KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Purchasing a business vehicle can be an effective business strategy

  • There must be a legitimate business reason for placing the vehicle in service and claiming the associated tax deductions

  • Purchasing a vehicle in the name of the business may afford the owner more protections

Benefits of Buying a Car under an LLC

For business owners, buying a car in the name of the LLC can be a great business move. However, the vehicle must be for a legitimate business purpose before putting it in the name of your LLC. This is because the IRS limits deductions to ordinary and necessary business expenses. If you’ve established that the vehicle meets the criteria, let’s explore some of the benefits of buying a car under your  LLC.

Privacy Protection

Purchasing a business vehicle in the LLC's name offers privacy that personal ownership does not. The tags, title, and all identifiable information are registered under the business name rather than you. Although registering your vehicle in this way varies by state, here are the typical registration rules:

  • Complete a Business Entity Submission of Proof for Vehicle Titling form. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may see this form under a different name; however, its purpose is to verify that a vehicle is being used for a business purpose when submitting the title.

  • Along with this form, you will also need to present one or more of the following documents to your state's motor vehicle administration:

    • A copy of the business license or;

    • Articles of Incorporation for Stock, Non-Stock, Closed, Religious, or Tax Exempt Non-Stock Corporation 

    • Articles of Organization for Limited Liability Company

    • Partnership Agreement or Certificate of Limited Liability Company

    • A copy of a business license, registration, and trade name application from the State Department of Assessment and Taxation 

    • Application for Sole Proprietorship and General Partnership filed with the Business Personal Property Unit. 

    • Certificate of Limited Liability Partnership

While this list is not exhaustive, it shows that even the state wants to ensure the vehicle is genuinely used for business purposes. In addition to titling the car under your LLC, using a registered agent expands your privacy. Having a registered agent allows you to use their address instead of yours on business filings.

Liability Protection

Assets titled in the LLC's name fall under the business’s limited liability protection, which may protect business assets from personal liability and protect personal assets from the LLC’s liabilities. However, this protection hinges on the owner complying with the jurisdiction's business rules and ensuring that business and personal finances are not commingled. 

Tax Deductions

When a business owner places a vehicle in service, they can claim several deductions for its use on the vehicle on their tax return. Business vehicles have two categories of deductions: (1) actual expense and (2) standard mileage rate.

Actual expense 

The actual expenses method can lead to a larger deduction if you incurred a significant amount of business vehicle expenses during the year.  Actual expenses include items such as gas, oil, repairs, tires, insurance, registration fees, licenses, and depreciation. To use this method, you must determine how much it costs to operate the vehicle during the year and the percentage of personal use.

Standard mileage rate 

If you have not incurred many out-of-pocket expenses, you can take the standard mileage tax deduction. For 2024, the standard mileage rate for self-employed and businesses is 67 cents per mile. Thus, you may claim a 67-cent deduction for every business mile you drive.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Car Under an LLC

Record Keeping

Whether you claim the standard mileage rate or the actual expense, the IRS requires you to keep detailed mileage and expense records. According to the IRS, you must keep records relating to property until you dispose of it. So, for business vehicles, you must keep records of expenses as long as the vehicle is a business asset.

Property Taxes

In addition to federal and tax reporting obligations, if your business is registered in one of the following nine states, you will also be taxed on business inventory (inventory includes assets like a business vehicle):

  1. Arkansas

  2. Kentucky

  3. Louisiana

  4. Maryland

  5. Mississippi

  6. Oklahoma

  7. Texas

  8. Virginia

  9. West Virginia

In the following states, you will be exposed to a partial tax on your business inventory:

  1. Alaska

  2. Georgia

  3. Massachusetts

  4. Michigan

While the tax varies by state, it is essential to note that a large business asset like a vehicle comes with some additional cost.

Total Cost Considerations

Another cost business owners could potentially be exposed to is higher interest rates. This is because business auto loan rates are a little higher than consumer auto loan rates. For eligible businesses, interest rates can start around 6% or 7%. While you will be exposed to higher interest rates, the IRS does allow business owners to claim a deduction for the interest they pay. However, principal payments are nondeductible expenses.

Additionally, you'll typically pay more for commercial auto coverage. Commercial auto insurance policies typically have higher liability limits than personal automobile liability insurance policies. So, if you are in the market, get ready for the cost.

How to Buy a Car Under an LLC

Purchasing a vehicle under the LLC requires a few more steps than purchasing a vehicle personally. Let’s look at the steps you should take:

  1. Open a Business Bank Account: If you want to buy a business vehicle, first set up a business bank account. To do this, you will need to bring the following documents along with you:

    1. Business License

    2. Articles of incorporation

    3. Employer identification number (EIN)

    4. Articles of Organization

    5. Valid ID

  2. Consider Financing Options: Next, you need to consider the finance options. Compare interest rates between dealerships, banks, and credit unions. Choose a loan payment structure that meets your business needs and goals.

  3. Titling and Registering the Vehicle—After purchasing, register the vehicle at your DMV. The registration process varies by jurisdiction and varies​ by the type of vehicle, its weight, and/or its intended use. If you are in Maryland, the fee for titling a vehicle typically includes a title fee, excise tax, and a security interest (lien) filing fee if required.

  4. Get Car Insurance—Lastly, you need to get commercial insurance for your vehicle. You simply need to contact an insurance company that meets your needs and get a quote.

Final Thoughts on Buying a Car Under an LLC

Purchasing a vehicle under your LLC could be a smart move. However, it is not a decision to take lightly. Before financing a vehicle in your LLC's name, consult a tax pro or an attorney. A competent advisor could provide you with the tools you need, from forming an LLC to developing tax strategies.

People Also Ask Questions (FAQ)

Can you write off car payments for LLC?

Payments made towards the principal of the auto loan are not deductible expenses. However, the IRS allows business owners to claim a deduction for the interest portion of the loan.

Is it more beneficial to purchase a car under a business or personal ownership?

Depending on the type of business you operate, it may be better to purchase a vehicle in the name of the business. If you have a valid business reason and will use the vehicle for business over fifty percent of the time, buy it in the business's name. If there is no valid business reason and the vehicle will be used for business less than fifty percent of the time, then it's better to buy it personally.

Can I use my EIN to buy a car?

Yes, typically, when you purchase a vehicle in the name of the business, you’ll use your Employer Identification Number (EIN) rather than your Social Security Number(SSN).