contrast the purchase of a new computer for a business would not be a deductible expense; instead, because a computer is an asset, the cost incurred would be capitalized and then deducted over a period of years as depreciation expense, unless a special election (such as a section 179 election) is made. See also Commissioner v. Groetzinger Estate of Rockefeller v. Commissioner INDOPCO, Inc. v. Commissioner Midland Empire Packing Company v. Commissioner Pevsner v. Commissioner Sibla v. Commissioner References External links Section 162. Trade or Business expenses 0162a