If you’re a business owner or high-net-worth individual who owns a private jet, you may be interested in the tax benefits that come with it. Under the current tax plan, there are several deductions and credits available to private jet owners that can help reduce their tax liability. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key tax benefits of owning a private jet and how you can take advantage of them.
Depreciation Deductions
One of the biggest tax benefits of owning a private jet is the ability to take depreciation deductions. This allows you to deduct a portion of the cost of your jet each year as it decreases in value. The amount of the deduction is determined by the useful life of the jet and the method used to calculate depreciation.
Under the current tax plan, private jets are classified as “five-year property” for depreciation purposes. This means that you can deduct 20% of the cost of your jet each year for five years, starting in the year you purchase it. However, if you use your jet for business purposes, you may be able to accelerate your depreciation deductions and take advantage of bonus depreciation.
Bonus Depreciation
Under the current tax plan, businesses can take advantage of bonus depreciation, which allows them to deduct a larger percentage of the cost of their assets in the year they purchase them. For private jet owners, this means that you may be able to deduct up to 100% of the cost of your jet in the year you purchase it, as long as you use it for business purposes.
However, there are some limitations to this deduction. First, it only applies to new jets, so if you purchase a used jet, you won’t be able to take advantage of it. Second, the jet must be used for business purposes at least 50% of the time in order to qualify for the deduction. Finally, the deduction is set to expire in 2022, so you’ll need to act fast if you want to take advantage of it.
Charter Income Deductions
If you own a private jet and use it for business purposes, you may also be able to deduct the cost of chartering your jet to others. This can include deducting the cost of fuel, maintenance, and other expenses associated with chartering your jet.
However, there are some limitations to this deduction as well. First, you can only deduct the cost of chartering your jet to others if you’re using it for business purposes. Second, you can only deduct the portion of the cost that’s attributable to the time the jet was used for chartering. Finally, you’ll need to keep detailed records of all your chartering activities in order to substantiate your deduction.
Maintenance and Repairs
Another tax benefit of owning a private jet is the ability to deduct the cost of maintenance and repairs. This can include everything from routine maintenance to major repairs and upgrades. However, in order to qualify for this deduction, the maintenance and repairs must be necessary to keep the jet in good working order and maintain its value.
It’s important to note that you can only deduct the cost of maintenance and repairs that are not covered by your warranty or insurance policy. If you have a warranty or insurance policy that covers the cost of these expenses, you won’t be able to deduct them on your taxes.
Conclusion
Owning a private jet can be a great way to travel in style and convenience, but it can also come with some significant tax benefits. By taking advantage of depreciation deductions, bonus depreciation, charter income deductions, and maintenance and repair deductions, you can significantly reduce your tax liability and make the most of your investment.
However, it’s important to consult with a qualified tax professional before taking any action to ensure that you’re taking advantage of all the available tax benefits and that you’re in compliance with all applicable tax laws and regulations.