Purchase a Toughbook in 2008 and you may be eligible to write off your rugged computer purchase.

Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment up to $250,000 this year from your gross income. Because this reduces your taxable income: (1) you may be in a lower tax bracket, which will save you money on the balance of your income; and (2) because you have less income to tax, you will save money on your tax bill.

Acquire before December 31, 2008 and you may be eligible for first year Bonus Depreciation. Another incentive of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 is that it offers a one-time "bonus first year depreciation" of 50% on any amount of qualified equipment over the $250,000 Section 179 allowance.

• 50% of the remaining purchase price, net of any Section 179 expense allowance if taken
• MACRS depreciation can then be calculated on the new cost and also deducted in the year of purchase

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