Save Signed Equipment Lease For Free

The lessee records the leased right as an item of property, plant, and equipment, which is then depreciated over its useful life to the lessee. The lessee must also record a liability reflecting the obligation to make continuing payments under the lease agreement, similar to the accounting for a note payable.

The lessee records the leased right as an item of property, plant, and equipment, which is then depreciated over its useful life to the lessee. The lessee must also record a liability reflecting the obligation to make continuing payments under the lease agreement, similar to the accounting for a note payable.

At the end of the lease agreement, you may continue leasing the equipment and continue making payments, upgrade the equipment and get new technology into your business or return the equipment, depending upon the type of agreement in place.

A Capital Lease is treated like a purchase for tax and depreciation purposes. The leased equipment is shown as an asset and/or a liability on the lessee's balance sheet, and the tax benefits of ownership may be realized, including Section 179 deductions.

Let's review each type in more detail, starting with operating leases and finance leases, the two basic types of equipment leases, or, more specifically, the two basic types of lease classifications. From there, we'll dive into lease classifications that fall within the two most basic types.

Capital Lease / Finance Lease / $1 Buyout Finance type lease may not qualify under I.R.S. regulations for deductibility. The lessee is considered the owner of the equipment (unlike an FMV lease) and maintains full control of the residual value. The lessee can depreciate the equipment.

If you lease your equipment instead of purchasing it, you can't depreciate the equipment. However, you will generally be able to deduct the lease payments you make, at the time that you make them, which can result in a larger tax benefit than you'd get if you bought the equipment outright.