For companies that have been in business a minimum of two years, leases are normally structured to give the customer the full benefit of 100% financing. Most leasing companies typically only require the first and last months payment in advance. For a start-up company or a company that has been in business less than two years a 10% to 20% deposit is usually will be required along with the first and last month payment.
What about eventual ownership of the machine?
Leases, which require a fair market value purchase option, will charge the most at the end of the lease for purchasing the equipment. Many leases are set up so that you can buy the equipment at the end of the term for a reasonable amount. They either offer a fair market value lease, with a ceiling on that value of 10% of the original cost, or they offer a $1.00 purchase option lease. ($1.00 purchase option not available in some states)
What are the tax benefits?
Your accountant is your best advisor on how leasing will impact your tax position. But in general, the payment on a true lease (fair market value purchase option) can be treated as a fully deductible operating expense, whereas ONLY the interest and depreciation can be written off on the finance lease ($1.00 purchase option).