Understanding Asset Depreciation And Tax Breaks
The cost of business assets with a useful life of more than one year generally can’t be immediately deducted; instead it must be depreciated over a period of years. But tax breaks are available that allow you to accelerate depreciation-related deductions. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), signed into law at the end of 2017, significantly enhances some of these breaks.
Bonus depreciation the old way
Under pre-TCJA law, for qualified new assets that your business placed in service in 2017, you could claim a 50% first-year bonus depreciation deduction. Used assets didn’t qualify. This tax break was available for the cost of new computer systems, purchased software, vehicles, machinery, equipment, office furniture and so forth.
In addition, 50% bonus depreciation could be claimed for qualified improvement property, which meant any qualified improvement to the interior portion of a nonresidential building if the improvement was placed in service after the date the building was placed in service. But qualified improvement costs didn’t include expenditures for the enlargement of a building, an elevator or escalator, or the internal structural framework of a building.
Much better bonus for most
Bonus depreciation generally has improved significantly under the TCJA: For qualified property placed in service after September 27, 2017, and no later than December 31, 2022 (or by December 31, 2023, for certain property with longer production periods), the first-year bonus depreciation percentage is increased to 100%. In addition, the 100% deduction is allowed for both new and used qualifying property.
The new law also allows 100% bonus depreciation for qualified film, television and live theatrical productions placed in service on or after September 28, 2017.
Beginning in 2023, bonus depreciation is scheduled to be reduced each year, until it’s eliminated in 2027 (or 2024 and 2028, respectively, for certain property with longer production periods), as follows:
- 80% for property placed in service in 2023,
- 60% for property placed in service in 2024,
- 40% for property placed in service in 2025, and
- 20% for property placed in service in 2026.
Also be aware that, under the TCJA, in some cases a business may not be eligible for bonus depreciation beginning in 2018. Examples include real estate businesses and auto dealerships, depending on the specific circumstances.
Section 179 pre-TCJA
When 100% first-year bonus depreciation isn’t available, the Sec. 179 tax break can provide similar benefits. Sec. 179 allows eligible taxpayers to deduct the entire cost of qualifying new or used depreciable property and most software in Year 1, subject to various limitations.
Under pre-TCJA law, for tax years that began in 2017, the maximum Sec. 179 depreciation deduction was $510,000. The maximum deduction was phased out dollar for dollar to the extent the cost of eligible property placed in service during the tax year exceeded the phaseout threshold of $2.03 million.
Qualified real property improvement costs were also eligible for the Sec. 179 deduction. This real estate break applied to:
- Certain improvements to interiors of leased nonresidential buildings,
- Certain restaurant buildings or improvements to such buildings, and
- Certain improvements to the interiors of retail buildings.
Deductions claimed for qualified real property costs counted against the overall maximum for Sec. 179 deductions ($510,000 for tax years that began in 2017).
Permanent enhancement
The TCJA permanently enhances the Sec. 179 deduction. Under the new law, for qualifying property placed in service in tax years beginning in 2018, the maximum Sec. 179 deduction is increased to $1 million, and the phaseout threshold amount is increased to $2.5 million. For later tax years, these amounts will be indexed for inflation.
The new law also expands the definition of “eligible property” to include certain depreciable tangible personal property used predominantly to furnish lodging. The definition of “qualified real property” eligible for the Sec. 179 deduction is also expanded to include the following improvements to nonresidential real property: roofs, HVAC equipment, fire protection and alarm systems, and security systems.
Get to know the new tax benefits
Tax law related to business depreciation is changing significantly this year. You need to become familiar with the ins and outs of these new provisions so that you can take full advantage of them. Consult with your tax advisor and obtain the best advice on your business’s purchasing plans so that you continue to reap the maximum benefits.
Sidebar: Enhanced deductions for business passenger vehicles
For new or used passenger vehicles that are placed in service in 2018 and are used over 50% for business, the maximum annual depreciation deductions under the TCJA are as follows:
- $10,000 for Year 1,
- $16,000 for Year 2,
- $9,600 for Year 3, and
- $5,760 for Year 4 and thereafter until the vehicle is fully depreciated.
For years after 2018, these amounts will be increased for inflation.
While the Year 1 maximum amount is a little lower than the Year 1 maximum under pre-TCJA law (if the elected bonus amount is included), the TCJA allows much faster depreciation overall. For example, the 2017 limits for passenger cars are $11,160 for Year 1 for a new car ($3,160 for a used car). For subsequent years for new and used cars, the limits are $5,100 for Year 2, $3,050 for Year 3, and $1,875 for Year 4 and thereafter. Slightly higher limits apply to light trucks and light vans.
© 2018
This material is generic in nature. Before relying on the material in any important matter, users should note date of publication and carefully evaluate its accuracy, currency, completeness, and relevance for their purposes, and should obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances.
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