*** UPDATE TO 2010 SECTION 179 ***

As you know, the federal government recently updated IRS Section 179 which offers accelerated depreciation opportunities on equipment and software purchased in 2010. The updated 2010 Section 179 offers companies that spend less than $800,000 this year on qualified equipment to accelerate depreciation expense up to $250,000. The Updated 2010 IRS Section 179 Form better explains 2010 IRS Section 179.

Have you heard? If you are a Small Business Owner, You Must Read About the New Capital Expenditures Limit

Business Equipment
Business owners who acquire equipment for their business: machinery, paper cutting machines, book binding equipment, lamination machinery , computers, and other tangible goods, usually prefer to deduct the cost in a single tax year, rather than a little at a time over a number of years. This deduction is known by its section in the tax code, a Section 179 deduction. Under Section 179, businesses that spend less than $800,000 in 2010 on qualified equipment may write-off up to $250,000. The rules are designed for small companies, so the $250,000 deduction phases out when a business purchases more than $800,000 in one year. (Companies cannot write off more than their taxable income).

Benefits of a Non-Tax/Capital Lease
The benefit of a Non-Tax/Capital Lease is that it can take advantage of Section 179: expense up to $250,000 if the equipment (new or used) is put in use in 2010. In addition, you may depreciate any excess on the depreciation schedule for that asset. Examples of Non-Tax/Capital Leases include a $1.00 Buyout Lease, an Equipment Finance Agreement (EFA), and a 10% Purchase Upon Termination (PUT) Lease. The following example shows that your tax savings could be significant: Equipment Cost Example: $300,000 Section 179 Write Off: $ 250,000 ($250,000 is the maximum Section 179 write-off in 2010) Regular 1st Year Depreciation: $ 10,000 (Calculated at 5 years = 20%; ($300,000-$250,000) x 20% = $10,000 Total 1st Year Deduction: $ 260,000 $250,000 + $10,000 = $260,200 Tax Savings Assuming Rate of 35%: $91,000 ($260,000 x .35 = $91,000) Note: For complete details, or changes to the tax incentives, please visit www.irs.gov or contact the IRS helpline at: 800-829-4933.

Tax Code Section 179 & Election to Expense Detail
The election, which is made on Form 4562, is for the tax year the property was placed in service or an amended return filed within the time prescribed by law. The total cost of property that may be expensed for any tax year cannot exceed the total amount of taxable income during the tax year. Section 179 property is property that you acquire by purchase for use in the active conduct of your business. To ensure property qualifies, reference Publication 946. This expense deduction is provided for taxpayers (other than estates, trusts or certain noncorporate lessors) who elect to treat the cost of qualifying property as an expense rather than a capital expenditure. Under Section 179, equipment purchases, up to the amount approved for a given year, can be expensed (deducted from taxable income) if installed by December 31st. Non-Tax leases qualify for this deduction in their year of inception. Any excess above the expensed amount can be depreciated depending on the equipment type. Not all states follow federal law. Contact your tax advisor for further detail or visit www.irs.gov for specific detail.

Tax/True Lease Benefits
If a lease is a Tax Lease/True Lease, the lessor retains ownership and you, as the lessee, may be allowed to claim the entire amount of the monthly investment as a tax deduction. Many rental contracts qualify as a true lease including a 10% Option and a Fair Market Value Lease. Example Calculation: Assume that you have a Tax/True Lease with a $1,000 monthly payment, the below tax savings that may be available.

Example:
Monthly investment = $ 1,000 Finance Term = 36 months Tax bracket = 35% Monthly tax savings = $1,000 x .35 = $350.00 Total tax savings over the term of the contract = $12,600.00

Act Now!
To take advantage of the incentives and the substantial tax savings, your business equipment must be put in use by year-end. Please contact your tax advisor to learn about the specific impact to your business. Interested in learning more? We recommend contacting Bevenco Leasing & Finance to provide you with a free consultation and extend finance solutions so you can acquire the business equipment you need. Please contact Doug Beck 512-266-4999 x 220 or 800-683-7106 www.bevenco.com for more information.