Should You Buy Equipment Before Year-End? Understanding Section 179 Deductions

Should You Buy Equipment Before Year-End? Understanding Section 179 Deductions

‍When used strategically, Section 179 can improve cash flow, lower taxable income, and even free up capital for future growth. But timing and compliance matter — and that’s where expert tax planning makes all the difference. Let's get into it.

Should You Buy Equipment Before Year-End? Understanding Section 179 Deductions

As the year winds down, many business owners start asking one big question:


“Should I invest in new equipment before year-end to save on taxes?”

The answer often depends on how well you understand Section 179 deductions and bonus depreciation — two of the most powerful tax tools available to small and mid-sized businesses in 2025. These provisions can allow you to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and technology in the year it’s placed in service, rather than spreading the cost over several years.

When used strategically, Section 179 can improve cash flow, lower taxable income, and even free up capital for future growth. But timing and compliance matter — and that’s where expert tax planning makes all the difference.

⚙️ What Is Section 179?

Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to immediately expense certain qualifying equipment purchases instead of depreciating them over time. For the 2025 tax year, here are the key limits:

  • Maximum deduction: $2,500,000.
  • Phase-out threshold begins at $4,000,000 in qualifying equipment purchases — deduction reduces dollar-for-dollar above this.
  • Applies to both new and used tangible business property (used equipment qualifies) if it’s “new to you” and placed in service during 2025.

The equipment must be purchased and placed in service by December 31, 2025 to qualify for the deduction for that year.

At Vincere Tax, we help clients determine whether a Section 179 deduction or standard depreciation provides the bigger long-term advantage for their business. Find out here.

🧾 Bonus Depreciation: A Second Way to Save

In addition to Section 179, businesses can also claim bonus depreciation, which allows an immediate deduction of a large percentage of the remaining cost of qualifying assets after Section 179 limits are applied.

Key 2025 update:

  • Thanks to recent tax law changes, bonus depreciation is 100% for qualifying property acquired and placed in service after January 19, 2025. DHJJ+1
  • Property acquired or placed in service before that date may follow the previous phase-down rules, so timing is critical.

Vincere Tax monitors these thresholds for every client and builds tailored year-end purchasing strategies so you know exactly what to buy — and when — to maximize deductions.

🕒 Why Timing Matters

Section 179 only applies to assets placed in service by year-end. If you order new equipment in December but it doesn’t arrive or isn’t used until January, it likely won’t count for the 2025 tax year. That’s why Vincere Tax encourages clients to review their purchasing plans early in Q4 – before supply delays or shipping timelines interfere with year-end deductions.

Strategic Benefits of Buying Equipment Before Year-End

1. Immediate tax savings:

You reduce this year’s taxable income instead of spreading deductions over multiple years.

2. Improved cash flow:

The deductions free up capital that you can reinvest in your business.

3. Smart reinvestment:

Replace outdated technology or equipment while lowering your tax obligation.

4. Future readiness:

Upgrade operational capabilities now, getting a head-start on next year’s efficiency.

At Vincere Tax, our advisors run side-by-side projections so you can see exactly how Section 179 impacts your bottom line — before you spend a dollar.

What Qualifies — and What Doesn’t?

Here are the types of assets that qualify, and do not qualify, for the Section 179 deduction of the IRS tax code. This rule allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and software in the year it is placed in service, rather than depreciating it over several years.

What the provided text describes:

✅ Qualifies (Section 179 Property):

  • Tangible business equipment: This includes new and used machinery, computers, office furniture, and other tangible personal property used in a trade or business.
  • Off-the-shelf software: The software must be readily available to the general public, subject to a nonexclusive license, and used for an income-producing activity with an expected useful life of more than one year.
  • Business vehicles subject to IRS rules: Certain vehicles, particularly heavy SUVs and vans, have specific limits on the deductible amount.
  • Certain improvements to non-residential buildings: This may include qualified improvement property such as fire protection and alarm systems, security systems, and HVAC, as long as the improvements are to the interior portion of nonresidential real property.

