A business, 'Rapid Logistics Inc.', acquired a new cargo van for $60,000 on September 1, 2023. The van is 5-year MACRS property. What is the allowable depreciation deduction for 2023? (Use MACRS depreciation tables. For 5-year property, the half-year convention percentages are: Year 1: 20.00%, Year 2: 32.00%, Year 3: 19.20%, Year 4: 11.52%, Year 5: 11.52%, Year 6: 5.76%.) Assume no Section 179 or bonus depreciation. The company's only other asset placed in service in 2023 was a computer for $10,000 on March 1, 2023.
- A$14,000
- B$12,000
- C$10,500
- D$8,000
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. $14,000
First, determine if the mid-quarter convention applies. Total assets placed in service: $60,000 (van) + $10,000 (computer) = $70,000. Assets placed in service in the last quarter (Q4: Oct-Dec): $0. Assets placed in service in the first three quarters: $70,000. Since 0% of assets were placed in service in Q4 (which is less than 40%), the half-year convention applies. For the van (5-year property, half-year convention): $60,000 * 20.00% = $12,000. For the computer (5-year property, half-year convention): $10,000 * 20.00% = $2,000. Total depreciation for 2023 = $12,000 + $2,000 = $14,000.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is only the depreciation for the van, not including the computer.
- C. This is an arbitrary calculation and does not follow MACRS rules.
- D. This would be the depreciation if the mid-quarter convention applied for the van in Q3 ($60,000 * 13.00% = $7,800), plus the computer in Q1 ($10,000 * 35.00% = $3,500), which is incorrect.
MACRS Convention Trigger
The determination of whether the half-year or mid-quarter convention applies for MACRS personal property is based on the aggregate depreciable basis of all personal property placed in service during the tax year.
- If >40% of basis is placed in service in Q4, mid-quarter applies to ALL personal property.
- Otherwise, half-year convention applies to ALL personal property.
- Real property always uses the mid-month convention.
Memory trick: Don't rush to Half-Year; check Q4's weight, dear!