Section 179 Ram ProMaster Write Off: How To Do It

When your business needs a dependable cargo van, the purchase of a Ram ProMaster through Kunes Chevrolet GMC of Elkhorn can do more than just serve your operations—it may also offer a smart tax deduction via Section 179 of the U.S. tax code. Section 179 can also apply to other Ram trucks, such as the Ram 1500, and these vehicles may also qualify for the deduction. This blog breaks down what you need to know: how the deduction works, what criteria apply, and how to make the most of your van purchase this tax year. Section 179 allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying vehicles like the Ram ProMaster and other Ram trucks in the year they are placed in service.

Section 179 lets qualifying businesses deduct the cost of certain vehicles, equipment and software in the year the asset is placed in service, instead of depreciating it over many years. Section 179 allows small business owners to deduct the purchase price of qualifying vehicles, trucks and vans, office furniture, off the shelf software, and new equipment.

If your business buys a Ram ProMaster and uses it more than 50% for business purposes, you may be able to deduct a significant portion of the vehicle’s cost. To qualify for Section 179, the property must meet IRS tax guidelines and be used for business purposes.

It’s not a tax credit—it reduces your taxable income, not your total tax bill—but it can still deliver major savings. The Section 179 deduction is a tax write off that can reduce tax liability for small business owners. The deduction begins to phase out once a spending cap is reached, and the purchase price of qualifying property is subject to annual limits.

For tax advice and complete details on Section 179 tax deductions and eligibility, consult a tax professional and refer to official IRS sources.

The Ram ProMaster is generally considered Section 179 property when used for business. Other Ram truck models, such as the 3500 and 4500, may also qualify for the section based on their weight and commercial classification. It is built as a cargo van work vehicle, making it more eligible than many standard passenger cars. The key eligibility criteria include:

• Purchase (or lease‑purchase) of the vehicle by your business.
• The vehicle must be placed in service (used) in the tax year for which you claim the deduction.
• The van must be used more than 50% for business activities.
• The vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and classification can determine special caps or full write‑off eligibility.

To qualify for the section, vehicles must meet specific IRS criteria, and models like the Ram 1500 may also be eligible if they meet the requirements. Because many ProMaster configurations exceed commercial thresholds, they often qualify for larger deductions rather than limited caps.

Bonus depreciation is another powerful tool that small business owners can use to significantly reduce their tax liability when purchasing qualifying equipment or vehicles like the Ram ProMaster. Unlike Section 179, which has annual limits and caps, bonus depreciation allows businesses to deduct a large portion—or even the entire cost—of qualifying equipment in the same tax year it is placed in service. This means that if you buy a Ram ProMaster and use it for business purposes more than 50% of the time, you may be able to write off a substantial part of the purchase price right away.

To take advantage of bonus depreciation, the vehicle or equipment must be used for business and must be put into service before December 31 of the tax year. This can lead to immediate tax savings and improved cash flow, helping your business reinvest in growth or cover other expenses. Bonus depreciation is especially valuable for small businesses looking to maximize deductions in a single year, as it can be used alongside Section 179 for even greater tax benefits.

Keep in mind that the rules for bonus depreciation can change from year to year, and not all vehicles or equipment will qualify. Always consult your tax professional to determine the best strategy for your business and to ensure you’re following current federal rules for qualifying equipment and vehicles. By leveraging both Section 179 and bonus depreciation, business owners can make the most of their investment in new or used business vehicles and equipment, potentially lowering their federal income tax burden and boosting their bottom line.

• Business‑use requirement: If business use drops below 50% in a year, you may lose eligibility for the full deduction.
• Weight and classification: Vans with a higher GVWR often qualify for fewer restrictions; lighter vehicles may face lower caps.
• Personal use limitations: Ownership of a van that is also used for commuting or non‑business personal travel may reduce deductible amount.
• Bonus depreciation: In many cases you can stack Section 179 with bonus depreciation for additional tax benefits.
• Budget and cash flow: Deducting a large expense in one year can improve cash flow, but the deduction cannot exceed your business’s taxable income. If you buy a van and the business makes little profit, unused deduction may be carried forward.
• Tax law updates: Limits, thresholds and rules for Section 179 can change annually. Always verify for the tax year you’re working in.

At Kunes Chevrolet GMC of Elkhorn you’ll find commercial‑ready vehicles, knowledgeable staff who understand business vehicle needs, and support around inventory, up‑fits and dealer resources. Choosing a van like the Ram ProMaster from a trusted dealer ensures you’re getting a vehicle suited for business use—and the paperwork and logistics are easier when you’re working with a dealer familiar with business‑vehicle customers.

If your business is ready to upgrade its work vehicle and you’re considering a Ram ProMaster, leveraging Section 179 can make a major difference to your tax outcome. The process isn’t complicated, but the key steps—business‑use documentation, placing the vehicle in service, meeting classification and deduction limits—matter a lot. Speak with your tax advisor, choose the right van through Kunes Chevrolet GMC of Elkhorn, and you could secure a strong write‑off while boosting your business’s operational capability.
Your next vehicle might not only get work done—it might also save you on taxes.