It’s probably safe to say that all businesses focused on growing profits want to save money any way they can. In the material handling and distribution center warehouse industry, we face huge expenditures on upgrading our forklifts and other equipment, labor costs, new technology and finding affordable fulfillment solutions. What if there was one simple way we could save some money on our taxes every year?

Using the words “simple” and “taxes” in the same sentence may seem like an oxymoron, but let’s take a look at a tax situation we may be able to take advantage of to save some money. As with all things taxes, Section 179 has some pros and some cons. Most of us understand that when Uncle Sam offers a “tax break”, there’s usually a caveat in the system somewhere. However, using Section 179 in the material handling and DC warehouse industry can help some of us purchase needed equipment.

Let’s take a look.

What is Section 179?

Section 179 is a part of the IRS tax code. Basically, it allows businesses of a certain size to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying items in one tax year, rather than deducting smaller amounts for depreciation over the number of years that item has usefulness.

Section 179 is designed to stimulate the economy by encouraging businesses to purchase qualified depreciable assets. These assets are supposed to help a business grow by giving them the tools necessary to keep up with their competition – and even surpass them. On the other side of the coin, manufacturers and retailers benefit when their goods and wares are purchased. Win-win, right?

It would certainly seem so since Section 179 was introduced in 2002 as an economic stimulant and hasn’t gone away – yet. In fact, in 2017 and again in 2021, significant changes were made to Section 179 which still apply to this day. These changes opened the door for more businesses to qualify for the tax break, as well as increased the amount we could spend to qualify.

Although Section 179 is still available for tax year 2022, we never know from year to year if it will still be in effect for the next year.

What are the Rules of Section 179?

As with anything given to us by the federal government, there are rules to Section 179. There are probably more rules in tiny print and legalese that only a tax attorney can understand, but here are the basics:

• Companies who purchase or lease less than $2 million in business equipment can use Section 179.
• Eligible equipment includes most equipment a qualifying company uses to do business, including new and used machinery, computers and software, furniture, property improvements and more.
• The total amount that can be deducted is $1,080,000.
• Eligible equipment can be new or used and can be purchased, leased or financed.
• Eligible items must be in use before Dec. 31, 2022.
• Eligible items must be used at least 50% of the time for the company.
• Companies cannot deduct more than their net taxable company income.

Here are some of the items that are not allowed under Section 179:

• Real property
• Property used outside the U.S.
• Gifts or inheritance equipment

These are just a few. There are most likely more. As with any tax-related issue, you should always consult with a business tax professional.

So far, so good. Easy, right? For those of us who are not tax accountants, what exactly does all this mean and what are the benefits of expensing a new or used item rather than counting the depreciation year after year?

What are the Pros of Section 179?

Experts say one of the pros of Section 179 is that it frees up cash. But how does that work? Let’s say you buy a brand new, shiny, top-of-the-line forklift for $70,000. With standard depreciation, you may be able to deduct $10,000 annually in depreciation. This could result in a tax savings of roughly $3,500 at 35% for the year you bought the forklift. However, if you deduct the $70,000 at one time, you could realize a $24,500 tax savings.

This is just an example, but it gives you an idea of the amount of cash you could potentially free up for other vital operational costs – such as hiring enough labor to get you through the holiday busy season.

What are the Cons of Section 179?

According to the experts, a few issues could crop up and cause problems if you decide to use Section 179 to purchase material handling or DC warehouse equipment. Obviously, if you are taking your full depreciation in one lump sum at the beginning, you cannot then depreciate it annually as you normally would. This could create an issue with subsequent years’ taxes.

Other issues with using Section 179 include:

• A possible effect on your debt-to-worth ratio, which could impact your borrowing power.
• A sale of that equipment later on could result in taxes due for any sale gains.

A Note About Bonus Depreciation

Bonus depreciation is similar to Section 179 in that it allows businesses to deduct a large portion of depreciation upfront for an eligible item. Bonus depreciation and Section 179 can be used together by a business. The difference between the two is that under Section 179, companies may deduct a set dollar amount of assets, while under bonus depreciation, companies deduct a percentage of the cost of an acquired asset.

Only profitable companies may use Section 179, whereas there is no defined income limit for bonus depreciation.

Ready, Set, Go With Section 179

If you think your material handling business may benefit from Section 179, there are basically two steps to make sure you are doing right now.

1. Make sure the equipment you’ve bought or leased – or have your eye on – is eligible for this tax deduction rule.
2. Make sure you are using the equipment at least 50% of the time on company business before Dec. 31, 2022.

Number two is the critical step at this point. We’ve all been dealing with equipment shortages and a messed up supply chain, so you’ll want to move now in order to have that eligible piece of material handling equipment (that shiny forklift) on your property and in use before the end of the year. Don’t wait too long and lose out on valuable time due to weather and the holidays.

At Darr Equipment, we can help you find the material handling equipment you need to get your business to its highest level. Contact us today for more information.