MACRS, Section 179, And Bonus Depreciation

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CPA Tax Compliance & Planning (TCP) › MACRS, Section 179, And Bonus Depreciation

Questions 1 - 10
1

In 2025, a sole proprietorship operating a manufacturing business purchased and placed in service qualifying equipment on December 20, 2025, for $1,300,000. The taxpayer purchased no other Section 179 property during 2025. For 2025, the Section 179 annual deduction limit is $1,250,000 and the phase-out threshold begins at $3,130,000. What is the maximum Section 179 deduction for 2025 (ignoring the taxable income limitation)?

$1,250,000, because the annual limit applies and no phase-out reduction is triggered.

$1,300,000, because the Section 179 deduction can exceed the annual limit if placed in service late in the year.

$780,000, because the annual limit is reduced by 60% bonus depreciation in 2025.

$0, because Section 179 is not allowed for equipment placed in service in December.

Explanation

This question tests Section 179 annual limit application. The key facts are equipment costing $1,300,000 with no other Section 179 purchases, annual limit of $1,250,000, and phase-out threshold of $3,130,000. Since total purchases ($1,300,000) don't exceed the phase-out threshold, the full annual limit is available. The maximum Section 179 deduction is limited to $1,250,000, even though the equipment cost exceeds this amount. Answer A incorrectly allows deduction above the annual limit. Answer C incorrectly prohibits December placements. Answer D incorrectly reduces the limit based on bonus depreciation. The annual limit caps Section 179 deductions regardless of individual asset costs.

2

In 2025, a sole proprietorship operating a manufacturing business purchased and placed in service qualifying equipment on June 30, 2025, for $500,000. The equipment is eligible for bonus depreciation under Internal Revenue Code Section 168(k) at 60% for 2025, and the taxpayer does not elect out. If the taxpayer elects Section 179 expense of $500,000 under Internal Revenue Code Section 179, how is bonus depreciation applied in the first year?

Bonus depreciation is $300,000, computed as 60% of $500,000, and Section 179 is taken on the remaining $200,000.

Bonus depreciation is $500,000 because 100% bonus depreciation applies in 2025 when Section 179 is elected.

Bonus depreciation is disallowed because Section 179 and bonus depreciation cannot both be claimed on the same asset.

Bonus depreciation is $0 because the remaining basis after a full Section 179 election is $0.

Explanation

This question tests the interaction when Section 179 fully expenses an asset. The key facts are equipment costing $500,000 with a Section 179 election of $500,000 and 60% bonus depreciation available. When Section 179 equals the full asset cost, the remaining basis is $0, so bonus depreciation is also $0 (60% × $0 = $0). Answer A incorrectly calculates bonus on the original cost. Answer C incorrectly applies 100% bonus depreciation. Answer D incorrectly prohibits using both methods on the same asset. Section 179 reduces basis before bonus depreciation applies, so full Section 179 expensing leaves no basis for bonus depreciation.

3

In 2025, a sole proprietorship operating a manufacturing business purchased and placed in service qualifying equipment on April 30, 2025, for $700,000. The equipment is eligible for bonus depreciation under Internal Revenue Code Section 168(k) at 60% for 2025, and the taxpayer does not elect out. How is bonus depreciation applied to the asset in the first year (before regular MACRS depreciation)?

$700,000, because bonus depreciation is 100% in 2025.

$0, because bonus depreciation is available only for real property improvements.

$350,000, computed as 50% of $700,000, with the remaining basis depreciated under MACRS.

$420,000, computed as 60% of $700,000, with the remaining basis depreciated under MACRS.

Explanation

This question tests straightforward bonus depreciation calculation. The key facts are qualifying equipment costing $700,000 with 60% bonus depreciation for 2025. Bonus depreciation equals $700,000 × 60% = $420,000, with the remaining $280,000 basis depreciated under regular MACRS. Answer B incorrectly applies 100% bonus depreciation. Answer C incorrectly limits bonus to real property. Answer D incorrectly uses a 50% rate. The 60% bonus depreciation rate for 2025 applies uniformly to all qualifying property regardless of asset type or placement date.

4

In 2025, a calendar-year C corporation operating a manufacturing business purchased and placed in service qualifying equipment on May 5, 2025, for $800,000. The equipment is eligible for bonus depreciation under Internal Revenue Code Section 168(k) at 60% for 2025, and the corporation does not elect out. How is bonus depreciation applied to the asset in the first year (before regular MACRS depreciation)?

