Writing off (section 179 deduction and/or bonus depreciation) or taking depreciation over a course of the life of a vehicle or equipment used in business largely depends on the individuals involved in the decision making process.

Taking a write off (if allowed) provides a tax break in the year claimed. In the event that vehicle or equipment is disposed of earlier than its estimated life, there may be requirement to recapture the special depreciation taken in the first year. If you believe that you will dispose of the vehicle or equipment in a year or two then you will pay more in taxes that year as a result of depreciation recapture.

Depreciating over a course of xx number of years provides you a deduction every year you claim depreciation for that equipment. If you expect your income to increase over the next few years, then depreciating over the useful life of the equipment provides a better way to get tax benefit for xx number of years. 

You can choose to depreciate some assets and write off others but you cannot do both for the same asset.

The Section 179 limit for 2021 allows for up to $1,050,000 in eligible equipment to be deducted, and the ‘total equipment purchased’ by a business cannot exceed $2,620,000. Once the equipment purchased exceeds that number, the deduction reduces on a dollar for dollar basis.

For passenger vehicles, trucks, and vans (not meeting the guidelines below), that are used more than 50% in a qualified business use, the total deduction including both the Section 179 expense deduction as well as Bonus Depreciation is limited to $11,160 for cars and $11,560 for trucks and vans.

Certain vehicles (with a gross vehicle weight rating above 6,000 lbs. but no more than 14,000 lbs.) qualify for deducting up to $25,000 if the vehicle is purchased and placed in service prior to December 31 and meets other conditions.

Depreciation of Business Assets

Business Use of Vehicles