Bonus depreciation extended to 2009
The recent Stimulus Tax Package includes an extension of bonus depreication from 2008 into all of 2009. This means that for all 
new equipment (including single purpose ag buildings) qualifies for 50% of the cost being deducted in 2009 with remainder being depreciated over the normal tax life of the equipment.
For example, if a farmer bought a new tractor for $150,000 in 2009, the old law would have allowed a normal depreciation deduction of about $16,000. Under the new law, the farmer can deduct $75,000 plus about $8,000 for a total of $83,000. There is no income or cost limits on this deduction.
Also, the new law has extended the $250,000 limit on Section 179 expensing to any taxpayers whose year starts in 2009. This means that the purchase of qualifing equipment (does not have to be new) can be fully deducted up to $250,000. This amount is phased-out once your equipment purchases start to exceed $800,000. There are other limitations on this deduction, so make sure to check with your tax advisor.
I will pass on some of the other tax goodies from the Act in later posts.
Paul Neiffer is a certified public accountant and business advisor specializing in income taxation, accounting services, and succession planning for farmers and agribusiness processors. Paul is a principal with CliftonLarsonAllen in Walla Walla, Washington, as well as a regular speaker at national conferences and contributor at agweb.com. Raised on a farm in central Washington, he has been immersed in the ag industry his entire life, including the last 30 years professionally. Paul and his wife purchase an 180 acre ranch in 2016 and enjoy keeping it full of animals.
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