26 USC 195 - Start-up expenditures

U.S Code last checked for updates: Aug 16, 2025

§ 195.

Start-up expenditures

(a)

Capitalization of expenditures

(b)

Election to deduct

(1)

Allowance of deduction

If a taxpayer elects the application of this subsection with respect to any start-up expenditures—

(A)

the taxpayer shall be allowed a deduction for the taxable year in which the active trade or business begins in an amount equal to the lesser of—

(i)

the amount of start-up expenditures with respect to the active trade or business, or

(ii)

$5,000, reduced (but not below zero) by the amount by which such start-up expenditures exceed $50,000, and

(B)

the remainder of such start-up expenditures shall be allowed as a deduction ratably over the 180-month period beginning with the month in which the active trade or business begins.

(2)

Dispositions before close of amortization period

(3)

Special rule for taxable years beginning in 2010

In the case of a taxable year beginning in 2010, paragraph (1)(A)(ii) shall be applied—

(A)

by substituting “$10,000” for “$5,000”, and

(B)

by substituting “$60,000” for “$50,000”.

(c)

Definitions

For purposes of this section—

(1)

Start-up expenditures

The term “start-up expenditure” means any amount—

(A)

paid or incurred in connection with—

(i)

investigating the creation or acquisition of an active trade or business, or

(ii)

creating an active trade or business, or

(iii)

any activity engaged in for profit and for the production of income before the day on which the active trade or business begins, in anticipation of such activity becoming an active trade or business, and

(B)

which, if paid or incurred in connection with the operation of an existing active trade or business (in the same field as the trade or business referred to in subparagraph (A)), would be allowable as a deduction for the taxable year in which paid or incurred.

The term “start-up expenditure” does not include any amount with respect to which a deduction is allowable under section 163(a), 164, 174, or 174A.

(2)

Beginning of trade or business

(A)

In general

(B)

Acquired trade or business

(d)

Election

(1)

Time for making election

(2)

Scope of election

(Added Pub. L. 96–605, title I, § 102(a), Dec. 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 3522; amended Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title I, § 94(a), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 614; Pub. L. 108–357, title VIII, § 902(a), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1651; Pub. L. 111–240, title II, § 2031(a), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2559; Pub. L. 119–21, title VII, § 70302(b)(6), July 4, 2025, 139 Stat. 192.)

cite as: 26 USC 195