Business Vehicle Depreciation Calculator

Calculate MACRS depreciation for business vehicles with luxury vehicle limits.

$
%
Bonus Depreciation (Section 168)

Year 1 Deduction

$44,000.00

Total Deductions

$44,000.00

Depreciable Basis

$44,000.00

Year-by-Year Depreciation Schedule

Year 1$44,000.00

2026 Luxury Vehicle Limits

Year 1 (with bonus)$20,200.00
Year 1 (no bonus)$12,200.00
Year 2$19,500.00
Year 3$11,700.00
Year 4+$6,960.00

Use the Business Vehicle Depreciation Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Our Business Vehicle Depreciation Calculator helps you determine the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) depreciation for your business vehicles, including the crucial luxury vehicle limits. This is essential for accurate tax planning and maximizing your deductions, especially with the 2026 luxury vehicle limits in mind.

This calculator uses the MACRS general depreciation system (GDS) over a 5-year recovery period, applying the 200% declining balance method and switching to straight-line when advantageous. It rigorously incorporates the IRS-mandated luxury vehicle depreciation limits for each year, ensuring your calculated deductions comply with current tax law.

A common mistake is forgetting to account for Section 179 expensing or bonus depreciation, which can significantly alter your first-year deduction. Also, be mindful of the 'listed property' rules for vehicles, which can impose additional record-keeping requirements if business use isn't over 50%.

Example: New SUV Purchased in 2026

  1. 1 Input the purchase price of your new business SUV: $70,000. Assume the vehicle was placed in service in July 2026.
  2. 2 The calculator first applies the 200% declining balance method for the 5-year recovery period. It then compares this against the 2026 luxury vehicle depreciation limits. For a vehicle placed in service in July, the half-year convention is applied for the first year.
  3. 3 Based on a $70,000 vehicle purchased in 2026, the calculated depreciation for Year 1 (2026) would be limited to the luxury vehicle cap, which for 2026 is projected to be around $20,000 (this is an estimate as actual 2026 limits are not yet released, but based on historical increases). Subsequent years' depreciation would also be capped.
  4. 4 This example highlights how the luxury vehicle limits can significantly reduce your first-year depreciation deduction compared to a direct MACRS calculation without the cap. Always consult with a tax professional for personalized advice and the most up-to-date IRS figures.

Source: IRS — Publication 946, How To Depreciate Property · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 2026 vehicle depreciation limits?
For passenger vehicles placed in service in 2026, the luxury vehicle depreciation limits are approximately $12,400 in year 1 (with bonus depreciation), $19,800 in year 2, $11,900 in year 3, and $7,160 per year thereafter until fully depreciated.
Can I write off a vehicle over 6,000 lbs in one year?
Vehicles over 6,000 lbs GVWR (like many SUVs and trucks) are not subject to the luxury vehicle limits. With 60% bonus depreciation in 2026, you can potentially deduct a large portion of the cost in year one under Section 179 and bonus depreciation combined.
What is the difference between Section 179 and bonus depreciation?
Section 179 lets you deduct the full purchase price up to $1.25 million in the year purchased (for business use). Bonus depreciation (60% in 2026, declining annually) applies to the remaining cost. Section 179 requires business profit; bonus depreciation can create a loss.