Open End Leases can be structured as a "true tax lease" (operating lease) and the payments can be expensed up to 100% and treated as "rent" payments for federal income tax purposes.
Open End Leases can also be structured as a "finance lease" (capital lease) and treated as a loan for tax purposes with a bargain purchase option as low as $1.00. The lessee takes depreciation instead of writing off payments as "rent".
Open End Leaseshave none of the penalties associated with other leases.
NO Mileage Limits or Charges NO Sign or Lettering Restrictions
NO Body Damage Charges NO Paint Scheme Restrictions
TRAC Leases... Open End Leases containing a TerminalRentalAdjustmentClause are known as TRACLeases. TRAC Leases are limited to motor vehicles and trailers used at least 50% of the time for business purposes.
TRAC Leasesare unique in that federal tax rules permit a RentalAdjustment (cash rebate) back to the lessee at lease termination and still be treated as a "true tax lease".
How TRAC Leases work:
At the beginning of the lease a Residual Amount is chosen that will be used to determine monthly payments.
1. Purchase the vehicle for the Residual Amount.
2. Trade in for a replacement vehicle. Apply any equity to the new vehicle.
3. Extend the lease by financing the Residual Amount.
4. Turn in the vehicle and be eligible for a Rental Adjustment based on the lessor's sale proceeds over the Residual Amount.
If the vehicle sells for less than the Residual Amount you are responsible for the deficiency... purchase the vehicle for the Residual Amount and there is no further obligation on your part.
Example of a TRAC Lease Cash Rebate at Lease End
Original Cost Of Vehicle:
$
25000
Residual Amount:
$
5000
End of Term Sale Proceeds:
$
6000
Cash back to lessee:
$
1000
This information is based on accepted accounting principles and interpretations. It is intended to help you understand Commercial Leases. This is not to be considered tax or legal advice. Always consult with a qualified tax or legal advisor regarding any aspect of the federal tax code.