As you approach the final quarter of the year, now is the perfect time to make smart investments in your business. Whether you’re managing a growing team, expanding office capabilities, or replacing aging technology, Q4 presents a unique opportunity. Thanks to Section 179, you can not only upgrade your equipment but also unlock major tax savings—if you act before December 31.
At Associated Business Technologies, we help Salt Lake City businesses like yours make informed technology decisions that deliver value both operationally and financially. Here’s how you can take advantage of Section 179 before the year ends.
What Is Section 179?
Section 179 allows you to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying business equipment in the same tax year it was purchased and put into use. Rather than depreciating your investment over several years, you can write off the entire amount immediately—helping you reduce your taxable income and reinvest in your business faster.
What Makes Q4 So Strategic?
The final quarter of the year is when most businesses take a closer look at their books and assess their financial position. This timing is crucial when it comes to using Section 179. In order to qualify, your equipment must be purchased and placed into service by midnight on December 31.
Here’s why Q4 is ideal:
- Clearer financial picture. By Q4, you can see how much revenue you’ve earned and what your tax liability may look like, making it easier to plan strategic purchases.
- Use-it-or-lose-it deadline. Miss the December 31 cutoff, and you lose the deduction for that tax year.
- Faster ROI. When you upgrade now, your team benefits from new, more efficient technology immediately—helping productivity and reducing downtime through the busiest season.
Equipment That Qualifies for Section 179
Most business-use equipment will qualify under Section 179, including:
- Multifunction copiers and printers
- Wide-format printers and production print devices
- Document scanners and shredders
- Business phones and communication systems
- Computers, servers, and software
The equipment must be used more than 50% of the time for business purposes and be installed and operational before year-end. Whether you purchase outright or finance the equipment, you’re still eligible to claim the deduction.
What About Used Equipment?
As long as the equipment is new to your business (even if it’s not brand-new), it still qualifies. That means if you’re upgrading from a leased unit or replacing an older device, pre-owned systems can still help you take advantage of Section 179.
Real Savings for Salt Lake Businesses
Let’s break down what this could look like for your business.
Say you invest $100,000 in new office equipment. If you qualify for the full Section 179 deduction, you could reduce your taxable income by that same amount—potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars depending on your tax rate.
It’s a straightforward and legitimate way to lower your year-end tax bill while improving your operational capacity.
How Associated Makes It Easy
When you’re racing against the year-end deadline, you need a local partner that understands your urgency. At Associated Business Technologies, we make the Section 179 process smooth and stress-free by offering:
- Fast turnaround times. We source and install printers, copiers, and communication systems quickly—ensuring your equipment is operational before the cutoff.
- Expert recommendations. Not sure what to upgrade? We’ll audit your current setup and recommend cost-effective solutions tailored to your team’s workflow.
- Flexible financing. We offer options that let you take advantage of Section 179 benefits while managing your cash flow.
- Ongoing support. Our local service team in Salt Lake City supports everything we sell—from toner deliveries to on-site repairs—so you can rely on your investment long after it’s installed.
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
To ensure your investment qualifies for the deduction, watch out for these frequent mistakes:
- Waiting too long to order. Equipment must be installed and working—not just ordered—by December 31.
- Missing the business-use threshold. If your equipment isn’t used primarily for business, you may only qualify for a partial deduction.
- Skipping documentation. Be sure to save purchase records, invoices, and delivery confirmations in case of an audit.
Simple Steps to Take Before Year-End
- Review your current tech. What’s outdated or holding your team back?
- Set your budget. Determine how much you can allocate toward upgrades this quarter.
- Get a quote. Contact Associated for pricing on devices, bundles, or services.
- Place your order early. Don’t wait until the last minute—delivery and installation times vary.
- Talk to your accountant. Confirm how Section 179 fits into your overall tax strategy.
Let’s Maximize Your Year-End Investment
Investing in new office technology isn’t just about getting faster printers or more reliable service—it’s about making your business more efficient and more profitable. With Section 179, you can upgrade your essential office equipment and reduce your tax burden, all before the year wraps up.
Let Associated Business Technologies help you plan your upgrade today. We’ll guide you from selection through installation, ensuring you’re ready to capitalize on Section 179 savings before the deadline.
Contact us now to schedule a free consultation or get a quote—before the clock runs out.
