During 2019, Travis purchases $13,000 of used manufacturing equipment (7-year property) for use in his business, his only asset purchase that year. Travis has taxable income from his business of $51,000 before any cost recovery. What is the maximum amount that Travis may deduct under the election to expense?

Most property purchased during 2019 and beyond, may be expenses using Section 179 tax deductions. The limit for 2019 was $1 million and that is way more than $13,000. Section 179 is one of the few benefits that small business got from the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, and it can be really useful.

Businesses can deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment (used manufacturing equipment qualifies) as long as it was purchased after January 1, 2019. This is an incentive created to encourage businesses to buy more equipment and invest more.