On September 27, 2010 President Obama signed into law a $12 billion tax incentives package targeted towards small businesses. The act includes several components such as increased access to capital and targeted tax credits that include allowing the self-employed to receive a tax credit for health care expenses.

Although, the law is titled “Small Business,” its provisions impact different sized businesses as well as individuals. For example the law extends, for one additional year through December 31, 2010, the 50% first-year depreciation bonus. Businesses of all sizes can take advantage of this provision. However, there is a very short window of opportunity as purchases must be made and placed into service on or before December 31, 2010.

Another benefit for more than just small businesses is that the law removes employer-provided cell phones and similar personal communication devices from “listed property” for 2010. This removes the strict substantiation requirements of use and the limitation on depreciation deductions.