When buying a van that's going to be used for business, how does it need to be titled for it to be claimed as a write off?

[AmyC]

It depends on the type of business entity.

• If you are a Sole Proprietor or a Single-Member LLC, titling the van in your personal name is common and generally acceptable. Since you and the business are considered the same legal entity for tax purposes, the IRS allows you to deduct expenses regardless of whether the title says "John Doe" or "John Doe’s Plumbing."
• If your business is a Corporation (S-Corp or C-Corp) or a Partnership, the vehicle should ideally be titled in the business name.
  • Asset Separation: It keeps your personal and business assets distinct.
  • Liability: If the van is involved in an accident, having it titled to the business (and insured via a commercial policy) helps protect your personal assets from lawsuits.

[Mike9241]

To simplify the answer, what type of business? 

1) sole proprietorship or single-member LLC

2) partnership or multi-member LLC

3) corporation

there are multiple ways for each