Are Business Security Systems Tax Deductible?

Learn How Your Investment in Safety Can Also Help You Save on Taxes!

Too Busy to Read? Here’s the Quick Summary:

• Yes—security systems for businesses are often tax deductible.

• Deductible items may include security cameras, alarms, access control systems, installation, and even ongoing monitoring costs.

• Bonus depreciation and Section 179 of the IRS code can offer huge savings.

• You must use the system for business purposes only and maintain solid documentation.

• Home office and rental property owners may also qualify for partial deductions.

• Tax laws change—always consult your CPA or tax professional before claiming.

Why Deducting Your Security Tech Matters to Your Business

Security isn’t just peace of mind—it’s smart business. Whether you're a retail shop in Greenville, a manufacturing plant in Charlotte, or an office in Atlanta, protecting your people and property is essential. But here’s something many business owners don’t know: your investment in commercial security cameras, access control systems, and fire alarms might be tax-deductible—potentially saving your business thousands.

Let’s break it down into simple, actionable parts.

What Is a “Tax Deduction”?

A tax deduction reduces your taxable income—so you owe less in taxes. For example, if your business installs a $10,000 security system and it qualifies as a deduction, you might save $2,000–$3,500 (depending on your tax bracket).

Think of it as a partial refund for protecting your business.

Which Security Expenses Are Tax Deductible?

Here’s a look at common security system components and whether they qualify:

✅ Deductible for Most Businesses:

• Security Cameras & Surveillance Systems: If used exclusively for business purposes (e.g., deterring theft or monitoring inventory), these are typically deductible.

• Access Control Systems: Keycard systems, fob readers, mobile credential platforms, and intercoms that restrict or manage access fall under deductible business property.

• Burglar and Intrusion Alarms: Designed to protect your space from unauthorized entry? It’s usually deductible.

• Security Monitoring Fees: Monthly or annual service plans for alarm or camera monitoring are generally deductible as ordinary operational costs.

• Installation, Repairs & Maintenance: All work performed to install or maintain a business security system is usually considered a business expense.

• Fire Alarm Systems: If installed for code compliance or business safety, fire detection systems can also be deducted under IRS guidelines.

Infographic: Are Business Security Systems Tax Deductible?

How to Categorize Security System Costs

Proper classification helps when it's time to file:

Expense Type	Best Fit For
Safety and Security Equipment	Alarms, access control, cameras
IT Equipment & Software	Cloud-connected or integrated systems
Office/Building Improvements	Permanent installs or building-wide upgrades
Fixed Assets	Systems exceeding $2,500–$5,000 with long-term use

Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation: Bigger Deductions, Faster

Thanks to changes in U.S. tax law, many commercial security systems now qualify for immediate expensing instead of being depreciated over years.

💡 Section 179 Deduction

• Deduct up to $1 million in qualifying equipment in the year it’s placed in service.

• Includes alarms, cameras, fire systems, and access control if installed for business.

💡 Bonus Depreciation (2024: 60%)

• Allows additional depreciation in the first year of purchase.

• Useful for large-scale installs or multi-location businesses.

• Phasing out by 2027—use it while you can.

Home Offices, Rentals & Personal Use

🏡 Home Office

If you work from home, only the business-use portion of a security system is deductible—usually prorated by square footage.

🏘️ Rental Properties

Security systems used on income-generating rental property may be deductible.

🚫 Personal Use

Cameras or alarms used purely for home protection? Not deductible. The IRS strictly limits deductions to business-related expenses.

IRS Guidelines You Should Know

According to IRS Publication 535, a business can deduct "ordinary and necessary expenses". That means:

• The system is appropriate for your industry (common in retail, manufacturing, etc.).

• It's necessary for safety, theft prevention, or code compliance.

• Expenses are well documented and reasonable in cost.

Documentation: Don’t Skip This Step

If you plan to deduct your system, you’ll need:

• Receipts and Invoices for all hardware and installation.

• Monitoring Contracts or subscription records.

