During past budget shortfalls, aircraft have been the target of securing additional revenues through the aggressive collection of sales, use, and property tax.
The portability of aircraft can make it easy to avoid sales tax on the purchase by closing in a jurisdiction with little or no tax, or an applicable exemption, but that is only the first step. Use tax generally becomes a significant hurdle in the state or states in which the aircraft is based.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has provided an incredible opportunity for business aircraft owners to purchase aircraft, both pre-owned and new, to begin or strengthen their fleets. Aircraft placed in service in 2018, and the next four years moving forward, even in the final days of the year, may be eligible for 100% bonus depreciation – a deduction of the full aircraft purchase price – provided that the aircraft meets the qualified business use requirements outlined in the statute and regulations.
The recent modifications to the tax code under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) represent the most significant modifications in more than three decades, according to the experts at the Advocate Consulting Legal Group (Booth 3272). While the bill was introduced as an effort to simplify the tax code, it has presented many complex questions and uncertainties, along with tax opportunities for businesses to invest in general aviation aircraft.
One of the more substantial pieces of the legislation involves allowing 100 percent bonus depreciation for qualifying new and preowned aircraft,
» Read more about: New Tax Laws Mean Confusion to Some, Opportunity for Others »
The recent changes to the tax code are giving business executives a new perk: the opportunity to deduct the entirety of a corporate-jet purchase.
President Trump signed more than 100 changes to the U.S. tax code into law at the end of last year. Among them: The price of a new or used airplane purchased by a company can be a 100% write-off against its earnings.
That is a major change.
» Read more about: Tax Change Helps Executives Afford Pricier Planes »
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides a wonderful opportunity for business aircraft purchasers of both new and pre-owned aircraft to take 100% bonus deprecation on the aircraft purchase price in the year of acquisition pursuant to Section 168(k), provided that the aircraft is placed in service for business use in that year. This purchase incentive, designed to spur economic activity in equipment sales, can serve as a valuable tool to free up capital and encourage business investment and activity.