As a small business owner, you may be wondering how to expense a vehicle for your business. Fortunately, there are several ways to do this that can save you money on taxes and keep your finances in order. In this blog post, we'll cover the basics of expensing a vehicle for your small business, including the different methods you can use and what expenses are deductible.
First, let's talk about the different methods of expensing a vehicle for your business.
There are two main options: deducting actual expenses or using the standard mileage rate.
Deducting actual expenses means keeping track of all the costs associated with using your vehicle for business purposes, including gas, oil changes, repairs, and insurance. You can then deduct a percentage of these expenses based on the percentage of miles driven for business purposes.
Alternatively, you can use the standard mileage rate, which is a set amount per mile that the IRS allows you to deduct for business use of your vehicle. For 2021, the standard mileage rate is 56 cents per mile.
Now, let's dive into what expenses are deductible when expensing a vehicle for your small business.
Generally, any expenses that are necessary and ordinary for the operation of your business are deductible. This includes gas, oil changes, repairs, insurance, and even car washes. However, expenses that are considered personal, such as commuting to and from work, are not deductible.
To keep track of your vehicle expenses, it's important to keep accurate records. This includes keeping receipts for all expenses and tracking your mileage using a mileage log or app. You can also consider using a business credit card or separate bank account for all vehicle-related expenses to keep them separate from personal expenses.
In addition to deducting actual expenses or using the standard mileage rate, there are other tax benefits to owning a vehicle for your small business. For example, if you purchase a vehicle for your business, you may be able to deduct the full cost of the vehicle up to a certain limit using the Section 179 deduction. Additionally, if you use a vehicle that is more than 6,000 pounds for business purposes, you may be able to deduct a larger percentage of the cost of the vehicle using bonus depreciation.
In conclusion, expensing a vehicle for your small business can save you money on taxes and help keep your finances organized. Whether you choose to deduct actual expenses or use the standard mileage rate, it's important to keep accurate records and only deduct expenses that are necessary and ordinary for your business. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you're getting the most out of your vehicle expenses while staying compliant with IRS regulations.
Feeling unsure or worried about the accounting side of your business? Download this free guide with 3 steps to financial confidence in your business.
Ready to hand over your accounting? Download my services guide and let's work together!
Commentaires