Updated October 2026
If your business is planning to upgrade its copiers, printers, or document software, the Section 179 deduction can significantly reduce what that investment really costs you.
Instead of depreciating equipment over several years, Section 179 lets you deduct the full purchase price in the year you put it into service. Here’s how it works this year, what qualifies, and how to make sure your upgrade counts.
What Is Section 179?
Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and software purchased or financed during the tax year. This deduction was designed to encourage businesses to invest in themselves by upgrading or acquiring essential tools without shouldering the full financial burden upfront.
Instead of spreading the cost of your purchase over several years through depreciation, Section 179 enables you to deduct the entire cost in the year the equipment is put into use.
How Does Section 179 Work?
- Eligibility: Most new and used business equipment qualifies for the deduction, including copiers and printers.
- Annual Limits: For 2026, the deduction limit is $2,560,000.
- Usage: The equipment must be used more than 50% for business purposes and put into use by December 31, 2026, to qualify for that tax year.
Why Upgrade Your Copier Now?
Office technology evolves quickly, and upgrading to a newer copier can provide significant benefits, such as:
- Increased Efficiency: Modern devices are faster, more reliable, and packed with productivity features.
- Lower operating costs: Newer machines often use less energy and need fewer repairs.
- Stronger security: Features like secure release printing, encryption, and firmware protection help safeguard sensitive documents.
- Cloud and mobile capabilities: Print, scan, and route documents from anywhere.
With Section 179, upgrading becomes even more appealing because you can offset a large portion of the upfront cost through the tax deduction.
Financing and Leasing Options
Even if you don’t want to make a large cash purchase, you can still benefit from Section 179 when financing or leasing a copier. As long as the equipment is put into use during the same tax year, the full purchase price is eligible for deduction—regardless of whether you’ve paid it off entirely.
A Quick Example of Savings
Let’s say you purchase a $15,000 copier and place it in service this year. Under Section 179, you can deduct the full $15,000 from your taxable income. At an illustrative 24% tax rate, that’s $3,600 in tax savings, bringing your effective cost down to just $11,400.
Your actual savings depend on your tax bracket and business structure (C corporations, for example, pay a flat 21% federal rate). To estimate your own numbers, try the Section 179 Deduction Calculator.
How to Take Advantage of Section 179
Consult a Tax Professional: Ensure your purchase meets the requirements for Section 179 and aligns with your overall tax strategy.
Act Before Year-End: To claim the deduction for 2026, the copier must be purchased and put into use by December 31st.
Work with a Trusted Vendor: Choose a vendor who understands your needs and can guide you in selecting the right copier for your business.
Don’t let outdated equipment slow you down. With Section 179, investing in a new copier not only improves your office operations but also reduces your tax liability. Talk to a trusted equipment provider today to find the perfect copier for your needs—and take advantage of this valuable tax break.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Section 179 limit for 2026?
A: The maximum deduction is $2,560,000, and it begins phasing out dollar for dollar once total qualifying purchases exceed $4,090,000.
Does used equipment qualify for Section 179?
A: Yes. Used equipment qualifies as long as it’s new to your business and used more than 50% for business purposes.
Can I take Section 179 on a financed copier?
A: Yes. Financed equipment and $1 buyout leases generally qualify for the full deduction in the year the equipment is placed in service. Fair market value leases do not.
What’s the deadline to claim Section 179 for 2026?
A: Qualifying equipment must be placed in service by December 31, 2026.
Act Now with MSI
Partner with MSI to take full advantage of the Section 179 tax deduction while upgrading your office technology. Our team will help you select the perfect copier to meet your business needs, ensuring you maximize efficiency, enhance productivity, and save on taxes. Don’t wait—contact MSI today to secure your equipment before the December 31 deadline and start the new year with cutting-edge technology and increased savings.
