Like all parts of the tax code, Section 179 does not have a snappy name. It does have a snappy purpose, however. The federal government wants to encourage business owners to spend money on equipment. Therefore part of the tax code, or Section 179, helps business owners make purchases and deduct the entire cost of the purchase immediately. This is a subsidy for business owners. Section 179 allows business owners to use pre-tax money to purchase items they use in their business activities.