Business & farm

Yes, Section 179 allows you to deduct the entire cost (subject to certain limitations) of an asset in the year you acquire and start using it for business.

If you were actively engaged in your trade or business but didn't receive income, then you should file and claim your expenses.

Section 179 Expense Deduction

It's a dry name for a deduction (taken from a line in the Internal Revenue Code) but it allows you to deduct the entire cost (subject to certain limitations) of an asset in the year you acquire and start using it for business.

Here are the rules and limitations for 2022:

• The asset must be tangible personal property, including software (not real estate).
• It must be used in a trade or business (property used in a rental activity is generally not eligible).
• You must take the deduction in the year you start using the asset.
• The decision to use Section 179 must be made in the year the asset is put to use for business.
• The deduction cannot be more than your earned income (net business income and wages) for the year.

For 2022, the maximum Section 179 deduction is $1,080,000. If your total acquisitions are greater than $2,700,000 the maximum deduction begins to be phased out.

If the business is an S corporation, partnership or multi-member LLC, it cannot pass the Section 179 deduction on to shareholders, partners or members unless the business has income. The individual must also have earned income to take the deduction.

NOTE: TurboTax walks you through the Section 179 deduction for applicable assets, and handles the calculations, too.

Use this link Depreciation of a Business Asset for more information.

What is a Section 179 Deduction is another link with additional information to assist you.