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Jan 18th, 12
Here's some quick news and developments on Small Business Expensing - Section 179, Bonus Depreciation, and Mileage Rates!

Small Business Expensing – Section 179

Code Section 179 allows certain businesses to deduct the full purchase price of new and used equipment that qualifies for the deduction that is placed into service during the tax year.  For 2011, the deduction limitation was $500,000, for companies who purchased equipment not exceeding $2,000,000.  For 2012, the limitation is reduced to $139,000, for companies who purchased equipment not to exceed $560,000.  Beginning in 2012, the Section 179 deduction is also available for off-the-shelf computer software.

Bonus Depreciation

Bonus depreciation for qualified new purchases made during 2011 of 100% is available to many businesses, including those spending more than $2,000,000 on new equipment.  Bonus depreciation returns to 50% for 2012.  Special rules apply to luxury vehicles used by a business.

Mileage Rates

In 2011, the IRS made a mid-year adjustment to business standard mileage rate, increasing from 51 cents-per-mile to 55.5 cents-per-mile for business miles driven on or after July 1, 2011 and on or before December 31, 2011. Taxpayers are not permitted to average the two rates for 2011. The 2011 mid-year adjustment requires taxpayers to maintain two records of miles driven in 2011 (one for the first six months of 2011 and another for the second half of 2011).

In 2012, the business standard mileage rate remains unchanged at 55.5 cents per mile.

 

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