We’ve only got a few short weeks left before the end of the year. For Charlotte area business owners this means there is not much time left to make moves that can reduce your tax burden for the year.
One of the ways that you can improve your technology infrastructure so you can hit the ground running in 2022 and lower your tax bill is to make technology upgrades before December 31st.
There are a number of technology purchases you can make that can be used for business tax deductions, and through Section 179 rules, you can also take a bonus 100% depreciation deduction.
Things that qualify include off-the-shelf software, computers, servers, security equipment, network cabling, and other hardware and office equipment.
When choosing technology upgrades you want to consider things like:
- Return on investment
- Needs that your team has for productivity
- Security upgrades
- Value to your business growth
Here are some of the popular technology upgrades that companies are making to improve efficiency and security, while also getting a tax break.
Mesh Network
Upgrading your network to improve speed, reach, and reliability is something that can have a big impact on productivity. With so much work being done in the cloud, it’s important to have a fast connection available everywhere in your office.
A mesh network uses several units that connect wirelessly together and communicate with the base unit, which is connected to your modem. Instead of a router that is placed in one position having to send a single out throughout your building, a mesh network provides a blanket of wireless signals.
Benefits include:
- Farther Wi-Fi reach
- Better reliability
- Ability to switch to another unit should one get congested
- Easy to extend your Wi-Fi signal to other areas (even outside)
Wi-Fi 6 Router
While thinking about your network, another upgrade that you can do in tandem with a mesh network is to upgrade to Wi-Fi 6. This is the current wireless standard, and it improves security, speed, and multi-device handling significantly over its predecessor.
Remote Team Hardware & VoIP Equipment
The pandemic has permanently changed the look of businesses around the world. Remote and hybrid teams are now becoming the norm. 80% of surveyed company leaders say they plan to allow employees to work remotely at least part of the time.
How well-equipped are your remote employees? Many telecommuting workers have to use their own PCs and haven’t even been issued a quality headset.
Remote teams need the same type of hardware and office equipment that in-office teams do if you want them to be as or more productive. Look at supplying your remote team with things like:
- Company laptop
- Printer
- VoIP headset
- VoIP desk phone
- Office equipment (office chair, bookshelf or filing cabinet, etc.)
Digital Door Access Locks
Using the key method for door entry means a time-consuming process of keeping up with keys, replacing lost keys, and having doors rekeyed if a disgruntled employee quits suddenly.
Digital door access locks have become a popular alternative for building security. Employees use a keypad instead of a key to get in. They can be given unique digital codes, which allows you to keep a log of who is accessing which areas of the building at all times.
If an employee leaves, all you need to do is remove their access code from the system.
IP Security Cameras
Security camera systems have become much more accessible to small businesses in the last few years. Doorbell cameras can be purchased for less than $100, and high-resolution video is streamed to the cloud where you can access it from a smartphone in real-time.
You can also connect your video systems to things like digital door access, so you not only know what keycode was used to enter the building but also have a video of who was using that keycode.
Video security cameras with 2-way audio are also a handy way to touch base with teams in other areas of your building to check-in or ask a question.
New PCs with Windows 11
Windows 11 was just released in October and is currently being rolled out to compatible Windows 10 devices, but older devices might not have the minimum requirements to upgrade.
With the ability to deduct the cost of purchase and 100% of the depreciation come tax time, now is a great time to replace older computers with newer ones that have Windows 11 already preinstalled.
Need Help Planning Cost-Efficient IT Upgrades?
Rocky Knoll Technologies can help your Charlotte area business identify the IT upgrades that would bring you the most value and help you roll them out smoothly.
Schedule a consultation by calling 704.594.7292 or reach us online.
