If you are planning a big leap in your screen room, year-end can be the smartest time to move. With Section 179, qualifying equipment that is placed in service by December 31 may be expensed in the current tax year.

This can lower taxable income and improve cash flow. Pair that deduction with Chromaline financing so you can spread payments over time while taking the deduction this year.

Quick refresher: What is Section 179?

Section 179 lets businesses expense the cost of qualifying equipment and certain software placed in service during the tax year, rather than depreciating the cost over several years. Limits and thresholds adjust for inflation each year. There are separate rules for vehicles, and the deduction is elected on IRS Form 4562. Always confirm current limits with your tax professional and the IRS.

Pro tip: “Placed in service” means installed and ready to use. Ordering the equipment is not enough.

Automate Your Screen Making Process

Automating the screen room removes variables, speeds throughput, and improves stencil consistency. Those gains show up on press all year. Popular upgrades include:

• Grunig G-Coat 406S Auto Coater: uniform, repeatable stencil thickness, compact footprint, “plug and coat” convenience
• Laser-To-Screen (LTS) exposure systems: direct laser imaging, no films or wax, high detail and tight registration
• Zentner CompactLine and SpeedLine reclaim: closed-loop cleaning for consistent results and lower labor
• Zentner Aquatec GE auto developer: programmable, touch-free developing with reduced water use
• DDU chemical dispensing: accurate, repeatable mixes that reduce waste and manual handling

Explore and compare all our automated screen making equipment here: Automate Your Screen Room with Chromaline

Pair Section 179 with financing

Chromaline partners with Geneva Capital to offer flexible terms from 12 to 60 months, competitive rates, no hidden fees, and a quick prequalification that does not impact your credit score. Example starting payments on our site:

• LTS Exposure System: from $1,899 per month
• Zentner CompactLine Auto Reclaim: from $1,749 per month
• Grunig G-Coat 406S: from $326 per month
• Quick Image 2631 exposure: from $79 per month

Payments are estimates based on a 60 month FMV 10 percent structure plus a documentation fee. Terms vary by credit and equipment.

Prequalify for Financing

How the math can work (illustrative only)

If you can expense equipment under Section 179, a simple way to estimate the benefit is:

Estimated tax savings ≈ Section 179 deduction × your marginal tax rate
(Your after-tax cost ≈ equipment cost − estimated tax savings)

Examples (illustrative only):

• $50,000 equipment at 35% tax rate → $17,500 estimated tax savings → $32,500 after-tax cost.
• $200,000 equipment at 24% tax rate → $48,000 estimated tax savings → $152,000 after-tax cost.
• $200,000 equipment at 32% tax rate → $64,000 estimated tax savings → $136,000 after-tax cost.

Notes:

• These examples assume the full amount qualifies for Section 179, you have enough taxable business income, and you’re below the phase-out threshold (so no reduction in 179 limits).
• State taxes can increase total savings; bonus depreciation and MACRS may apply to any remaining basis if you don’t expense 100%.
• Always confirm your actual rate, eligibility, and current limits with your CPA.

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A practical year-end plan

1. Identify the bottleneck: coating, exposure, developing, reclaim, or parts washing
2. Match equipment to need: compare G-Coat, LTS models, Zentner lines, and DDU
3. Prequalify financing: lock in payments and timelines with Geneva
4. Schedule installation: ensure everything is placed in service by December 31
5. Coordinate with your CPA: confirm Section 179, bonus depreciation, and any state differences

Ready to automate and deduct?

• Review automation options across coating, exposure, developing, reclaim, parts washing, and chemical dispensing
• Explore financing and prequalify so you can move quickly on installation
• Talk with a Chromaline Technical Specialist to choose the right system for your shop and schedule

Important note: This content is for general information only and is not tax advice. Section 179 limits and rules change periodically. Eligibility depends on your business income and facts. Always confirm current limits and filing details with your CPA and the IRS.