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Beth A. Botti, CFP®, ChFC, CLU, CDFA™

Financial Consultant

California Insurance License #0G24537

 

612 Wheelers Farms Road, Milford, CT 06460

 

Phone:  203-877-6556 Ext. 169

Fax:      203-301-0736

Email: beth.botti@equitable.com

March/April 2025

Should You Lease or Buy?

Barista, man and tablet for coffee shop inventory or online order on website in startup cafe. Small business owner, waiter and review with technology for stock menu or price checklist in store

Leasing equipment can be an excellent option for newer businesses short on cash, while buying may be better in the long run when possible. But the decision isn't that cut and dried. It would be best if you considered numerous other factors.


Buying
If you have the money and a solid cash flow, buying equipment may be less costly than leasing. It may also provide more choices, allowing you to shop around, compare prices, and get exactly what you want. In addition, owning builds equity in the equipment, so if you need to sell it, you potentially recover some of your initial cost.


Consider tax benefits. For example, if you finance your purchase, you can typically deduct the interest as a business expense. You may be able to deduct the depreciation for some business assets, such as automobiles. IRS Section 179 allows businesses to deduct the total purchase price of qualifying equipment purchased or financed during the year (within limits) rather than expensing it.


On the minus side, buying equipment entails higher up-front costs, ties up cash that may be better used for other expenses, and puts the responsibility for all maintenance on your business. Depending on the type of equipment, you also risk obsolescence.


Leasing
Leasing gives you easy, predictable payments spread over time and leaves the business with more cash for unexpected expenses or business opportunities. It may be a good option if you're looking to build your credit.


You also reduce obsolescence risks if your lease allows for technology updates and regular maintenance is included. As for tax benefits, payments are typically a deductible business expense.


Detractions include a total cost that usually exceeds the purchase price, no equity in the equipment, the leasing company controls maintenance, and may limit your choices. You may also need help altering the lease agreement to meet your needs.


Your financial professional has experience with other businesses and can assist you, too.

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Duly registered and licensed financial professionals offer securities through Equitable Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA,SIPC (Equitable Financial Advisors in MI & TN), offer investment advisory products and services through Equitable Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor, and offer annuity and insurance products through Equitable Network, LLC (Equitable Network Insurance Agency of Utah, LLC in UT; Equitable Network of Puerto Rico, Inc.). Equal Opportunity Employer - M/F/D/V. Equitable Advisors and its associates and affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice or services. Representatives may transact business, which includes offering products and services and/or responding to inquiries, only in state(s) in which they are properly registered and/or licensed. Your connection to this website does not necessarily indicate that the sender is able to transact business in your state. The information in this website is not investment or securities advice and does not constitute an offer. For more information about Equitable Advisors, LLC you may visit https://equitable.com/crs to review the firm's Relationship Summary for Retail Investors and General Conflicts of Interest Disclosure.

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