$400,000, computed as 50% of $800,000, with the remainder depreciated under MACRS.

$0, because bonus depreciation is not available to C corporations.

$800,000, because 100% bonus depreciation applies in 2025.

$480,000, computed as 60% of $800,000, with the remainder depreciated under MACRS.

Explanation

This question tests basic bonus depreciation calculation for C corporations. The key facts are qualifying equipment costing $800,000 with 60% bonus depreciation for 2025. Bonus depreciation equals $800,000 × 60% = $480,000, with the remaining $320,000 basis depreciated under regular MACRS. Answer A incorrectly states C corporations can't claim bonus depreciation. Answer B incorrectly applies 100% bonus depreciation. Answer D incorrectly uses a 50% rate. All business entities, including C corporations, are eligible for bonus depreciation on qualifying property.

5

In 2025, an S corporation operating a manufacturing business purchased and placed in service new qualifying equipment on April 20, 2025, for $600,000. The equipment qualifies for bonus depreciation under Internal Revenue Code Section 168(k) at 60% for 2025, and the S corporation does not elect out of bonus depreciation. If the S corporation elects a $100,000 Section 179 deduction under Internal Revenue Code Section 179, how is bonus depreciation applied in the first year?

Bonus depreciation is $300,000, computed as 60% of $500,000 remaining basis after the Section 179 deduction.

Bonus depreciation is $360,000, computed as 60% of $600,000, and Section 179 is claimed afterward on the remainder.

Bonus depreciation is $0 because claiming Section 179 makes the asset ineligible for bonus depreciation.

Bonus depreciation is computed on the full $600,000 cost, because Section 179 does not reduce basis for bonus depreciation.

Explanation

This question tests the interaction between Section 179 and bonus depreciation. The key facts are equipment cost of $600,000, a Section 179 election of $100,000, and 60% bonus depreciation for 2025. Section 179 is applied first, reducing the asset's basis from $600,000 to $500,000. Bonus depreciation is then calculated on the remaining basis: $500,000 × 60% = $300,000. Answer A incorrectly applies bonus depreciation to the full cost. Answer C incorrectly applies bonus depreciation before Section 179. Answer D incorrectly states that claiming Section 179 disqualifies bonus depreciation. The proper order is Section 179 first, then bonus depreciation on the remaining basis, then regular MACRS on any remainder.

6

In 2025, a calendar-year C corporation operating a manufacturing business purchased and placed in service a used machine on May 12, 2025, for $400,000. The machine is qualifying tangible personal property and is eligible for bonus depreciation under Internal Revenue Code Section 168(k) at 60% for 2025, assuming all requirements are met. How is bonus depreciation applied to the asset in the first year (before regular MACRS depreciation)?

$200,000, computed as 50% of $400,000, with the remaining basis depreciated under MACRS.

$0, because used property is never eligible for bonus depreciation.

$240,000, computed as 60% of $400,000, with the remaining basis depreciated under MACRS.

$400,000, because 100% bonus depreciation applies in 2025.

Explanation

This question tests bonus depreciation eligibility for used property in 2025. The key facts are a used machine purchased for $400,000 with 60% bonus depreciation available for 2025. Used property acquired after September 27, 2017, is eligible for bonus depreciation if it meets certain requirements (first use by the taxpayer, etc.). Bonus depreciation is calculated as $400,000 × 60% = $240,000, with the remaining $160,000 basis depreciated under regular MACRS. Answer A incorrectly states used property is never eligible. Answer C incorrectly applies 100% bonus depreciation. Answer D incorrectly uses a 50% rate. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act expanded bonus depreciation to include qualifying used property.

7

In 2025, a partnership operating a manufacturing business purchased and placed in service qualifying equipment on January 2, 2025, for $1,600,000. Total 2025 purchases of Section 179 property were $3,500,000. For 2025, the Section 179 annual limit is $1,250,000 and the phase-out threshold begins at $3,130,000. What is the maximum Section 179 deduction for 2025 (ignoring the taxable income limitation)?

$0, because total purchases exceed $3,130,000 by at least $250,000.

$1,250,000, because the annual limit is not reduced by total purchases.

$880,000, computed as $1,250,000  ($3,500,000  $3,130,000).

$1,010,000, computed as $1,250,000  ($3,500,000  $3,240,000).

