The California Form 3885 is used by corporations to calculate depreciation and amortization deductions for state tax purposes. This form assists in reporting the expenses related to tangible and intangible assets, ensuring compliance with California tax regulations. For accurate tax reporting, fill out the California Form 3885 by clicking the button below.
The California Form 3885 is a crucial document for corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies (LLCs) classified as corporations, as it facilitates the calculation of depreciation and amortization deductions for state tax purposes. This form is particularly significant for businesses that have acquired tangible and intangible assets, as it allows them to recover costs associated with these properties over time. One of the key components of Form 3885 is the election to expense certain property under IRC Section 179, which permits a maximum deduction of $25,000 for qualifying assets placed in service during the taxable year, provided their total cost does not exceed $200,000. Furthermore, the form includes sections for calculating depreciation using various methods such as straight-line or declining balance, and it details the additional first-year expense deduction under California law. Amortization for intangible assets is also addressed, allowing businesses to recover costs over a fixed period, typically 15 years. Understanding the intricacies of Form 3885 is essential for corporations to ensure compliance with California tax regulations and to maximize their potential deductions.
TAXABLE YEAR
Corporation Depreciation
CALIFORNIA FORM
2012
and Amortization
3885
Attach to Form 100 or Form 100W.
Corporation name
California corporation number
PART I Election To Expense Certain Property Under IRC Section 179
1
Maximum deduction under IRC Section 179 for California
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$25,000
2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Total cost of IRC Section 179 property placed in service
3
Threshold cost of IRC Section 179 property before reduction in limitation . . . .
$200,000
4
. .Reduction in limitation. Subtract line 3 from line 2. If zero or less, enter -0-
5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dollar limitation for taxable year. Subtract line 4 from line 1. If zero or less, enter -0-
(a) Description of property
(b) Cost (business use only)
(c) Elected cost
6
7
Listed property (elected IRC Section 179 cost)
8
Total elected cost of IRC Section 179 property. Add amounts in column (c), line 6 and line 7
. . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
Tentative deduction. Enter the smaller of line 5 or line 8
10
Carryover of disallowed deduction from prior taxable years
11
Business income limitation. Enter the smaller of business income (not less than zero) or line 5
12
IRC Section 179 expense deduction. Add line 9 and line 10, but do not enter more than line 11
13
Carryover of disallowed deduction to 2013. Add line 9 and line 10, less line 12
PART II Depreciation and Election of Additional First Year Expense Deduction Under R&TC Section 24356
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Description of property
Date acquired
Cost or other basis
Depreciation allowed
Depreciation
Life or
Depreciation for
Additional first
or allowable in
method
rate
this year
year depreciation
earlier years
14
15Add the amounts in column (g) and column (h). The total of column (h) may not exceed $2,000.
See instructions for line 14, column (h)
15
PART III Summary
16
Total: If the corporation is electing:
IRC Section 179 expense, add the amount on line 12 and line 15, column (g) or
Additional first year depreciation under R&TC Section 24356, add the amounts on line 15, columns (g) and (h) or
Depreciation (if no election is made), enter the amount from line 15, column (g)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
17
Total depreciation claimed for federal purposes from federal Form 4562, line 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
18Depreciation adjustment. If line 17 is greater than line 16, enter the difference here and on Form 100 or Form 100W, Side 1, line 6. If line 17 is less than line 16, enter the difference here and on Form 100 or Form 100W, Side 1, line 12. (If California depreciation
amounts are used to determine net income before state adjustments on Form 100 or Form 100W, no adjustment is necessary.). . . 18
PART IV Amortization
Amortization allowed or
R&TC section
Period or
Amortization for this year
allowable in earlier years
(see instructions)
percentage
19
20
Total. Add the amounts in column (g)
21
Total amortization claimed for federal purposes from federal Form 4562, line 44
22
Amortization adjustment. If line 21 is greater than line 20, enter the difference here and on Form 100 or Form 100W,
Side 1, line 6. If line 21 is less than line 20, enter the difference here and on Form 100 or Form 100W, Side 1, line 12
7621123
FTB 3885 2012
2012 Instructions for Form FTB 3885
Corporation Depreciation and Amortization
References in these instructions are to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) as of JANUARY 1, 2009, and to the California Revenue and Taxation Code (R&TC).
