Small Business Resource Guide 2002
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Index > Starting Your Business/Keeping Tax Records > What are Business Assets

Starting Your Business/Keeping Tax Records

What are Business Assets

Depreciation of Business Property

Depreciation is a loss in the value of property over the time the property is being used. Events that can cause property to depreciate include wear and tear, age, deterioration, and obsolescence. You can get back your cost of certain property by taking deductions for depreciation. This includes equipment you use in your business or for the production of income by taking deductions for depreciation.

If property you acquire to use in your business has a useful life of more than one year, you generally cannot deduct the entire cost as a business expense in the year you acquire it. You must spread the cost over more than one tax year and deduct part of it each year.

Who Can Claim Depreciation

What Can Be Depreciated

What Cannot Be Depreciated

When Depreciation Begins and Ends

How To Claim Depreciation

Straight Line Method

Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS)

How To Get More Information

 

Important References

Publication 946 How to Depreciate Property
Publication 334 Tax Guide  for Small Business
Form 4562 Depreciation and Amortization
Instructions for 4562
Form 1040 (Schedule C) Profit or Loss from Business