and Vehicles.

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Does the amount of equipment I purchase and lease in any one year matter?

Yes. The amount of equipment purchased and/or leased may not exceed whatever that year’s spending cap is.

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Does the date of my purchase have an impact on the Section 179 Deduction?

Yes. To qualify for the Section 179 deduction for any given tax year, the qualifying property must be purchased or leased and placed into service between January 1 and December 31 of that year.

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Does the geographic area my business operates in make any difference in the Section 179 Deduction?

The IRS has identified several different areas of the country as special zones that qualify for an increased Section 179 Deduction. Some of the zones the IRS has identified include the New York Liberty Zone, Special Enterprise and Renewal Community Business Areas, and the Gulf Opportunity Zone.

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How can I elect the Section 179 Deduction?

To elect the Section 179 Deduction you need to fill out ‘Part One’ of IRS form 4562 (available here). If you need help, your tax preparer will be able to help you elect the Section 179 Deduction.