Smart Tax Write-Off Hacks for Vehicles Over 6,000 lbs

What Is Section 179 and Why It Matters for Business Owners

Section 179 of the IRS tax code lets small and mid-sized businesses deduct the full cost of qualifying equipment, software, and vehicles in the same year they’re purchased and put into use.

This is a game-changer compared to traditional depreciation. Instead of spreading your deduction over 5+ years, you write off the full value right now.

💡 Pro Tip: If your truck or equipment is over 6,000 lbs GVWR and used for business, it likely qualifies for a massive tax break.

Section 179 Deduction Limits for 2024–2025

In the 2025 tax year, Section 179 allows:

• Up to $2,500,000 in deductions

• With a spending cap of $3,130,000

• Phase-out begins once your total equipment purchases exceed that cap

• Bonus depreciation: 100% applies to eligible amounts not covered under Section 179

What Qualifies? (Hint: A Lot More Than You Think)

Section 179 covers:

• Heavy-duty vehicles (over 6,000 lbs GVWR)

• Business-use SUVs and trucks

• Commercial vans and cargo vehicles

• Off-the-shelf business software

• Equipment and machinery

• Office furniture and tech

🔗 Explore our guide on equipment financing to cover these purchases affordably.

Tax Write Off for Vehicle Over 6000 lbs: The IRS Loophole That Isn’t a Loophole

If you’re buying a business-use vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 6,000 lbs, the IRS gives you a real advantage.

🟢 What’s the Limit?

• Heavy SUVs & Trucks (6,001 – 14,000 lbs): Eligible for a $30,500 Section 179 deduction in 2024

• Can also apply 100% bonus depreciation after the initial deduction

• Used 50%+ for business? You’re in the clear

🚘 Examples of Vehicles That Qualify:

• Ford F-250, F-350

• Chevy Silverado 2500HD, 3500HD

• GMC Sierra HD

• Toyota Sequoia, Tundra

• Cadillac Escalade

• Jeep Grand Cherokee, Gladiator

• Mercedes GLE, GLS, G-Wagon

• Tesla Model X (select trims)

• Nissan Titan, Armada

• Most cargo vans, shuttle vans, and utility trucks

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure to verify GVWR on the manufacturer plate (usually inside the driver’s door). IRS looks at this—not just model names.

Write Off 100% for Vehicles Over 14,000 lbs

If your vehicle exceeds 14,000 lbs GVWR, and is clearly not for personal use (e.g., dump truck, shuttle van, tow truck), you may be eligible to deduct the full cost under Section 179—no cap.

Perfect for:

• Box trucks

• Shuttle vans (9+ passengers)

• Flatbeds and tow trucks

• Large commercial service vehicles

Can You Finance and Still Claim the Deduction?

Yes — and this is the hidden power move.

If you use a business loan or lease to purchase equipment or a vehicle, you still get to claim the full deduction upfront — even though you haven’t paid the full amount yet.

Real-World Example:

• Purchase a $90,000 truck with financing

• Deduct $30,500 via Section 179

• Add bonus depreciation: another $36,000

• Total deduction: $66,500

• Effective tax savings (at 30% bracket): $19,950+

How to File: Don’t Wing It

To claim Section 179, you need to:

1. Use IRS Form 4562

2. Track GVWR, mileage logs, and business usage

3. Prove it was placed in service during the tax year

4. Retain invoices and payment records

🔗 IRS Form 4562 Instructions

💡 Pro Tip: Want to keep things audit-proof? Use a mileage tracker app and keep clean documentation. The IRS loves vehicle audits.

Section 179 vs. Bonus Depreciation

Use both methods together for maximum deduction impact.

Section 179 Deadlines and Reminders

The IRS doesn’t mess around. You must:

• Purchase and use your qualifying vehicle/equipment by Dec 31, 2024

• Use it 50% or more for business

• Ensure business income supports the deduction (Section 179 can’t exceed net profit)