Phone:
(844) 462-4730
Business Hours
Mon-Fri: 9AM - 6PM
Address
97 Newkirk Street, 3rd Floor
Jersey City, NJ 07306
Smart Tax Write-Off Hacks for Vehicles Over 6,000 lbs
Looking for a tax write off for a vehicle over 6000 lbs? You’re not alone — thousands of business owners are taking advantage of this powerful IRS incentive under Section 179 to reduce their tax burden fast.
Whether you’re buying a heavy-duty pickup, cargo van, or commercial SUV, vehicles that meet the 6,000-pound GVWR threshold can qualify for massive first-year deductions.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to legally maximize your tax savings, including deduction limits, qualifying vehicles, bonus depreciation, and more.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified tax professional or accountant to assess your specific eligibility and deduction limits under Section 179. For official guidance, refer to IRS resources such as Publication 946 and consult the latest updates directly from the IRS website.
Key Takeaways
Write off up to $31,500 for heavy vehicles like pickups and SUVs over 6,000 lbs using Section 179.
Bonus depreciation lets you write off even more in 2025.
Section 179 also covers equipment, software, and work-use vehicles used 50% or more for business.
You can finance your purchase and still deduct the full value in year one.
IRS GVWR limits determine your maximum deduction—know your truck’s weight class!
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:
Use IRS Form 4562
Track GVWR, mileage logs, and business usage
Prove it was placed in service during the tax year
Retain invoices and payment records
💡 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
| Feature | Section 179 | Bonus Depreciation |
|---|---|---|
| Max Deduction | $2.5M | No cap |
| Can Apply to Used? | Yes | Yes (some limits) |
| Profitable Businesses Only? | Yes | No |
| Creates Net Loss? | No | Yes |
| Works With Vehicles? | Yes | Yes |
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)
FAQ: Tax Write-Off for Vehicle Over 6000 lbs & Section 179 Deductions
What is the GVWR requirement for the Section 179 vehicle deduction?
To qualify for the full vehicle deduction, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating must exceed 6,000 lbs. Vehicles below that threshold fall under a much smaller deduction cap.
Can I write off a luxury SUV or Tesla under Section 179?
Yes — if the SUV exceeds 6,000 lbs GVWR and is used more than 50% for business. However, for tax year 2025, the maximum Section 179 deduction for SUVs is $31,300.
Can I use Section 179 if I lease or finance the vehicle?
Absolutely. As long as you’re the beneficial user and the lease qualifies under IRS rules, you can still claim the deduction.
Do I need to itemize deductions to claim Section 179?
Nope. Section 179 is a business deduction, typically taken on Schedule C or your corporate return — not through personal itemized deductions.
Can I write off part of my vehicle if I also use it personally?
Yes. You can only deduct the percentage used for business. So if your truck is used 80% for work and 20% for personal errands, only 80% of the deductible amount applies.
Can estates and trusts claim Section 179 deductions?
No. Estates and trusts are not eligible to claim Section 179 deductions under current IRS rules.
What is the maximum Section 179 deduction for 2025?
As of tax year 2025, the maximum Section 179 deduction is $2,500,000, per the One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law in July 2025.
The phase-out threshold begins at $4,000,000 in total equipment purchases.
What property qualifies for Section 179?
Section 179 applies to:
Tangible personal property (machinery, equipment)
Off-the-shelf computer software
Certain structures (e.g., agricultural livestock facilities)
Petroleum distribution storage facilities
Qualified real property used in business
Does rental property qualify for a Section 179 deduction?
Only if the rental activity qualifies as a business, not passive investment. If you own property purely for passive rental income, it does not qualify for Section 179.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss the Vehicle Deduction Opportunity
Buying or financing a heavy vehicle for your business? Don’t let the IRS keep your money. With the Section 179 tax deduction and bonus depreciation, you can significantly cut your tax bill, boost cash flow, and reinvest where it matters most.
The rules are clear. The deadlines are strict. And the savings? They’re real.
