IRS Increases De Minimis Expense Threshold to $2,500 from $500 for 2016 Onward

The IRS today announced that the de minimis expense threshhold for small taxpayers (which is the vast majority of all taxpayers) to $2,500 from $500 for tax years 2016 onward. Note that this does not apply for 2015 returns filed in 2016. This move will allow taxpayers to expense many items that currently must be depreciated. [Update: While the rules apply for 2016 returns, the IRS says they will not examine (audit) taxpayers who use the new $2,500 de minimis rule on open tax years. Thus, the rule effectively applies for 2012 returns onward. See this update.]

The IRS announcement notes that this will simplify taxes for small businesses.

The change affects businesses that do not maintain an applicable financial statement (audited financial statement). It applies to amounts spent to acquire, produce or improve tangible property that would normally qualify as a capital item.

The new $2,500 threshold applies to any such item substantiated by an invoice. As a result, small businesses will be able to immediately deduct many expenditures that would otherwise need to be spread over a period of years through annual depreciation deductions.

“We received many thoughtful comments from taxpayers, their representatives and the professional tax community, said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “This important step simplifies taxes for small businesses, easing the recordkeeping and paperwork burden on small business owners and their tax preparers.“

Do note that you do need to keep a receipt (or other proof) of the expense.

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