General Information
In general, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2010, California law conforms to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) as of January 1, 2009. However, there are continuing differences between California and federal law. When California conforms to federal tax law changes, we do not always adopt all of the changes made at the federal level. For more information, go to ftb.ca.gov and search for conformity. Additional information can be found
in FTB Pub. 1001, Supplemental Guidelines to California Adjustments, the instructions for California Schedule CA (540 or 540NR), and the Business Entity tax booklets.
The instructions provided with California tax forms are a summary of California tax law and are only intended to aid taxpayers in preparing their state income tax returns. We include information that is most useful to the greatest number of taxpayers in the limited space available. It is not possible to include all requirements of the California Revenue and Taxation Code (R&TC) in the tax booklets. Taxpayers should not consider the tax booklets as authoritative law.
A Purpose
Use form FTB 3885, Corporation Depreciation and Amortization, to calculate California depreciation and amortization deduction for corporations, including partnerships and limited liability companies (LLCs) classified as corporations.
S corporations must use Schedule B (100S), S Corporation Depreciation and Amortization.
Depreciation is the annual deduction allowed to recover the cost or other basis of business or income producing property with a determinable useful life of more than one year. Generally, depreciation is used in connection with tangible property.
Amortization is an amount deducted to recover the cost of certain capital expenses over a fixed period. Generally amortization is used for intangible assets.
For amortizing the cost of certified pollution control facilities, use form FTB 3580, Application and Election to Amortize Certified Pollution Control Facility.
B Federal/State Differences
Differences between federal and California laws affect the calculation of depreciation and amortization. The following lists are not intended to be all-inclusive of the federal and state conformities and differences. For more information, refer to the R&TC.
California law conforms to federal law for the following:
•The sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and minivans built on a truck chassis are included in the definition of trucks and vans when applying the 6,000 pound gross weight limit. See federal Rev. Proc. 2003-75 for more information.
•The additional first-year depreciation, or the election to expense the cost of the property as provided in IRC Section 179, with modification.
•The federal Class Life Asset Depreciation Range (ADR) System provisions, which specifies a useful life for various types of property. However, California law does not allow the corporation to choose a depreciation period that varies from the specified asset guideline system.
California law does not conform to federal law for the following:
•The enhanced IRC Section 179 expensing election for assets placed in service in 2010 through 2012 taxable year.
•The first-year depreciation deduction allowed for new luxury autos or certain passenger automobiles acquired and placed in service in 2010 through 2012.
•The IRC Section 613A(d)(4) relating to the exclusion of certain refiners. See R&TC Section 24831.3 for more information.
•The IRC Section 168(k) relating to the 50% bonus depreciation deduction for assets acquired in tax years 2008 through 2012 and placed in service before 2013 (or before 2014 for certain qualifying property). For property acquired and placed in service after September 8, 2010, and before 2012 (before 2013 in the case of certain qualifying property), the bonus depreciation deduction is 100%.
•The additional first-year depreciation of certain qualified property placed in service after October 3, 2008, and the election to claim additional research and minimum tax credits in lieu of claiming the bonus depreciation.
•The accelerated recovery period for depreciation of smart meters and smart grid systems.
•The ten-year useful life for grapevines planted as replacements for vines subject to Phylloxera or Pierce’s disease. California law allows a useful life of five years.
•The federal special class life for gas station convenience stores and similar structures.
•The depreciation under Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) for corporations, except to the extent such depreciation is passed through from a partnership or LLC classified as a partnership.
C Depreciation Calculation Methods
Depreciation methods are defined in R&TC Sections 24349 through 24354. Depreciation calculation methods, described in R&TC Section 24349, are as follows:
Straight-Line. The straight-line method divides the cost or other basis of property, less its estimated salvage value, into equal amounts over the estimated useful life of the property. An asset may not be depreciated below a reasonable salvage value.
Declining Balance. Under this method, depreciation is greatest in the first year and smaller in each succeeding year. The property must have a useful life of at least three years. Salvage value is not taken into account in determining the basis of the property, but the property may not be depreciated below a reasonable salvage value.
The amount of depreciation for each year is subtracted from the basis of the property and a uniform rate of up to 200% of the straight-line rate is applied to the remaining balance.
