WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) finalized a rule allowing contractors to write off greater amounts of money spent on service vans and light trucks. The permanent change permits full expensing under Section 179 of the IRS tax code by exempting depreciation of vans and light trucks under Section 280F.

According to the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), the ruling will benefit contractors. "Because light trucks and vans make up a majority of fleets of HVACR contractors, this is fantastic news for our industry," said ACCA president and CEO Paul T. Stalknecht.

To qualify for the extended depreciation, the vehicles must be modified to meet business needs, such as outfitting with ladder racks or a company logo. Trucks and vans straight off the lot do not qualify.