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.