❌ Doesn’t qualify:

  • Real estate or land: These are considered real property and do not qualify for the Section 179 expense deduction (though specific improvements may, as noted above).
  • Inventory: Property held for sale to customers does not qualify.
  • Property used less than 50% for business purposes: To qualify, an asset must be used for business purposes more than half of the time.
  • Personal use assets: Assets for personal use are not eligible for business deductions.

The Section 179 deduction is a key incentive designed to encourage businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, to invest in equipment and improve their operations.

📈 The Vincere Tax Advantage

Section 179 can be a major opportunity — but also a source of confusion. Some business owners over-deduct, others miss qualifying purchases entirely.

That’s why Vincere Tax provides:
  • Year-end tax planning reviews
  • Equipment-purchase timing strategies
  • Depreciation and write-off calculations
  • IRS-ready documentation and audit support

We make sure every deduction works in your favor — now and in future years.

📞 Schedule a Section 179 Review with Vincere Tax today to see how much you can save before December 31.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions (2025 Edition)

1. What is the Section 179 deduction limit for 2025?

For 2025, the Section 179 deduction limit is $2,500,000, with the phase-out threshold beginning at $4,000,000 in total qualifying purchases.

2. Does used equipment qualify for Section 179?

Yes — both new and used equipment qualify, so long as it’s “new to you,” used more than 50% for business, and placed in service in 2025.

3. What if I finance the equipment?

You can still take the full Section 179 deduction in 2025 even if the equipment is financed — as long as it is placed in service by December 31. Vincere Tax can help you structure financing to align with deduction timing.

4. Can I take both Section 179 and bonus depreciation?

Yes. Typically, you apply Section 179 first (up to your limit), then you apply bonus depreciation for any remaining qualified basis. Vincere Tax helps clients model both strategies to maximize benefit.

5. Do vehicles qualify under Section 179?

Certain business vehicles qualify — though IRS weight and use restrictions apply. For example, SUVs and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) above 6,000 lbs may have special limits. Vincere Tax reviews vehicle eligibility and calculates allowable deductions.

6. Can software be written off under Section 179?

Yes — “off-the-shelf” software you purchase for business use qualifies for Section 179 as long as it’s not custom-built and is placed in service in 2025.

7. What happens if I don’t place the equipment in service by December 31?

The deduction year is based on when the asset is ready and available for use. If you miss the December 31 deadline, the deduction shifts to the next tax year. Vincere Tax helps clients track placement dates to avoid this pitfall.

8. Is Section 179 the best choice for every business?

Not always. If your business is in a loss position or expects low profits next year, standard depreciation or deferring purchase might be a better strategy. Vincere Tax evaluates both short- and long-term implications before recommending Section 179.

9. How does Section 179 impact state taxes?

State conformity varies — some states cap or disallow Section 179 differently. Vincere Tax helps ensure your federal deduction aligns with state requirements and avoids surprises.

10. How can Vincere Tax help me use Section 179 strategically?

Vincere Tax works with business owners to:
  • Evaluate upcoming equipment purchases
  • Calculate Section 179 and bonus depreciation impacts
  • Optimize deductions for 2025 and beyond
  • Prepare proper documentation for IRS and state filings

💼 Don’t wait until filing season. Contact Vincere Tax now and ensure every dollar you spend before December 31 works in your favor.

Vincere Tax can help you with the tax implications of business taxes, stocks, bonds, ETFs, cryptocurrency, rental property income, and other investments.

Being audited is comparable to being struck by lightning. You don't want to practice pole vaulting in a thunderstorm just because it's unlikely. Making sure your books are accurate and your taxes are filed on time is one of the best ways to keep your head down during tax season. Check out Vincere's take on tax season!

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This post is just for informational purposes and is not meant to be legal, business, or tax advice. Regarding the matters discussed in this post, each individual should consult his or her own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor. Vincere accepts no responsibility for actions taken in reliance on the information contained in this document.

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