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Lina purchased a new car for use in her business during 2015. The auto was the o

ID: 2755757 • Letter: L

Question

Lina purchased a new car for use in her business during 2015. The auto was the only business asset she purchased during the year and her business was extremely profitable. Calculate her maximum depreciation deductions (including §179 expense unless stated otherwise) for the automobile in 2015 and 2016 (Lina doesn’t want to take bonus depreciation for 2015 or 2016) in the following alternative scenarios (assuming half-year convention for all and that the 2014 §179 amounts are extended to 2015):

The vehicle cost $15,000 and business use is 100 percent (ignore §179 expense).

The vehicle cost $40,000, and business use is 100 percent.

The vehicle cost $40,000, and she used it 80 percent for business.

The vehicle cost $40,000, and she used it 80 percent for business. She sold it on March 1 of year 2.

The vehicle cost $40,000, and she used it 20 percent for business.

The vehicle cost $40,000, and is an SUV that weighed 6,500 pounds. Business use was 100 percent.

Explanation / Answer

a. The depreciation expense is $3,000 in 2015 and $4,800 in 2016, calculated as follows:

Description

2015

2016

Explanation

(1)

Original basis of auto

$15,000

$15,000

(2)

MACRS depreciation rate

20%

32%

Assumed in problem

5-yr prop, yr. 1, ½ yr. convention.

(3)

Full MACRS depreciation expense

$3,000

$4,800

(4)

Maximum auto depreciation

$3,060

$4,900

Luxury auto limits

(5)

Depreciation deduction for year

$3,000

$4,800

Lesser of (3) or (4)

b. The depreciation expense is $3,060 in 2015 and $4,900 in 2016, calculated as follows:

Description

2011

2012

Explanation

(1)

Original basis of auto

$40,000

$40,000

(2)

MACRS depreciation rate

20%

32%

Assumed in problem

5-yr prop, yr. 1, ½ yr. convention.

(3)

Full MACRS depreciation expense

$8,000

$12,800

(4)

Maximum auto depreciation

$3,060

$4,900

Luxury auto limits.

(5)

Depreciation deduction for year

$3,060

$4,900

Lesser of (3) or (4)

Description

2015

2016

Explanation

(1)

Original basis of auto

$15,000

$15,000

(2)

MACRS depreciation rate

20%

32%

Assumed in problem

5-yr prop, yr. 1, ½ yr. convention.

(3)

Full MACRS depreciation expense

$3,000

$4,800

(4)

Maximum auto depreciation

$3,060

$4,900

Luxury auto limits

(5)

Depreciation deduction for year

$3,000

$4,800

Lesser of (3) or (4)

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