Financial Lease vs Operating Lease

Publication Date :

18 Feb, 2018

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Table Of Contents

Differences Between Financial Lease vs. Operating Lease

The lease is an essential concept in business. Start-ups or new small businesses often look for leasing options because their resources are limited, and the owners don’t want to invest so much money in acquiring assets to support the business in the beginning. That’s why they lease the assets whenever they require.

This leasing can be of two types – financial lease and operating lease.

A financial lease is a lease where the risk and the return get transferred to the lessee (the business owners) as they decide to lease assets for their businesses. An operating lease, on the other hand, is a lease where the risk and the return stay with the lessor.

So how would a business owner choose between a finance lease and an operating lease? And why will he choose one over another?

This article will determine how and why financial and operating leases occur. We will also find out the differences between a financial lease and an operating lease. For example, the main difference between a finance lease and an operating lease is that a financial lease can’t be canceled during the initial period of the contract; an operating lease, on the other hand, can be canceled even during the introductory period of a contract.

Differences Between Financial Lease vs. Operating Lease

Financial Lease vs. Operating Lease Infographics

There are many differences between a financial lease and vs. operating lease. Let’s look at the most significant differences between these two –

Financial Lease and Operating Lease - Key Differences

As you can see, there are several differences between a financial lease and vs. operating lease. Let’s look at the critical differences between them –

A financial lease is a type where the lessor allows the lessee to use the former's asset instead of a periodical payment for an extended period. An operating lease, on the other hand, is a type of lease where the lessor allows the lessee to use the former's asset in exchange for a periodical payment for a brief period.
A financial lease is a lease that needs recording under the accounting system. On the other hand, an operating lease is a concept that doesn’t need recording under any accounting system; that’s why the operating lease is also called “off the balance sheet lease.”
Under the financial lease, the ownership transfers to the lessee. Under an operating lease, the ownership doesn’t transfer to the lessee.
The contract under a financial lease is called a loan agreement/contract. The contract under an operating lease is called a rent agreement/contract.
Once both the parties sign the agreement, usually, a financial lease can’t be canceled. Even after the agreement between two parties, the operating lease can only be revoked during the initial period.
A financial lease offers a tax deduction for depreciation, and finance charges. The operating lease provides a tax deduction for rent payments.
In a financial lease, an asset purchase option is given at the end of the contractual period. Under an operating lease, there is no such offer.

Financial Lease vs. Operating Lease (Comparison Table)

Basis for Comparison	Financial Lease	Operating Lease
1. Meaning	A commercial contract in which the lessor lets the lessee use an asset instead of periodical payments for the usually long period.	A commercial contract where the lessor allows the lessee to use an asset in place of periodical payments for a small period;
2. What it’s all about?	A financial lease is a long-term concept.	An operating lease is a short-term concept.
3. Transferability	The ownership is transferred to the lessee.	The ownership remains with the lessor.
4. The term of the lease	It is a contract for the long term.	It is a contract for a short term.
5. Nature of contract	The contract is called a loan agreement/contract.	The contract is called the rental agreement/contract.
6. Maintenance	In the case of a financial lease, the lessee would need to take care of and maintain the asset.	In the case of an operating lease, the lessor would need to take care of and maintain the asset.
7. Risk of obsolescence	It lies on the part of the lessee.	It lies on the part of the lessor.
8. Cancellation	Usually, during the primary terms, it can’t be done; but there can be exceptions.	In the case of an operating lease, the cancellation can be made during the introductory period.
9. Tax advantage	The expenses for the asset, such as depreciation and financing, are allowed for a tax deduction to a lessee.	Even the lease rent deduction from the tax is allowed.
10. Purchasing option	In a financial lease, the lessee gets an option to purchase the asset he has taken on a lease.	In an operating lease, the lessee is not given any such option.

Conclusion

Understanding a financial lease and an operating lease is essential. Understanding these will help you determine which is more suitable for your business in a particular situation.

If you want to use assets but don’t want to showcase them under accounting records, an operating lease is the best option. But it would be best if you made sure that the lease shouldn't follow the four criteria mentioned above.

If you want to use an asset that you can’t afford to buy right now, you should go for a financial lease where you can use it for a more extended period, and at the same time, you would also be able to get an option to buy it at the end of the contractual period.