Explanation

This question tests Section 179 phase-out calculation with multiple assets. The key facts are specific equipment of $1,600,000, total Section 179 purchases of $3,500,000, annual limit of $1,250,000, and phase-out threshold of $3,130,000. The phase-out reduction equals $3,500,000 - $3,130,000 = $370,000. The maximum Section 179 deduction is $1,250,000 - $370,000 = $880,000. Answer A incorrectly ignores the phase-out. Answer C incorrectly eliminates the deduction entirely. Answer D uses incorrect calculation methodology. The phase-out is based on total Section 179 property purchases, not individual asset amounts.

8

In 2025, a sole proprietorship operating a delivery service purchased and placed in service a new cargo van on June 1, 2025, for $60,000, used 80% for business and 20% for personal use. The van is qualifying property under Internal Revenue Code Section 179 and is eligible for bonus depreciation under Internal Revenue Code Section 168(k) (60% for 2025). What is the maximum Section 179 deduction that may be elected for 2025 for this van (ignoring taxable income and annual limit/phase-out constraints)?

$36,000, because the 60% bonus depreciation rate limits the Section 179 election.

$60,000, because Section 179 is based on total cost regardless of business-use percentage.

$0, because mixed-use vehicles are not eligible for Section 179.

$48,000, because Section 179 is limited to the business-use portion of the cost basis.

Explanation

This question tests Section 179 calculation for mixed-use property. The key facts are a van costing $60,000 with 80% business use and 20% personal use. Section 179 is limited to the business-use portion of an asset's cost basis, calculated as $60,000 × 80% = $48,000. Answer A incorrectly allows Section 179 on the full cost regardless of business use. Answer C incorrectly applies the 60% bonus rate to limit Section 179. Answer D incorrectly states mixed-use vehicles are ineligible for Section 179. The business-use percentage limitation ensures Section 179 benefits only apply to the portion of the asset used in the trade or business.

9

In 2025, an S corporation that operates a manufacturing business purchased and placed in service new machinery (7-year property under Internal Revenue Code Section 168) on July 1, 2025, for $900,000. The machinery is eligible for bonus depreciation under Internal Revenue Code Section 168(k) at the 60% rate for 2025, and the S corporation does not elect out of bonus depreciation. How is bonus depreciation applied to the asset in the first year (before applying regular MACRS depreciation)?

Bonus depreciation is $540,000, computed as $900,000 60%, with the remaining basis depreciated under MACRS.

Bonus depreciation is $0 because bonus depreciation is not allowed for 7-year property.

Bonus depreciation is $900,000 because 100% bonus depreciation applies in 2025.

Bonus depreciation is $450,000, computed as $900,000 50%, with the remaining basis depreciated under MACRS.

Explanation

This question tests bonus depreciation calculation under Section 168(k) for 2025. The key facts are that new machinery (7-year MACRS property) was purchased for $900,000 and bonus depreciation is 60% for 2025. Bonus depreciation is calculated as 60% of the asset's basis before any other depreciation, which equals $900,000 × 60% = $540,000. The remaining $360,000 basis is then depreciated under regular MACRS rules. Answer A is incorrect because 7-year property is eligible for bonus depreciation. Answer B incorrectly applies 100% bonus depreciation when the 2025 rate is 60%. Answer D incorrectly uses a 50% rate instead of the 60% rate for 2025.

10

In 2025, a partnership operating a manufacturing business purchased and placed in service qualifying equipment on March 1, 2025, for $2,900,000. Total 2025 purchases of Section 179 property were $3,140,000. For 2025, the Section 179 annual limit is $1,250,000 and the phase-out threshold begins at $3,130,000. What is the maximum Section 179 deduction for 2025 (ignoring the taxable income limitation)?

$1,250,000, because the limit is not reduced until purchases exceed $3,500,000.

$1,180,000, computed as $1,250,000  60% bonus depreciation.

$1,240,000, computed as $1,250,000  ($3,140,000  $3,130,000).

$0, because any amount above the threshold eliminates the Section 179 deduction.

Explanation

This question tests Section 179 phase-out with slight excess over threshold. The key facts are equipment costing $2,900,000, total purchases of $3,140,000, annual limit of $1,250,000, and phase-out threshold of $3,130,000. The phase-out reduction equals $3,140,000 - $3,130,000 = $10,000. The maximum Section 179 deduction is $1,250,000 - $10,000 = $1,240,000. Answer A incorrectly ignores the phase-out. Answer C incorrectly eliminates the entire deduction. Answer D incorrectly involves bonus depreciation in the Section 179 calculation. Even small amounts over the phase-out threshold trigger dollar-for-dollar reductions.

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