Question

An asset for drilling was purchased and placed in service by a petroleum production company. Its cost basis is $60,000, and it has an estimated market value of $12,000 at the end of an estimated useful life of 14 years. Compute the depreciation amount in the third year and book value at the end of the fifth year of life using SL method and 200% DB method with switchover to SL. Which method should the company use

Answer 1

Answer:

purchase price $60,000

estimated useful life 14 years

residual value $12,000

depreciation expense using straight line method:

using straight line = ($60,000 - $12,000) / 14 = $3,428.57

depreciation during year 3 = $3,428.57

book value at end of year 5 = $60,000 - ($3,428.57 x 5) = $42,857.15

depreciation expense using SL method and 200% DB method with switchover to SL:

year 1 = $60,000 x 2 x 1/14 = $8,571.43

year 2 = $51,428.57 x 2 x 1/14 = $7,346.94

year 3 = $44,081.63 x 2 x 1/14 = $6,297.38

year 4 = $37,784.25 x 2 x 1/14 = $5,397.75

year 5 = $32,386.50 x 2 x 1/14 = $4,626.64

book value at end of year 5 = $27,759.86

Since the depreciation expense using double balance with switchover to straight line is higher during the first years, then the company should use that method. One extra dollar in depreciation expense = one less dollar in taxable income. It is usually better pay less taxes today than tomorrow.