Year End 100% Bonus Depreciation
As the holidays approach our thoughts become preoccupied with but one thing: how can I purchase an aircraft and write off 100% of the cost basis in the first year? Well, perhaps not for everyone, but here’s what you need to know: if you purchase an aircraft and place it in service by December 31, 2011 you will qualify for the 100% bonus provision provided you meet all of the other requirements. This is a considerable benefit under any circumstances.
If this is NOT possible, however, and you must place your aircraft in service next year, you are probably still better off than you would have been had you “only” been able to take the 50% bonus. This is because assets placed in service in the fourth quarter of the year do not receive the full first-year depreciation allowance. Your bonus allowance reverts back to 50% for assets placed in service in 2012. By waiting until early next year, you still receive this benefit, but are now able to take the full year MACRS depreciation allowance. In other words, unless the value of your depreciation allowance is considerably greater than it will be next year, you’re better off taking your time and making sure you have done your tax planning carefully, not only at the federal but also at the state – sales tax – level.