Chapter 8, Problem 1CPA

Michael Sima, a sole proprietor craftsman, purchased an amount of equipment in the current year that exceeded the maximum allowable § 179 depreciation election limit by $20,000. Sima’s total purchases of property placed in service in the current year did not exceed the limit imposed by § 179. All of the property (including the equipment) was purchased in November of the current year, and Sima elected to depreciate the maximum amount of equipment under § 179. Sima had bottom-line Schedule C income of $50,000 in the current year. Which method may Sima use to depreciate the remaining equipment in the current year?

1. a. Sima may not depreciate any additional equipment other than the § 179 maximum in the current year and must carry forward the excess amount to use in the following taxable year.
2. b. MACRS half-year convention for personal property.
3. c. MACRS mid-quarter convention for personal property.
4. d. Straight-line, mid-month convention over 27.5 years for real property.