Section 179 expensing. This allows you to deduct, rather than depreciate, the cost of purchasing eligible assets. Currently the expensing limit for 2014 is $25,000, and the break begins to phase out when total asset acquisitions for the year exceed $200,000. These amounts have dropped significantly from their 2013 levels. And the break allowing up to $250,000 of Sec. 179 expensing for qualified leasehold-improvement, restaurant and retail-improvement property expired Dec. 31, 2013.

50% bonus depreciation. This additional first-year depreciation allowance expired Dec. 31, 2013, with a few exceptions.

Accelerated depreciation. This break allowing a shortened recovery period of 15 — rather than 39 — years for qualified leasehold-improvement, restaurant and retail-improvement property expired Dec. 31, 2013.

Many expect Congress to revive some, if not all, of the expired enhancements and breaks after the midterm election in November. So keep an eye on the news. In the meantime, contact us for ideas on how you can maximize your 2014 depreciation deductions.

1. Bonus depreciation. This additional first-year depreciation allowance is, generally, 50%. Among the assets that qualify are new tangible property with a recovery period of 20 years or less and off-the-shelf computer software. With only a few exceptions, bonus depreciation isn’t available for assets purchased after Dec. 31, 2013.
2. Enhanced Section 179 expensing. This election allows a 100% deduction for the cost of acquiring qualified assets — including both new and used assets — up to $500,000, but this limit is phased out dollar for dollar if purchases exceed $2 million for the year. For assets purchased in 2014, the expensing and purchase limits have dropped to $25,000 and $200,000, respectively.

Even though this may be your last chance to take full advantage of these breaks, keep in mind that the larger 2013 deductions may not necessarily prove beneficial over the long term. Taking these deductions now means forgoing deductions that could otherwise be taken later, over a period of years under normal depreciation schedules. In some situations, future deductions could be more valuable, such as if you move into a higher marginal tax bracket.

Let us know if you have questions about the depreciation strategy that’s best for your business.