Section 179 - Tax Relief From Depreciation Rules
"Depreciation." For business owners, this word is the one most likely to inspire headaches and fits of cussing. The expanded provisions of Section 179 are just the medicine you need to cure the depreciation blues.
Depreciation
Traditionally, if your business property had a life of more than one year, the cost had to be deducted over several tax years. The number of years depended on the characteristics of the property, which made depreciation the flag-bearing example of the complexities of the tax code. Shockingly, the federal government has provided substantial relief to business owners.
Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code has been dramatically expanded to the benefit of businesses, particularly small ones. This code allows businesses to completely deduct the cost of tangible property in the year of purchase. The tax relief comes from the expansion of the total amount that can be deducted in one year.
Huge Deduction Increase
As part of the Job Growth and Reconciliation Act of 2003, the one-year deduction amount was increased from $25,000 to $100,000. The 100,000 figure will be adjusted for inflation each year, which means it will continue to increase. This is very good news.
What Property Qualifies?
You can deduct the cost of the following property under Section 179:
1. Machinery and equipment
2. Furniture and fixtures
3. Computer software.
You must elect Section 179. It is not automatically given to you. Simply fill out IRS Form 4562 and attach to the returns for the business.
In Closing
As shocking as this will sound, the government should be applauded for expanding Section 179. Small businesses are burdened by too many regulations and mandatory costs. The expansion of Section 179 is a nice piece of tax relief legislation. Let's hope more is on the way.
Richard Chapo is CEO of http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com - Obtaining tax refunds for small businesses by finding overlooked tax deductions and credits through a free tax return review.
MORE RESOURCES:
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Section 179 - Tax Relief From Depreciation Rules
"Depreciation." For business owners, this word is the one most likely to inspire headaches and fits of cussing.
Need an Offshore Sales Office in a Tax Free Environment?
The 100 year old investment-banking firm of Warburg, Dillon Read (on Park Ave. N.
What Is Tax Law?
The federal tax code is complex. This complexity generally arises from two factors: the use of the tax code for purposes other than raising revenue, and the feedback process of amending the code.
Know A Tax Cheat? Get Paid To Tell The IRS
According to the IRS, taxpayers underpay their taxes by some $300 billion. If you know someone that is contributing to that deficit, the IRS may be willing to pay you up to $10 million for the information you provide.
Navigating The Internet Sales Tax Laws
QUESTION:
I have been contacted by my local city government to say that my business is scheduled to be audited to determine if I owe any sales tax from items purchased on the Internet. Can they really make me pay this tax? I thought you could buy things online tax free? -- Katie R.
How to Donate Your Car to Charity and Get Tax Deduction
Donating your used car to charity is a win-win situation; the charity gets your gift and you get tax deduction. Below are some simple steps to make a car donation.
Marriage or Divorce - Check Your Social Security Number
Newlyweds and the recently divorced should make sure that names on their tax returns match those registered with the Social Security Administration (SSA). A mismatch between a name on the tax return and a Social Security number (SSN) could unexpectedly increase a tax bill or reduce the size of any refund.
Tax Tips to Save Money on Taxes - Get the Corporate Kick and Save Loads of Money
Why a Corporation Helps Save You TaxesThe Tax Rates (Notice anything unusual?):The following tables provide a list of the tax rates for individuals and corporations:Personal:
$0-$24,650 15%
$24,651-$59,750 28%
$59, 750-$124,650 31%
$124,651-$271,050 36%
$271,050+ 39.6%Tax SecretsCorporate:
0-$50,000 15%
$50,001-$75,000 25%
$75,001-100,000 34%
$100,001-$335,000 39%
$335-000-$10M 34%If you examine them closely, you will see at least one glaring contrast.
IRS Statute of Limitations: Do Taxes Ever Expire?
Many Americans believe that an IRS debt is a debt for life and that the tax collector can hound them to the grave. Thankfully, that is not the case and there are statutory time limits on the ability of the IRS to examine and collect taxes.
Hurricane Katrina - How To Use Your Business Loss To Get A Refund on 2004 Taxes
With the massive losses caused by Katrina, the economy of the Gulf Coast region is in extremely bad shape. Fortunately, there is a quirk in the tax code that can help you generate a large refund from your 2004 taxes.
Tax Tips for Home-Based Business Owners
As tax time approaches, many home-based business owners begin completing their forms or paying their accountants with trepidation. This nervousness comes from two sources: a fear of being audited and a fear of having to pay a lot.
Tax Trap #1 -- Waiting to Incorporate: What A Difference A Date Can Make
NOTE: This is the first in a series of 5 articles:
"Small Business Tax Traps and How To Avoid Them"If you're a sole proprietor, perhaps you've considered
incorporating your small business or self-employment
activity.And so maybe you've been wondering,
"When is the best time to incorporate?"From a legal standpoint, any time is the best time.
Save Money on Taxes - Let Uncle Sam Pay for Your Fun!
"Deducting Meals and Entertainment"O.K.
To Tax or Not to Tax - This is the Question
To tax or not to tax - this question could have never been asked twenty years ago.Historically, income tax is a novel invention.
Tips and Simple Guidelines on How to Calculate Payroll Taxes
Managing a business small, medium or big requires you to pay your taxes, as well as your employees taxes. Managing a payroll can be an arduous and taxing job, no pun intended.
Access to E-records by Taxing Authorities: A Case for Pakistan (Part II)
All tax authorities to e-commerce transactions should investigate the record retention requirements of each other's respective jurisdictions.In September 1998 Revenue Minister Dhalinal of Canada;"?Interpretation Circular 78-10RS and 779R (Book and Record Retention/Destruction) will be revised to explain the Department's views with respect to the electronic environment.
A Taxing Investment
April 15 - The most dreaded day of the year is right around the corner. Are you ready? Some of the most neglected (and misunderstood) tax issues are those related to your investments.
Another Tax Loophole
Just image, you are a small manufacturing company, business has been good, but yesterday you received a call from a customer who wants 50,000 widgets in 45 days. The customer is a large account and if you turn the business down, he may never call you again.
Slash Tax when Buying a Business
When buying a business, how the "purchase price" is made up can affect what you pay in tax. The plan is to make as much of the price tax deductible for you and not the other party.
Early Distributions From Retirement Plans
An early distribution from an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) or a qualified retirement plan need not be a "taxing" experience. Fortunately, there are exceptions to early distributions.
|