Equipment Depreciation: Writing Off Your Polisher, Van, and Trailer
Your equipment purchases reduce your taxes.
Business equipment can be deducted from your taxes — either over time (depreciation) or immediately (Section 179/bonus depreciation). Understanding these rules lets you time purchases strategically and reduce your tax bill significantly.
What Is Depreciation?
When you buy equipment for your business, you don't deduct the full cost in year one (usually). Instead, you spread the deduction over the equipment's "useful life."
Example: $30,000 work van Standard depreciation (5 years): Year 1: $6,000 deduction Year 2: $6,000 deduction Year 3: $6,000 deduction Year 4: $6,000 deduction Year 5: $6,000 deduction You still get the full deduction — just over time.
Section 179: Immediate Deduction
Section 179 lets you deduct the full cost of qualifying equipment in the year you buy it.
What Qualifies
- Vehicles used for business (with limits)
- Equipment (polishers, extractors, vacuums)
- Trailers
- Shop equipment (lifts, compressors)
- Computers and software
Limits (2024 figures, adjust for current year)
Maximum Section 179 deduction: $2,560,000 (You won't hit this as a detailer) Vehicle limits: Cars/light trucks: $12,200 first year Heavy SUVs (over 6,000 lbs): $32,000 first year Vans/trucks over 6,000 lbs: Full deduction possible Your business income limits the deduction. Can't create a loss with Section 179.
Bonus Depreciation
In addition to Section 179, bonus depreciation lets you deduct a percentage of remaining cost.
Bonus depreciation rates (currently phasing down): 2023: 80% 2024: 60% 2025: 40% 2026: 20% 2027: 0% Example: $10,000 equipment in 2024 Section 179: $10,000 (if you have income) Or Bonus: 60% = $6,000 first year Check current rates with your CPA.
Common Detailing Deductions
EQUIPMENT (depreciable): Polishers: $300-600 Extractors: $500-1,500 Vacuums: $200-800 Pressure washer: $300-2,000 Generator: $500-2,000 Total small equipment: $2,000-8,000 VEHICLES (special rules): Work van: $25,000-50,000 Trailer: $3,000-15,000 SHOP BUILDOUT (depreciable): Lift: $3,000-8,000 Compressor: $500-2,000 Flooring/drainage: $3,000-10,000
Strategic Timing
High-Income Year
Made more than expected? Buy equipment before December 31 to increase deductions and lower your tax bill.
Low-Income Year
Section 179 can't create a loss. If income is low, you might spread depreciation over multiple years instead.
Planning Large Purchases
Coordinate major purchases (van, shop equipment) with your tax situation. A $30,000 van purchase could save $7,000+ in taxes in a good year.
Record Keeping
- Keep all receipts for equipment purchases
- Note date of purchase and business use percentage
- Track when items are placed in service
- Keep records for 7+ years
Depreciation Tax Savings
Common Mistakes
→ Any equipment used for business qualifies. Even small purchases add up.
→ Keep receipts organized. A $500 extractor you forgot to deduct cost you $125+ in taxes.
→ Vehicles have special limits and rules. Work with a CPA for vehicles over $10,000.
→ December purchases still count for the full year. Don't miss the deadline.
→ Depreciation rules change. A good CPA maximizes your deductions legally.
List all equipment purchases this year with dates and costs. Share with your CPA before year-end to discuss Section 179 vs. standard depreciation.
Track equipment purchases in your notes. Come tax time, you'll have a complete list for your CPA.
If you're having a strong income year, consider accelerating planned equipment purchases to December to capture the tax benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a CPA for depreciation?
For small items, software can handle it. For vehicles and large purchases, a CPA ensures you maximize deductions.
What if I use equipment for personal and business?
You can only depreciate the business-use percentage. 80% business use = 80% of cost depreciable.
Can I depreciate used equipment?
Yes. Used equipment you buy for business qualifies the same as new.
What about leased equipment?
Lease payments are expensed differently. Generally deductible as operating expense, not depreciated.