For example, the annual depreciation allowances for property with an original basis of $100,000 are:
Declining
Remaining
balance
Year
basis
allowance
First. . . . . . $100,000
20%
$20,000
Second . . .
80,000
16,000
Third
64,000
12,800
Fourth . . . .
51,200
10,240
Sum-of-the-Years-Digits Method. This method may be used whenever the declining balance method is allowed. The depreciation deduction is figured by subtracting the salvage value from the cost of the property and multiplying the result by a fraction. The numerator of the fraction is the number of years
remaining in the useful life of the property. Therefore, the numerator changes each year as the life of the property decreases. The denominator of the fraction is the sum of the digits representing the years of useful life. The denominator remains constant every year.
Other Consistent Methods. Other depreciation methods may be used as long as the total accumulated depreciation at the end of any taxable year during the first 2/3 of the useful life of the property is not more than the amount that would have resulted from using the declining balance method.
D Period of Depreciation
Under Cal. Code Regs., tit. 18, section 24349(l), California conforms to the federal useful lives of property.
Use the following information as a guide to determine reasonable periods of useful life for purposes of calculating depreciation. Actual facts and circumstances will determine useful life. However, the figures listed below represent the normal periods of useful life for the types of property listed as shown in IRS Rev. Proc. 87-56.
•Office furniture, fixtures, machines,
and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 yrs.
This category includes furniture and fixtures (that are not structural components of a building) and machines and equipment used in the preparation of paper or data.
Examples include: desks; files; safes; typewriters, accounting, calculating, and data processing machines; communications equipment; and duplicating and copying equipment.
•Computers and peripheral
equipment (printers, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 yrs.
•Transportation equipment and
automobiles (including taxis) . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 yrs.
•General-purpose trucks:
Light (unloaded weight less than
13,000 lbs.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 yrs. Heavy (unloaded weight 13,000 lbs.
or more) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 yrs.
•Buildings
This category includes the structural shell of a building and all of its integral parts that service normal heating, plumbing, air conditioning, fire prevention and power requirements, and equipment such as elevators and escalators.
Type of building:
Apartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 yrs. Dwellings (including rental residences) . . . 45 yrs. Office buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 yrs. Warehouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 yrs.
EDepreciation Methods to Use
Corporations may use the straight-line method for any depreciable property. Before using other methods, consider the kind of property, its useful life, whether it is new or used, and the date it was acquired. Use the following chart as a general guide to determine which method to use:
Maximum
Property description
depreciation method
Real estate acquired 12/31/70 or earlier
New (useful life 3 yrs. or more) . . . . . 200% Declining balance Used (useful life 3 yrs. or more) . . . . . 150% Declining balance
Real estate acquired 1/1/71 or later Residential rental:
New. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200% Declining balance Used (useful life 20 yrs. or more) . . . 125% Declining balance Used (useful life less than 20 yrs.) . . Straight-line
FTB 3885 Instructions 2012 Page 1
Commercial and industrial:
New (useful life 3 yrs. or more) . . . . 150% Declining balance Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Straight-line
Personal property
See “Other Consistent Methods” information on page 1.
The Class Life ADR System of depreciation may be used for designated classes of assets placed in service after 1970.
The Guideline Class Life System of depreciation may be used for certain classes of assets placed in service before 1971.
FElection To Expense Certain Property Under IRC
Section 179
For taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2005, corporations may elect IRC Section 179 to expense part or all of the cost of depreciable tangible property used in the trade or business and certain other property described in federal Publication 946, How to Depreciate Property. To elect IRC Section 179, the corporation must have purchased property, as defined in the IRC Section 179(d)(2), and placed it in service during the taxable year. If the corporation elects this deduction, the corporation must reduce the California depreciable basis by the IRC Section 179 expense. See the instructions for federal Form 4562, Depreciation and Amortization, for more information.
California does not allow IRC Section 179 expense election for off-the-shelf computer software.
California conforms to the federal changes made to the deduction of business start-up and organizational costs paid or incurred on or after January 1,
2005. Exceptions: California does not conform to the federal increase in the deduction for start-up expenses in 2010 taxable year.
