Lease or Buy?

ABOUT THIS CONTENT

This spreadsheet analyzes the lease/purchase decision. In the case of a purchase, it is assumed sales tax is paid on the negotiated price at the time of purchase, and property taxes are paid annually. In the case of a lease, it is assumed sales tax is paid on the difference between the list price and the payoff at the time of purchase, sales tax is paid on the payoff when the lease expires, and property taxes are paid by the lessor. This spreadsheet assumes the item is purchased at the payoff price at the time the lease expires. The lease has additional value to the lessee because of the option not to purchase. The features of your lease may be different than assumed here.