Depreciation is the systematic deduction of business asset cost over the asset's useful life — recognizing wear, obsolescence, or use. For business buildings: 27.5-year straight-line (residential) or 39-year (commercial). Equipment: 5-7 years typically. Vehicles: 5 years with luxury auto caps. Depreciation is a non-cash expense that reduces taxable income while preserving cash — making it a powerful tool for real estate investors. Bonus depreciation and Section 179 allow front-loading. When the asset sells, accumulated depreciation triggers depreciation recapture taxed at up to 25% — a deferred (not eliminated) tax. The 'depreciation tax shield' is fundamental to real estate investment returns.
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Depreciation
August 22, 2026 · Aditya Gupta
Tax
Related terms
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