Question:
If a person was thinking about starting a business in the future . would the best strategy be to buy the equip and capitol needed AFTER the business becomes a legal entity so as to get the tax deductions?

Or could a person buy equip NOW .. before the business is formed . and then somehow declare it as a business expense/capitol at such time as the legal papers are drawn?

Example .. I came across a great deal on a van here locally.  This is up for sale form the local Culligan water distributor.  It is a heavy duty cargo van all wheel drive .. has ladder racks and full set of parts racks inside it.  this van could be used for a variety of small business endeavors.

If I bought this van NOW .. and formed a legal business say 6 months from now .. can I somehow declare that as a business expense/investment?

Answer:
If a person was thinking about starting a business in the -future . would the best strategy be to buy the equip -and capitol

Before starting or even considering any type of business hire the best lawyer and and even better CPA.   These are the people that can answer any question that you have concerning a startup in a state that you didn't even mention to us.  

If I bought this van NOW .. and formed a legal -business say 6 months from now .. can I somehow -declare that as a business expense/investment?

If the van is a good deal at a good price, I'd probably verify it with a mechanic, check it for hidden salt damage, and then buy it for personal use.  There are a couple of different ways of expensing a vehicle in a business.  You can use a mileage allowance or actual cost. As far as declaring the vehicle purchase an expense of the business, doing that could mean opening yourself up to taxes on business property that you wouldn't have otherwise, and you could increase your insurance costs enough to offset any gains.  You really need to know what type of business you'll have (sole proprietor, S or C corporation, fictitious name, etc.), you need to know state laws and at least have a rudimentary understanding of the laws of interstate commerce, and you really need to discuss the matter with a CPA who works with small businesses.