Depreciation & Recapture
Question: On what form and line do I deduct the standard mileage rate for my business travel, and do I also need to figure depreciation of the vehicle?
Answer:
Many taxpayers find using the standard mileage rate an easier way to expense their vehicle. The standard mileage rate:
- May be used in calculating your automobile expense and
- Already includes depreciation expense
Instead of the standard mileage rate, you can use the actual expense method. If you use this method, you need to figure depreciation for the vehicle.
The business use of an automobile is claimed on:
- Line 9 and Part IV of Schedule C (Form 1040) (PDF), Profit or Loss From Business or, if eligible, line 2 of Schedule C-EZ (Form 1040) (PDF), Net Profit From Business, if you are a sole proprietor.
- Form 2106 (PDF), Employee Business Expenses or, if eligible, line 1 of Form 2106-EZ (PDF), Unreimbursed Employee Business Expenses, and then with other employee business expenses on line 21 of Schedule A (Form 1040) (PDF), Itemized Deductions.
Additional Information:
- Publication 587, Business Use of Your Home
- Publication 544, Sales and Other Dispositions of Assets
- Publication 463, Travel, Entertainment, Gift and Car Expenses
- Publication 535, Business Expenses
- Publication 946 (PDF), How to Depreciate Property
Category: Sale or Trade of Business, Depreciation, Rentals
Subcategory: Depreciation & Recapture
