Episode 121: Clean Energy Out, Bonus Depreciation In: Navigating the New Tax Terrain

In this episode:

• Faw Casson will close early on August 8 for their annual all-office beach day—a fun family tradition showing the firm’s strong culture and appreciation for its people.

• The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) includes impactful updates for businesses and individuals—this episode dives into the lesser-known but highly relevant changes.

• C Corporation charitable donations are now subject to a 1% floor—but strategic business advertising can provide a workaround.

• Bonus depreciation is back at 100%, but with quirky timing: Section 179 may still be a smarter choice for some assets, depending on your purchase date.

• Business interest expense limitations now revert to using EBITDA instead of EBIT, a favorable shift for many larger companies.

• The adoption credit becomes refundable (up to $5,000), but only starting with the 2025 tax year.

• Opportunity zone reinvestment rules are extended and sweetened: You can now defer capital gains for five years and eliminate tax on appreciation if held for 10.

• The employer-provided child care credit jumps to 40%, with the cap increasing to $500,000—a major incentive for businesses with space to spare.

• Farmers selling farmland to other farmers can now spread capital gains tax over four years.

• 529 plans can now be used for more types of education expenses—distribution limit rises from $10,000 to $20,000 starting mid-2025.

• Several energy credits and deductions are expiring after 2025, including:

  • Clean vehicle credit (for EVs acquired after 9/30/25)

  • Residential solar and geothermal energy credits

  • Home energy improvement deductions (like windows, doors, and water heaters)

• Wagering loss deductions will be limited to 90% of gambling income starting in 2026—another subtle but impactful change.

• The firm is offering free educational sessions in August to help business owners prepare for these tax law changes—one in Lewes (Aug 6) and one in Dover (Aug 12), with virtual access available.

We’re setting sail with two powerhouse guests from the Delaware Division of Small Business—Anastasia Jackson, Kent County Regional Business Manager, and JJ Moore, the Division’s newly minted Business Finance Director. Whether you’re scribbling your next big idea on a napkin or running a growing company, this episode delivers the kind of insight that turns entrepreneurial dreams into action plans.

What Entrepreneurs Will Learn:

• Where to Begin Your Journey: Discover why the Division’s motto, “It Starts With Us,” is more than a slogan—it’s a literal roadmap for Delaware’s entrepreneurs, from idea-stage to expansion.

• The Edge Grant 2.0: Learn how this newly enhanced funding program now offers more money, more finalists, and—crucially—free expert support to help you scale wisely, not just quickly.

• Access to Capital, Reimagined: JJ breaks down Delaware’s three underutilized lending programs that provide flexible, low-interest loans—even for startups with little collateral or limited credit history.

• Unmatched Resources (at Zero Cost): From SizeUp Delaware (a free business analytics tool) to statewide partners like the SBDC, SCORE, and Main Street programs, you’ll hear how the Division connects entrepreneurs to powerful support systems.

• Funding + Knowledge = Success: This episode emphasizes that capital alone doesn’t grow a business—strategic guidance, data, and mentorship matter just as much.

• Collaboration Across Agencies: The Division’s connections with tourism, public health, economic development, and supplier diversity efforts give entrepreneurs a true one-stop-shop for support.

• The Misconceptions: Find out why people often confuse this office with the SBA—and why understanding the difference could open unexpected doors.

Whether you're trying to get your idea off the ground or figure out how to fund your next big move, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice.  Find out more from the Delaware Division of Small Business.