Dollar Buyout vs. FMV Leases

Guide to Understanding Equipment Financing, Equipment Leasing and Equipment Financing Agreement.

Compare Dollar Buyout vs. Fair Market Market (FMV)

When it comes to leasing equipment, two common types of lease agreements are the Dollar Buyout Lease and the Fair Market Value (FMV) Lease. Here’s a comparison of the two:

Dollar Buyout Lease

Definition: Also known as a $1 buyout lease, this type of lease allows the lessee to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term for a nominal fee, typically $1, some states requires $101.

Key Features:

  • Ownership: At the end of the lease term, ownership of the equipment transfers to the lessee.
  • Monthly Payments: Generally higher than FMV leases because the total cost includes the price of eventual ownership.
  • Depreciation: Lessee can depreciate the equipment on their taxes since it’s treated similarly to a loan.
  • Flexibility: Less flexible in terms of upgrading or returning the equipment before the lease ends.

Ideal For:

  • Businesses that want to own the equipment at the end of the lease term.
  • Those who prefer consistent, predictable payments.
  • Companies that need equipment with a long useful life.

Fair Market Value (FMV)  – True Lease

Definition: An FMV lease allows the lessee to use the equipment for a set term with the option to purchase it at the end of the lease for its fair market value.

Key Features:

  • Ownership: The lessee does not automatically gain ownership of the equipment. They have the option to purchase it at its fair market value, return it, or renew the lease.
  • Monthly Payments: Generally lower than a dollar buyout lease because the cost of ownership is not included.
  • Tax Benefits: Lease payments are typically fully deductible as an operating expense.
  • Flexibility: Offers more flexibility to upgrade, return, or extend the lease term.

Ideal For:

  • Businesses that want lower monthly payments.
  • Those looking for flexibility at the end of the lease term.
  • Companies that may want to upgrade to newer technology frequently.

Comparison Summary

  • Cost: Dollar Buyout leases have higher monthly payments but ensure ownership, while FMV leases have lower payments with flexibility at the end.
  • Tax Treatment: Dollar Buyout leases allow for depreciation of the asset, whereas FMV leases treat payments as operating expenses.
  • Flexibility: FMV leases offer more options at the end of the term (purchase, return, renew), whereas Dollar Buyout leases result in ownership.

Choosing between a Dollar Buyout Lease and an FMV Lease depends on a company’s financial goals, tax strategy, and equipment needs. If ownership is the primary goal, a Dollar Buyout Lease may be more suitable. If lower payments and flexibility are more important, an FMV Lease would be a better option.

Equipment Financing Agreements vs Retail Financing

Here’s how Equipment Financing Agreements and Retail Financing compare to Dollar Buyout and FMV Leases:

Equipment Financing Agreement

Definition: An Equipment Financing Agreement (EFA) is a loan used to purchase equipment, where the borrower agrees to pay back the lender over time, typically with interest.

Key Features:

  • Ownership: The borrower owns the equipment from the beginning, but the lender holds a lien on it until the loan is fully paid off.
  • Monthly Payments: Includes both principal and interest payments. Payments are often fixed.
  • Depreciation: The borrower can depreciate the equipment on their taxes.
  • Flexibility: Less flexible in terms of early payoff or returning the equipment without fulfilling the loan terms.

Ideal For:

  • Businesses that want immediate ownership of the equipment.
  • Companies looking to build equity in their assets.
  • Those who prefer fixed payments and can take advantage of depreciation tax benefits.

Retail Financing

Definition: Retail Financing typically refers to a payment plan offered by the equipment seller, often facilitated by a third-party finance company, allowing the purchaser to pay for the equipment over time.

Key Features:

  • Ownership: Similar to an EFA, the buyer gains ownership of the equipment upfront, with the financing company holding a lien.
  • Monthly Payments: Payments can be fixed or variable and often include interest.
  • Depreciation: The purchaser can depreciate the equipment on their taxes.
  • Flexibility: Depending on the terms, there may be some flexibility in payment structures or early payoff.

Ideal For:

  • Businesses that prefer financing directly through the equipment seller.
  • Companies that want immediate ownership but need to spread out payments.
  • Those who may benefit from special financing offers or terms provided by the seller.