Limitations. Federal limitation amounts are different than California limitation amounts. For California purposes, the maximum IRC Section 179 expense deduction allowed is $25,000. This amount is reduced if the cost of all IRC Section 179 property placed in service during the taxable year is more than $200,000. The total IRC Section 179 expense deduction cannot exceed the corporation’s business income.
G Amortization
California conforms to the IRC Section 197 amortization of intangibles for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 1994. Generally, assets that meet the definition under IRC Section 197 are amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 years. There may be differences in the federal and California amounts for intangible assets acquired in taxable years beginning prior to January 1, 1994. See R&TC Section 24355.5 for more information.
Amortization of the following assets is governed by California law:
Bond premiums
R&TC 24360
–
24363.5
Research expenditures
R&TC 24365
Reforestation expenses
R&TC 24372.5
Organizational expenditures
R&TC 24407
24409
Start-up expenses
R&TC 24414
Other intangible assets may be amortized if it is approved with reasonable accuracy that the asset has an ascertainable value that diminishes over time and has a limited useful life.
Specific Line Instructions
For properties placed in service during the taxable year, the corporation may complete Part I if the corporation elects to expense qualified property under IRC Section 179, or Part II if the corporation elects additional first year expense deduction for qualified property under R&TC Section 24356. The corporation may only elect IRC Section 179 or the additional first year expense deduction for the same taxable year. The election must be made on a timely filed tax return (including extension). The election may not be revoked except with the Franchise Tax Board‘s consent.
Part II is also used to calculate depreciation for property (with or without the above elections).
Part I Election To Expense Certain Property Under IRC Section 179
Complete Part I if the corporation elects IRC Section 179 expense. Include all assets qualifying for the deduction since the limit applies to all qualifying assets as a group rather than to each asset individually. The total IRC Section 179 expense for property, which the election may be made, is figured on line 5. The amount of IRC Section 179 expense deductions for the taxable year cannot exceed the corporation’s business income on line 11. See
the instructions for federal Form 4562 for more information.
Line 2
Enter the cost of all IRC Section 179 qualified property placed in service during the taxable year including the cost of any listed property. See General Information F, Election To Expense Certain Property Under IRC Section 179, for information regarding qualified property. See line 7 instructions for information regarding listed property.
Line 5
If line 5 is zero, the corporation cannot elect to expense any IRC Section 179 property. Skip line 6 through line 11, enter zero on line 12.
Line 6
Do not include any listed property on line 6. Enter the elected IRC Section 179 cost of listed property on line 7.
Column (a) – Description of property. Enter a brief description of the property the corporation elects to expense.
Column (b) – Cost (business use only). Enter the cost of the property. If the corporation acquired the property through a trade-in, do not include any carryover basis of the property traded in. Include only the excess of the cost of the property over the value of the property traded in.
Column (c) – Elected cost. Enter the amount the corporation elects to expense. The corporation does not have to expense the entire cost of the property. The corporation can depreciate the amount it does not expense.
Line 7
Use a format similar to federal Form 4562, Part V, line 26 to determine the elected IRC Section 179 cost of listed property. Listed property generally includes the following:
•Passenger automobiles weighing 6,000 pounds or less.
•Any other property used for transportation if the nature of the property lends itself to personal use, such as motorcycles, pick-up trucks, SUVs, etc.
•Any property used for entertainment or recreational purposes (such as photographic, phonographic, communication, and video recording equipment).
•Cellular telephones (and other similar telecommunications equipment). Note: California does not conform to the federal exclusion of these
items from being treated as listed property for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2010.
•Computers or peripheral equipment.
Exception. Listed property generally does not include:
•Photographic, phonographic, communication, or video equipment used exclusively in the corporation’s trade or business.
•Any computer or peripheral equipment used exclusively at a regular business.
•An ambulance, hearse, or vehicle used for transporting persons or property for hire.
Listed property used 50% or less in business activity does not qualify for the IRC Section 179 expense deduction. For more information regarding listed property, see the instructions for federal Form 4562.
Line 11
The total cost the corporation can deduct is limited to the corporation’s business income. For the purpose of IRC Section 179 election, business income is the net income derived from the corporation’s active trade or business, Form 100 or Form 100W, line 18, before the IRC Section 179 expense deduction (excluding items not derived from a trade or business actively conducted by the corporation).
