FAQ for Section 179 Deduction

 

What is the Section 179 Deduction?
Section 179 of the IRS Tax Code allows a small business to deduct, for the current tax year, the full purchase price of financed or leased equipment that qualifies for the deduction. The equipment purchased 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 tax year 2009, this means the equipment must be put into service between 01/01/2009 and 12/31/2009).

What impact did the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 have on the Section 179 Deduction?
The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 generously increased the limits of the Section 179 Deduction. The previous limits were $125,000 for the deduction and the total amount of equipment purchased or leased for the year had to be less then $500,000. The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 increased the deduction limit to $250,000, and now the total equipment purchased or leased needs to be less then $800,000. It also added a one-time “bonus depreciation” on equipment that exceeded the $250,000 deduction limit. This "bonus depreciation" has continued in 2009 via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Can I lease (or finance) equipment and still take the Section 179 Deduction?
Absolutely. In fact, this can be a very effective strategy, as the deduction you take may actually exceed the total loan or lease payments you make for the year. See this page for more information on equipment leasing and Section 179.

How do I know if the property I am purchasing or leasing qualifies for the Section 179 Deduction?
Most equipment that small businesses purchase or lease will qualify for the deduction. Please review the list of equipment that qualifies for the Section 179 Deduction.

What is the deduction limit for Section 179 Deductions?
After the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 was passed, the new current deduction limit is $250,000 and the total amount of equipment purchased cannot exceed $800,000. This has continued into the 2009 tax year via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

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.

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 $800,000 for 2009. Prior to the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 the amount of equipment purchased or leased could not exceed $500,000. This makes Section 179 a true “small and medium” business deduction.

Does the date of my purchase have an impact on the Section 179 Deduction?
Yes. To qualify for the Section 179 deduction for the 2009 tax year, the equipment must be purchased or leased and placed into service between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009.

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

How can I calculate the potential savings that the Section 179 Deduction will have on my next purchase?
There are many very easy-to-use Section 179 Calculators that will help you figure out your potential savings. Just Google it!

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.