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Bonus Depreciation for Bitcoin Miners

Bonus Depreciation for Bitcoin Miners

Published: 7/19/2024

The key takeaway: Bitcoin miners can now write off 100% of their hardware costs in the year of purchase, transforming mining into one of the most powerful tax mitigation strategies available to businesses and investors.

If you're looking for a sophisticated tax strategy that rivals traditional real estate depreciation—but works faster—you need to understand how bonus depreciation applies to Bitcoin mining. With 100% bonus depreciation back in effect for 2025, the timing couldn't be better.

What is Bonus Depreciation?

Let's start with the fundamentals. Bonus depreciation is an accelerated depreciation method that allows businesses to immediately deduct a significant percentage of the purchase price of eligible assets, rather than spreading that deduction over the asset's useful life.

Think of it this way: under standard depreciation rules, if you purchase $100,000 worth of business equipment, you might depreciate it over 5-7 years, taking roughly $14,000-$20,000 in deductions annually. With bonus depreciation at 100%, you take the entire $100,000 deduction in Year 1.

This isn't a new concept—it's been a cornerstone of business tax strategy since the early 2000s. What's changed is the percentage and what qualifies.

The 2025 Comeback Story

Here's what you need to know about the current landscape:

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 initially provided 100% bonus depreciation, but it began phasing out in 2023, dropping to 80%, then 60% in 2024. Many assumed this tax benefit was heading toward extinction.

But here's the game-changer: As of 2025, we're back to 100% bonus depreciation.

This means if you purchase and place Bitcoin mining equipment into service this year, you can deduct the entire cost against your 2025 income. Not a percentage. The full amount.

Why This Matters for Bitcoin Miners

While real estate investors celebrate being able to depreciate their properties over 39 years, Bitcoin miners can depreciate their entire investment instantly. Same tax shelter strategy, dramatically accelerated timeline, and potentially higher returns.

Consider this comparison:

The math speaks for itself.

Qualifying Assets

Understanding what qualifies for bonus depreciation is crucial for proper tax planning. The good news? Most Bitcoin mining infrastructure qualifies.

Mining Hardware and Equipment

Your primary mining assets absolutely qualify:

Supporting Infrastructure

The ecosystem around your mining operation also qualifies:

What Doesn't Qualify

It's equally important to understand the limitations:

The key criterion? The asset must have a recovery period of 20 years or less under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). Mining equipment typically has a 2-5 year recovery period, making it ideal for bonus depreciation.

How To Make Use Of The Bonus Depreciation Rules

Executing this strategy requires careful planning and proper documentation. Here's your roadmap:

Step 1: Assess Your Tax Situation

Before investing, understand your current and projected income. If you're earning $500,000 annually, a $250,000 investment in mining equipment could potentially cut your taxable income in half. Work with a bitcoin mining tax advisor to model different scenarios.

Step 2: Choose Your Mining Structure

You have several options for entering the mining space:

Direct Ownership

Hosted Mining / Mining-as-a-Service

Step 3: Time Your Purchase Strategically

The phrase "placed in service" is critical. Your equipment must be:

  1. Purchased and paid for (or financed)
  2. Delivered and installed
  3. Operational and generating income

All within the tax year you're claiming the deduction. Don't wait until December to start this process.

Step 4: Maintain Meticulous Records

Documentation is non-negotiable. Keep:

Step 5: Coordinate with Your Tax Professional

This strategy intersects with multiple areas of tax law. Ensure your CPA understands:

Financing Considerations

How you finance your mining equipment can significantly impact your tax benefits and cash flow.

Cash Purchase Benefits

Paying cash provides:

Financing Strategies

If you're financing your purchase:

Traditional Loans

Bitcoin-Backed Lending

Equipment Financing

Financial Impact

Let's examine the real-world financial implications with concrete examples.

Scenario 1: High-Income Professional

Situation:

Without Mining Investment:

With Mining Investment and Bonus Depreciation:

Scenario 2: Business Owner

Situation:

Impact:

Beyond Year One

Remember, while the depreciation benefit is front-loaded, your mining equipment continues generating revenue for years. Typical mining hardware remains profitable for 3-5 years, depending on efficiency and Bitcoin prices.

State Tax Considerations

Many states conform to federal bonus depreciation rules, multiplying your benefits. However, some states, like California, have decoupled from federal depreciation rules. Understand your state's position before calculating total tax savings.

Potential Pitfalls and Considerations

While bonus depreciation for Bitcoin mining offers substantial benefits, you need to understand the risks and limitations.

Depreciation Recapture

If you sell your mining equipment before its useful life ends, you may face depreciation recapture—essentially paying back some of the tax benefits. The recaptured amount is taxed as ordinary income, not capital gains.

Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)

High-income individuals should model AMT implications. While bonus depreciation is allowed for AMT purposes, large deductions can trigger or increase AMT liability.

Legislative Risk

Tax laws change. While 100% bonus depreciation is available now, it can change under a new administration.

Market Volatility

Bitcoin mining profitability depends on:

While the tax benefits are immediate and guaranteed, mining profitability isn't. Model various scenarios, including bear market conditions.

Documentation Requirements

The IRS scrutinizes aggressive depreciation strategies. Maintain comprehensive records proving:

Professional Guidance Is Essential

This strategy sits at the intersection of:

It is difficult to do this without qualified professional guidance. The cost of proper tax planning pales in comparison to the potential benefits—and penalties for getting it wrong.

The Strategic Advantage

Bitcoin mining with bonus depreciation isn't just about tax savings. It's about strategically positioning yourself in two growing trends: Bitcoin adoption as global money and sophisticated tax planning.

You're not just reducing your current tax burden; you're:

Bonus depreciation is an advantageous opportunity for Bitcoin mining companies to reduce their tax liability and improve their margins. By strategically planning asset acquisitions and leveraging this powerful tax incentive, mining companies can position themselves for growth and profitability in the competitive mining landscape.

FAQs About Bonus Depreciation 

 

What is bonus depreciation? 

It’s the ability to deduct the full cost of qualifying equipment (20-year MACRS life or less) in the year placed in service, instead of spreading deductions over several years. 

How does bonus depreciation work? 

Qualifying purchases made during the tax year are deducted in that same year once the equipment is placed in service. Used equipment can qualify if new to you, business use exceeds 50%, and it’s not acquired from a related party. 

What are the key bonus depreciation rules? 

What are the current bonus depreciation rates? 

100% for 2025. Verify with a tax professional.

Why choose Simple Mining for your mining operation? 

White-glove hosting at $0.07–$0.08/kWh, 20,000+ miners under management, Bitmain-certified repairs, pause periods, and free repairs for 12 months. We handle procurement, hosting, and maintenance so you capture tax benefits and uptime without operational headaches. 

How can I model my potential savings? 

Contact Simple Mining to price hardware, hosting, and an in-service timeline that aligns deductions with your cash flow. 

 

 

 

This article provides educational information only and should not be considered tax or investment advice. Tax laws are complex and subject to change, and individual circumstances vary significantly.

Michael LaLuna is a CPA and Partner at LaLuna, Cohen & Lampert, and is the preferred tax advisor of Simple Mining clients. You may contact the firm at info@lcltax.com for further information and tax consultations.