Part II Depreciation and Election of
Additional First Year Expense
Deduction Under R&TC
Section 24356
Line 14
Corporations may enter each asset separately or group assets into depreciation accounts. Figure the depreciation separately for each asset or group of assets. The basis for depreciation is the cost or other basis reduced by a reasonable salvage value (except when using the declining balance method), additional first-year depreciation (if applicable), and tax credits claimed on depreciable property (where specified). This may cause the California basis to be different from the federal basis.
If the Guideline Class Life System or Class Life ADR System is used, enter the total amount from the corporation’s schedule showing the computation on form FTB 3885, column (g), and identify as such.
Line 14, Column (h), Additional first-year depreciation.
Corporations may elect to deduct up to 20% of the cost of “qualifying property” in the year acquired in addition to the regular depreciation deduction. The maximum additional first-year depreciation deduction is $2,000. Corporations must reduce the basis used for regular depreciation by the amount of additional first-year depreciation claimed.
“Qualifying property” is tangible personal property used in business and having a useful life of at least six years. Land, buildings, and structural components do not qualify. Property converted from personal use, acquired by gift, inheritance, or from related parties also does not qualify.
See R&TC Section 24356 and the applicable regulations for more information.
An election may be made to expense up to 40% of the cost of property described in R&TC Sections 24356.6, 24356.7, and 24356.8.
For more information, get form FTB 3809, Targeted Tax Area Deduction and Credit Summary; form FTB 3805Z, Enterprise Zone Deduction and Credit Summary; or form FTB 3807, Local Agency Military Base Recovery Area Deduction and Credit Summary.
Part IV Amortization
Line 19, Column (e) – R&TC section. Enter the correct R&TC section for the type of amortization. See General Information G, Amortization, for a list of the R&TC sections.
Page 2 FTB 3885 Instructions 2012
Filling out the California 3885 form requires careful attention to detail. This form is essential for corporations to report depreciation and amortization deductions accurately. Completing the form correctly ensures compliance with state tax laws and helps in maximizing potential deductions.
What is the purpose of California Form 3885?
California Form 3885 is used by corporations to calculate depreciation and amortization deductions. This includes partnerships and limited liability companies (LLCs) classified as corporations. The form helps determine the annual deduction allowed to recover the cost of business or income-producing property that has a determinable useful life exceeding one year.
Who needs to file Form 3885?
Corporations, including partnerships and LLCs classified as corporations, must file Form 3885. S corporations, however, need to use Schedule B (100S) for their depreciation and amortization calculations. If your business has tangible or intangible assets that require depreciation or amortization, this form is necessary.
What is the maximum deduction allowed under IRC Section 179 for California?
The maximum deduction allowed under IRC Section 179 for California is $25,000. However, this amount can be reduced if the total cost of IRC Section 179 property placed in service during the taxable year exceeds $200,000. Additionally, the total deduction cannot exceed the corporation's business income.
How does California law differ from federal law regarding depreciation and amortization?
California law has specific differences from federal law that affect how depreciation and amortization are calculated. For instance, California does not conform to certain federal increases in deductions or bonus depreciation provisions. It is essential for taxpayers to be aware of these differences when preparing their tax returns to ensure compliance.
What types of properties qualify for the IRC Section 179 deduction?
Qualifying properties for the IRC Section 179 deduction include tangible personal property used in a trade or business, such as machinery, equipment, and certain vehicles. However, California does not allow this deduction for off-the-shelf computer software. It is important to check the specific criteria for qualifying property to ensure eligibility.
What is the process for electing additional first-year depreciation?
To elect additional first-year depreciation under R&TC Section 24356, corporations must complete Part II of Form 3885. They can elect to deduct up to 20% of the cost of qualifying property in the year it is acquired, in addition to regular depreciation. The maximum additional first-year depreciation deduction is capped at $2,000.
What information should be included when filling out Form 3885?
When completing Form 3885, corporations should provide detailed information about the properties being depreciated or amortized. This includes the description of the property, the date acquired, cost or other basis, and the method of depreciation used. Accurate reporting is crucial to ensure proper deductions and compliance with tax laws.
