What is Black Hole Expenditure? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

Black hole expenditure refers to costs that cannot be deducted immediately from taxable income nor depreciated over time for tax purposes. These expenditures do not contribute to the creation of a depreciable asset. Common examples include losses incurred from buildings, costs associated with lease cancellations, expenses related to business restructuring, and certain feasibility studies. Additionally, capital research and development (R&D) expenditures that do not result in a depreciable asset also fall under this category.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Here are two examples of black hole expenditure:

  • A business incurs a loss when selling a building that is not recoverable through tax deductions.
  • A company pays for a feasibility study to assess a new project, but the costs do not lead to a depreciable asset. (hypothetical example)

State-by-state differences

Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):

State Notes
California Has specific regulations regarding business losses and deductions.
New York Offers different treatment for certain business expenditures.

This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Capital Expenditure Money spent to acquire or upgrade physical assets. Capital expenditures can be depreciated, unlike black hole expenditures.
Operating Expense Costs required for the day-to-day functioning of a business. Operating expenses are typically deductible, whereas black hole expenditures are not.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you have incurred black hole expenditures, consider the following steps:

  • Review your business expenses to identify any that may qualify as black hole expenditures.
  • Consult with a tax professional for advice tailored to your situation.
  • Explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist you in managing related tax filings.

Quick facts

  • Typical examples include losses on buildings and lease cancellation costs.
  • Black hole expenditures cannot be deducted from taxes or depreciated.
  • Relevant in tax law and financial planning.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

It refers to costs that cannot be deducted or depreciated for tax purposes.