• Maintenance Logs and repair service receipts.

• Incident Reports if the system prevented or mitigated damage.

• A paper trail makes your case solid in the eyes of the IRS.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say your business installs a $15,000 security camera and access control system.

Before Section 179:

• Depreciated over 39 years = ~$385/year deductionAfter Section 179:

• Full $15,000 deduction in year oneTax Savings (35% bracket): $5,250

More capital back in your hands to reinvest in business growth.

Don’t Go It Alone—Get Tax Advice

Tax law can be tricky and changes regularly. Businesses in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia must also consider local rules and state-specific tax credits. A licensed tax advisor will ensure:

• Your deductions are maximized

• Your filings are compliant

• You don’t miss out on state-level benefits

Final Thoughts: Save While You Secure

Security systems are a must for modern businesses—but they’re more than just protection. They’re a strategic investment that can offer financial returns through tax savings.

GenX Security Solutions proudly installs commercial-grade security systems across SC, NC, and GA—designed to protect your business, support compliance, and boost your bottom line. From structured cabling and access control to commercial fire alarms and surveillance, we do it right—and we’ll help you keep the documentation you need for peace of mind at tax time.

📞 Contact GenX Security to get a quote or consultation for your next system installation. We’ll help you protect what matters most—and possibly deduct it too.

FAQs: Business Security And Tax Deduction Questions

Q: Is a business security system tax deductible?

Yes—if used for business purposes and properly documented.

Q: Can I deduct monthly monitoring fees?

Yes, if they are directly tied to a business-use system.

Q: What about home offices?

Only the business-use portion of your system may qualify.

Q: What’s the depreciable life of a security or fire alarm system?

Typically 5 to 39 years—but under Section 179, you may deduct the full amount in the first year.

Q: Are GenX-installed systems eligible?

Yes! If it’s used for your business, it’s usually eligible for federal and possibly state deductions.

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Experience the next generation of interactive security services and solutions with GenX Security.

With custom security integration solutions come custom quotes designed for your needs. Please contact us by clicking here or calling 866-598-4369.

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At GenX Security Solutions, we proudly serve businesses in all locations across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia with cutting-edge commercial security systems, access control solutions, structured cabling, fire alarms, and professional audio/visual integration. From bustling cities like Greenville and Raleigh to growing industrial hubs like Winston-Salem to hospitality hot spots like Myrtle Beach, our team delivers tailored solutions to meet your business’s unique needs.

Please visit our state-specific pages for more information on our services in various industries. We serve all cities in the Upstate and surrounding, including:

SOUTH CAROLINA	NORTH CAROLINA	GEORGIA
Aiken, SC	Asheville, NC	Alpharetta, GA
Anderson, SC	Burlington, NC	Athens, GA
Beaufort, SC	Cary, NC	Atlanta, GA
Charleston, SC	Chapel Hill, NC	Augusta, GA
Columbia, SC	Charlotte, NC	Carrollton, GA
Florence, SC	Concord, NC	Columbus, GA
Goose Creek, SC	Durham, NC	Dalton, GA
Greenville, SC	Fayetteville, NC	Douglasville, GA
Greenwood, SC	Gastonia, NC	Gainesville, GA
Greer, SC	Goldsboro, NC	Hinesville, GA
Hilton Head Island, SC	Greensboro, NC	Macon, GA
Lexington, SC	Hickory, NC	Marietta, GA
Mount Pleasant, SC	High Point, NC	Newnan, GA
Myrtle Beach, SC	Jacksonville, NC	Peachtree City, GA
North Charleston, SC	Kannapolis, NC	Rome, GA
Orangeburg, SC	Raleigh, NC	Roswell, GA
Piedmont, SC	Rocky Mount, NC	Sandy Springs, GA
Rock Hill, SC	Wilmington, NC	Savannah, GA
Spartanburg, SC	Wilson, NC	Valdosta, GA
Summerville, SC	Winston-Salem, NC	Warner Robins, GA