What should a corporation do if it has disallowed deductions from previous years?
If a corporation has disallowed deductions from prior taxable years, it can carry over these amounts to the current year. Form 3885 allows for the reporting of any carryover of disallowed deductions, which can then be added to the current year's deductions, subject to limitations based on business income.
Filling out the California Form 3885 can be a daunting task, and many individuals make common mistakes that could lead to complications down the line. One frequent error is failing to accurately report the total cost of IRC Section 179 property placed in service during the taxable year. This total is crucial because it directly impacts the deduction limit. If a corporation underreports this amount, it may miss out on significant tax savings.
Another common pitfall involves misunderstanding the limits imposed by California law regarding the IRC Section 179 expense deduction. While the federal limit might be higher, California has a maximum deduction of $25,000. If the total cost of qualifying property exceeds $200,000, the deduction begins to phase out. Corporations often neglect to consider these thresholds, leading to discrepancies in their filings.
Additionally, many individuals mistakenly include listed property on the wrong lines. For instance, listed property should not be included in the total elected cost on line 6 but should be reported separately on line 7. This misplacement can result in inaccurate calculations and potential audits by the Franchise Tax Board.
Another frequent error is failing to account for the business income limitation. Line 11 requires corporations to enter the smaller of their business income or the deduction limit. Ignoring this requirement can lead to overestimating deductions, which may trigger penalties or interest on unpaid taxes.
Moreover, some corporations overlook the requirement to reduce their California depreciable basis by the amount of any IRC Section 179 expense claimed. This adjustment is essential to ensure that the depreciation calculations are accurate in subsequent years. Failure to make this adjustment can lead to inflated depreciation claims, which could raise red flags during audits.
Lastly, individuals sometimes rush through the election process, neglecting to ensure that their election to expense certain property under IRC Section 179 is made on a timely filed tax return. This election is irrevocable without the Franchise Tax Board's consent, so missing the deadline can lock a corporation out of valuable deductions. Taking the time to carefully review each section of the form can prevent these costly mistakes.
The California Form 3885 is essential for corporations to calculate depreciation and amortization deductions. However, several other forms and documents often accompany it to ensure compliance and accuracy in reporting. Below is a list of five commonly used forms and documents related to the California 3885 form.
Understanding these forms and how they relate to the California Form 3885 is crucial for corporations to maintain compliance and optimize their tax positions. Each document plays a unique role in the overall tax reporting process, ensuring that all deductions are accurately claimed and reported.
When filling out the California 3885 form, consider the following guidelines:
This form is applicable to all corporations, including small businesses, partnerships, and limited liability companies (LLCs) classified as corporations. It's designed to help any corporation calculate depreciation and amortization deductions, regardless of size.
Even if a corporation does not claim depreciation, it may still need to file the California 3885 form. This is because the form is also used to report any elections made under IRC Section 179, which allows businesses to expense certain property costs.
The maximum deduction for California is $25,000, which is lower than the federal limit. Additionally, California has specific rules about how this deduction is applied, particularly regarding the total cost of property placed in service during the year.
Not all property is eligible for this deduction. For example, off-the-shelf computer software does not qualify under California law. Additionally, the property must be used for business purposes to be eligible, and limitations apply based on the type of property and its use.
The California Form 3885 is essential for corporations to calculate depreciation and amortization deductions. This includes partnerships and limited liability companies classified as corporations.
Corporations must complete Part I if they choose to expense qualifying property under IRC Section 179. This section allows for a maximum deduction of $25,000 for the taxable year, subject to limitations based on property costs.
To elect IRC Section 179, the corporation must have purchased and placed the property in service during the taxable year. The election must be made on a timely filed tax return.
Part II is used for calculating depreciation for property, regardless of whether the IRC Section 179 election is made. It includes different methods such as straight-line and declining balance.
Corporations must be aware of differences between federal and California laws when calculating depreciation and amortization. California may not conform to certain federal provisions, affecting how deductions are calculated.
For listed property, specific rules apply. This includes passenger automobiles and certain equipment, which may have different treatment under California law compared to federal law.
In Part IV, corporations can report amortization for intangible assets, generally amortized on a straight-line basis over 15 years. Proper classification is crucial for compliance with California tax regulations.