100% Bonus Depreciation Under OBBBA 2026: Complete Guide
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) permanently restores 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying property placed in service after January 19, 2025. This eliminates the TCJA phase-down schedule and allows businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of qualifying assets in the year of purchase — generating massive first-year tax savings.
What Is Bonus Depreciation?
Bonus depreciation (also called "additional first-year depreciation") under IRC §168(k) allows businesses to immediately deduct a percentage of the cost of qualifying property rather than depreciating it over its useful life. Under the OBBBA, this percentage is permanently set at 100%.
What Property Qualifies?
- Machinery and equipment with a recovery period of 20 years or less
- Computer software (off-the-shelf)
- Qualified improvement property (QIP) — interior improvements to nonresidential buildings
- Vehicles (subject to luxury auto limits under IRC §280F)
- Used property (if first time used by the taxpayer)
- Film, television, and live theatrical productions
Does NOT qualify: Buildings, land, property used outside the U.S., property used in regulated utility businesses.
Bonus Depreciation vs. Section 179
| Feature | Bonus Depreciation | Section 179 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Limit | Unlimited (100%) | $1.25 million |
| Can Create Loss? | Yes | No (limited to business income) |
| Used Property | Yes | Yes |
| Applies to QIP | Yes | Yes |
| State Conformity | Varies by state | Varies by state |
Real-World Examples
Contractor: Purchases $800,000 of equipment in 2026 → $800,000 deduction in Year 1 → $296,000 in tax savings at 37%.
Real Estate Investor: Combines bonus depreciation with cost segregation study on a $3M property → $600,000+ in Year 1 deductions.
Medical Practice: Purchases $400,000 of medical equipment → $400,000 deduction → $148,000 in tax savings.
Strategic Considerations
- Bonus depreciation can create a net operating loss (NOL) that can be carried forward to offset future income
- Depreciation recapture applies on sale — plan exit strategy with installment sale or 1031 exchange
- State conformity varies — California, for example, does not conform to federal bonus depreciation rules
- Elect out if you expect higher income in future years (bonus depreciation is not always optimal)
Model your bonus depreciation savings with Uncle Kam: https://unclekam.com/consultation/