Security Industry Association Applauds Key Provision In Tax Reform Law For Security And Fire Protection Systems
SILVER SPRING, Md. (PRWEB) December 26, 2017 -- On Dec. 22, President Donald Trump signed into law H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, P.L. 115-97, which will dramatically lower the after-tax cost of security and fire protection systems for small- and medium-sized businesses.
The Security Industry Association (SIA) led a coalition of industry groups urging negotiators to accept a Senate-backed provision to expand deductions under Section 179 of the IRS tax code, which empowers businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and/or software purchased or financed during the tax year. The revised tax code permanently expands eligibility for deductions to fire protection, alarm, and security systems, along with other equipment, placed in service in 2018 and beyond.
“Since 2003, SIA has advocated in favor of federal tax code changes allowing businesses to fully expense the cost of implementing safety and security measures during the year in which they incur those costs,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Our efforts finally have culminated in these tax code revisions, which eliminate a significant disincentive to adopting new and effective security and life safety technology, particularly at a time of rapid advancement for security tech. SIA is pleased the White House and Congress saw the importance of making it more affordable for businesses to best ensure the safety of their patrons and employees.”
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also doubled the amount that a business can claim in a tax year under Section 179 to $1 million, which phases out for businesses with a total of $2.5 million or more in qualifying expenses. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimated the provision to expand Section 179 specifically will save businesses more than $4 billion per year for the first five years, and a total of $25.9 billion by 2027.
The provision to expand Section 179 deductions was originally part of S. 1144, the Investment in New Ventures and Economic Success Today (INVEST) Act, authored by Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., who served on the conference committee to hammer out a final version of the tax overhaul legislation folded into H.R. 1. Under former IRS regulations, security and fire protection systems were excluded from Section 179 deductions, forcing customers to depreciate these costs over the 39-year depreciation life for buildings.
Joining SIA in support of the tax code revisions were the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI); Electronic Security Association (ESA); Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI); National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA); National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA); Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association (PHCC); Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA); EPDM Roofing Association (ERA); and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).
About the Security Industry Association
The Security Industry Association (SIA) (http://www.securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with more than 800 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels; creating open industry standards that enable integration; advancing industry professionalism through education and training; opening global market opportunities; and collaboration with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA Government Summit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground®, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.
Mickey McCarter, Security Industry Association, http://www.securityindustry.org, +1 (301) 804-4704, [email protected]
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