Calculate asset depreciation using straight-line, MACRS, double declining balance, or sum-of-years digits methods. Generate depreciation schedules for tax planning and accounting.
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Depreciation spreads the cost of an asset over its useful life for tax and accounting purposes. Our depreciation calculator supports four methods: straight-line for equal annual deductions, MACRS for IRS tax depreciation, double declining balance for accelerated write-offs, and sum-of-years digits. Generate complete depreciation schedules instantly.
Depreciation is an accounting method that allocates the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. Instead of expensing the full cost when purchased, businesses deduct a portion each year. This matches the expense with the revenue the asset generates and provides tax benefits by reducing taxable income.
Straight-Line Depreciation Formula
Annual Depreciation = (Asset Cost - Salvage Value) / Useful LifeReduce taxable income by claiming depreciation expenses on business assets.
Forecast future depreciation expenses for budgeting and cash flow planning.
Track the book value of assets and plan for replacements.
Calculate MACRS depreciation correctly for federal tax returns.
Compare depreciation methods to optimize tax strategy for your situation.
Depreciate computers, machinery, and office equipment over 5-7 years using MACRS.
Calculate depreciation for business vehicles using the 5-year MACRS class.
Depreciate residential rental property over 27.5 years using straight-line method.
Calculate 39-year depreciation for commercial real estate investments.
Use accelerated methods for machinery that loses value quickly.
Straight-line is the simplest method: subtract salvage value from cost, then divide by useful life. A $10,000 asset with $1,000 salvage and 5-year life depreciates $1,800 per year. This method spreads the expense evenly across all years.
MACRS (Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System) is the IRS-required method for tax depreciation in the US. It uses predetermined recovery periods (3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 27.5, or 39 years) and accelerated rates that front-load deductions in early years.
Double declining balance is an accelerated method that depreciates assets faster in early years. The rate is 2 times the straight-line rate (2/useful life). A 5-year asset has a 40% rate (2/5). Apply this rate to the remaining book value each year until reaching salvage value.
Salvage value (or residual value) is the estimated value of an asset at the end of its useful life. For MACRS tax purposes, salvage value is typically assumed to be zero. For book depreciation, estimate what you could sell the asset for after it's fully depreciated.
For US tax returns, you must use MACRS for most business assets. For financial reporting (GAAP), straight-line is most common. Use accelerated methods if assets lose value quickly in early years or if you want larger tax deductions sooner.
You can depreciate tangible property used in business: equipment, vehicles, buildings, furniture, machinery. Land cannot be depreciated. Intangible assets (patents, copyrights) are amortized instead. Assets must have a determinable useful life greater than one year.
If you place an asset in service mid-year, you only claim a partial year's depreciation. MACRS uses a half-year convention (treat as placed in service mid-year) or mid-quarter convention for certain situations. Straight-line prorates based on months in service.