Comparison Summary

  • Ownership: Both EFAs and Retail Financing provide immediate ownership of the equipment, whereas Dollar Buyout leases transfer ownership at the end, and FMV leases offer an option to purchase.
  • Monthly Payments: FMV leases generally have the lowest payments, followed by Retail Financing and EFAs. Dollar Buyout leases often have higher payments.
  • Tax Treatment: EFAs and Retail Financing allow for depreciation of the equipment, similar to Dollar Buyout leases, while FMV lease payments are treated as operating expenses.
  • Flexibility: FMV leases offer the most flexibility at the end of the term. EFAs and Retail Financing typically have less flexibility due to the ownership and lien arrangements.

Ideal Scenarios for Businesses Who Wants to Finance Equipment.

  • Dollar Buyout Lease: For businesses wanting ownership with predictable payments.
  • FMV Lease: For businesses needing lower payments and end-of-term flexibility.
  • Equipment Financing Agreement: For businesses desiring immediate ownership and tax depreciation.
  • Retail Financing: For businesses preferring to finance through the seller with immediate ownership and possible special terms.

Choosing the right financing option depends on a company’s specific needs, financial strategy, and long-term plans for the equipment.

What to talk about Equipment Financing with your CPA?

From an IRS standpoint, a Fair Market Value (FMV) lease, also known as a true lease, is treated differently compared to other types of financing agreements such as Dollar Buyout Leases or Equipment Financing Agreements. Here’s an overview of how FMV leases are viewed in relation to IRS rules, including Section 179:

IRS Standpoint on FMV Leases

Definition: An FMV lease is considered a true lease where the lessee has the option to purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term for its fair market value.

Key Features:

  • Ownership: The lessee does not own the equipment during the lease term.
  • Lease Payments: Treated as operating expenses and are fully deductible as business expenses on the lessee’s tax return.

 

IRS Rules on FMV Leases

Tax Treatment:

  • Lease Payments: Payments made under an FMV lease are deductible as business expenses, reducing taxable income for the lessee.
  • Depreciation: The lessor (the leasing company) claims depreciation on the equipment since they retain ownership.

 

Section 179 and FMV Leases

Section 179:

  • Purpose: Allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and software purchased or financed during the tax year, rather than capitalizing and depreciating the asset over time.
  • Eligibility: To qualify for Section 179, the equipment must be purchased or financed and put into service within the tax year.

 

Applicability to FMV Leases:

  • Since the lessee does not own the equipment in an FMV lease, they cannot claim the Section 179 deduction.
  • Section 179 is applicable to purchases where the taxpayer has ownership, such as equipment financed through a Dollar Buyout Lease, Equipment Financing Agreement, or Retail Financing.

 

Summary

  • FMV Lease (True Lease): Payments are deductible as business expenses. No Section 179 deduction available because the lessee does not own the equipment.
  • Dollar Buyout Lease: Treated more like a purchase for tax purposes. Lessee can claim Section 179 deduction.
  • Equipment Financing Agreement: Treated as a loan. Lessee can claim Section 179 deduction.
  • Retail Financing: Treated similarly to an EFA. Lessee can claim Section 179 deduction.

 

Example

Suppose a business leases equipment under an FMV lease:

  • Lease Payments: $1,000 per month
  • Term: 36 months

The business can deduct the $1,000 monthly payments as operating expenses on its tax return, reducing its taxable income. However, it cannot claim any depreciation or Section 179 deduction for the leased equipment.

If the same business had used a Dollar Buyout Lease:

  • Cost of Equipment: $36,000
  • Lease Term: 36 months.

The business can claim the Section 179 deduction for the full $36,000 in the year the equipment is put into service, subject to the limits and conditions of Section 179. The lease payments may still be deductible, but the primary tax benefit would come from the Section 179 deduction.

Choosing between an FMV lease and other financing options depends on a company’s tax strategy and whether ownership and the associated tax benefits are critical to their financial planning.

 

Always consult with your tax professional. Information should not be construed as any form of financial or tax advice. 

