The 100% Additional First Year Depreciation provision now stands as a permanent and powerful tax incentive under new IRS guidance issued through the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2026-11, which explains how businesses can fully deduct the cost of qualifying depreciable property in the year they place it in service. This guidance gives taxpayers greater certainty when planning capital investments and expands eligibility to include certain sound recording productions.
IRS issues guidance on 100% additional first year depreciation under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill for property acquired after Jan 19, 2025.
What Is Additional First Year Depreciation?
- Generally, when taxpayers acquire property for business use, the cost must be recovered over several years using IRS depreciation schedules. However, additional first year depreciation (commonly known as bonus depreciation) allows taxpayers to deduct a portion—or now 100%—of the cost in the year the asset is placed in service.
Under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, this deduction has been made permanent.
Why This Matters for Businesses
The permanent 100% additional first year depreciation rule:
- Reduces upfront tax burden
- Improves cash flow
- Encourages capital investment
- Simplifies long-term depreciation planning
For businesses making equipment purchases or investing in production assets, this provision can significantly impact tax outcomes.
📌 Key Highlights of IRS Notice 2026-11
The IRS guidance confirms that:
- 100% additional first year depreciation applies to qualified property
- Property must be acquired after January 19, 2025
- The rules apply to both purchased property and certain specified plants
- Taxpayers may generally rely on existing bonus depreciation regulations
- Permanent 100% deduction for qualifying property
- Covers MACRS property with a recovery period of 20 years or less
- Includes qualified improvement property, certain film and television productions, and now specified sound recording productions
- Allows taxpayers to elect out of bonus depreciation by class of property
- Provides clarity for tax planning, cash flow management, and investment decisions
This clarity helps businesses plan capital expenditures with greater certainty.
100% Additional First Year Depreciation: IRS Issue New Guidance Under OBBB
- The 100% additional first year depreciation rules have undergone a major and permanent change. On January 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of the IRS released Notice 2026-11 (IR-2026-06), providing long-awaited guidance under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB).
- This update allows businesses to fully expense qualified depreciable property in the first year, offering significant tax relief and improved cash flow for taxpayers.
Qualified Sound Recording Productions: New Inclusion
The One, Big, Beautiful Bill expanded eligibility to include qualified sound recording productions.
A sound recording production:
- Is treated as acquired when principal recording begins
- Is considered placed in service upon initial release or broadcast
- Qualifies if recording commences in a taxable year ending after July 4, 2025
This change provides meaningful tax benefits to creators and production companies.
100% Additional First Year Depreciation – IRS Guidance at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) |
| IRS Guidance Issued | Notice 2026-11 |
| IRS Release Date | January 14, 2026 |
| Applicable To | Qualified depreciable property |
| Deduction Allowed | 100% additional first year depreciation |
| Effective Date | Property acquired after January 19, 2025 |
| Nature of Provision | Permanent (no phase-out) |
| Placed-in-Service Rule | Deduction allowed in the year property is placed in service |
| Reliance on Prior Rules | Taxpayers may rely on existing bonus depreciation regulations |
| Specified Plants Covered | Yes (planted or grafted after Jan. 19, 2025) |
| Sound Recording Productions | Newly eligible under OBBB |
Professional Insight
- Although the deduction is generous, taxpayers must carefully plan elections, time asset acquisitions, and apply placed-in-service rules correctly. Businesses should evaluate whether claiming 100% depreciation aligns with their long-term tax strategy and financial goals.
Conclusion
With the issuance of Notice 2026-11, the IRS has provided essential clarity on the 100% additional first year depreciation rules under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. Taxpayers should review eligibility carefully and consider professional guidance to maximize benefits while remaining compliant.
Get the Latest Financial News, Expert Insights, Trends, and Tips you need to make Informed Decisions about your Business, Taxes, and Investments at edueasify.
