Section 179 allows a business to deduct the total cost for qualified leased, financed or purchased equipment in the year it was purchased instead of depreciating the cost over the life of the equipment. Typically, however, Congress waits until after the first of the year to renew this section, which can hurt small business owners and manufacturers as well as farmers, dentists and medical providers.
Very often, Congress doesn’t get around to renewing tax breaks, such as Section 179, until well after the end of the year. Then they make it retroactive. This creates a variety of issues for businesses who attempt to plan purchases with tax breaks in mind. Often, small businesses will miss out on the tax altogether.
While tax breaks such as Section 179 are typically renewed each year, it isn’t a given. That means businesses as well as farmers and even those in the medical profession won’t know if they are allowed to deduct $25,000 or $500,000. The final approved amount depends on whether or not the larger deductions are renewed. If not, the limit reverts to the original $25,000.
This can make a buying decisions difficult. For example if a farmer needs to buy a new combine, the farmer is looking at an investment of up to half a million dollars. If Section 179 isn’t renewed at the higher levels, this investment may need to be reconsidered. The same goes for medical or manufacturing equipment.
Still, for a small business, even the limit of $25,000 can make a tremendous difference. Being that off-the-shelf software also qualifies for this deduction, a small business could update its software to enhance efficiency, therefore increasing its bottom line.
Tax planning is a critical component of running a successful company. In order for small businesses to plan for the next year while they still have the time to implement smart decisions, it’s imperative that Congress acts in an efficient and timely manner. Small businesses are the backbone of this county and do drive the economy, and Congress shouldn’t forget that.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact the office today!