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Ask about Our "APP-ONLY" Financing up to $250,000

“App-Only” financing up to $250,000 typically refers to a streamlined application process for equipment financing that can be completed entirely through a digital or mobile application.

Here’s a detailed explanation of how it works and its benefits:

What is “App-Only” Financing?

Definition: “App-Only” financing allows businesses to apply for equipment financing or leasing of equipment up to $250,000 will require strong business and will not ever apply to Startup or low credit clients without additional collateral, without the need for extensive documentation or lengthy approval processes.

Key Features

  1. Simplified Application Process:
    • Meaning you will get approved
      without full financial.
    • Requires minimal documentation,
      often just basic business bank account, invoice, and ownership information.
    • Quick and easy submission
      process.
  2. Fast Approval:
    • Decisions are typically made
      within minutes to a few hours.
    • Uses automated underwriting
      processes to assess creditworthiness.
  3. Hard Credit Pulls Upon Funding:
    • Working with an equipment loan
      broker will save you from unwanted inquiries. Our soft credit check does
      not impact the applicant’s credit score.
    • Some providers may conduct a
      hard pull later in the process upon funding
  4. Convenient:
    • Simple docs
    • Simple credit
    • Simple funding
  5. Competitive Rates:
    • Often offers competitive
      interest rates and terms, like traditional financing options.
    • May include special promotional
      rates or incentives for using the app.
    • Might not be the lowest rate due
      to the fact that it’s a low doc funding.

 

How It Works

  1. Apply Online:
    • The business owner downloads the financing app from the provider’s website or app store.
  2. Complete the Application:
    • Fill in required fields, including business information, ownership details, and the amount of financing needed.
    • Upload any necessary documents, hough requirements are usually minimal.
  3. Submit for Approval:
    • Submit the application for review.
    • Once approved, we’ll send you a credit term sheet with details of your approval.
  4. Receive Decision:
    • Receive an approval decision of funding update once Term-Sheet and necessary funding documents have been completed and signed.
    • If approved, review and accept the financing terms during verbal conversation with the funding underwriter
      to confirm release of funds to the vendor.
  5. Fund Disbursement:
    • Funds are disbursed quickly, often within 24 hours.
    • Can be used to purchase equipment, inventory, or for other business needs if you are using working
      capital
      or business term loan funding if equipment financing is out of the question.

 

Benefits

  • Speed: Rapid application and approval process, often within the same day.
  • Convenience: Entire process can be managed digitally, reducing the need for paperwork and physical meetings.
  • Accessibility: Available to businesses of various sizes, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
  • Flexibility: Can be used for a variety of business needs, not just equipment financing.

 

Ideal For

  • Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: Looking for quick access to financing without extensive documentation.
  • Startups: Needing capital quickly to seize growth opportunities.
  • Established Businesses: Seeking to streamline their financing processes and avoid traditional bank loan complexities.

Covers many types of equipment we can finance.

Recycling Equipment

Waste Truck

Crushers and Garbage Tractors

Easier to get than a traditional business loan

Business equipment loans are easy to get. Here is why:
Less paperwork
Fast processing time
Less stringent requirements for qualifying
No collateral needed, the equipment is the collateral
May require less credit score for you and your business as well

What do I need to apply?

1.     ONLINE APPLICATION: You can fill out our application, upload and authorized us to process. We do soft-inquiry, and our lender will do hard inquiries once you are approved.

2.     Equipment Invoice or Quote for the truck or equipment you want to buy. Multiple vendors accepted. We’ll lump them into one monthly payment for you.

3.     Banks statements (3-4 months) – Proof income, proof of banking, and proof funds availability in case down payment is needed and to match for ACH Payment Drafting – as an auto pay.

Our small business financing experts are available to guide you through the funding Process.

Despite technological advancements, loans, especially equipment financing is predominantly involve a complex process with an underwriter to ensure as fraud prevention. Automation may not suffice, particularly when dealing with a third party like the vendor and the complexities of purchasing new and used equipment. In such scenarios, business owners are often better served by collaborating with a Business Loans Broker like Liberty Capital Group, Inc., who can steer them in the right direction.

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If you have any questions, we invite you to contact us