I am closing biz after 10 yrs. I have an asset with 15 year depreciation schedule in form 4562. How do I depreciate the remaining 5 year balance in 2017 taxes?

[KrisD · Accepted solution]

If it is a tangible asset, such as machinery, you don't. Whatever value remains is the property of the business at closing and sold at a profit, loss, or wash to an outside entity or owner. 

For example, you depreciated a file cabinet but it has remaining value of $100. You either sell it for $150 and the business includes the gain of $50 before closing the books, sell it for $50 (no related parties) and claim the loss, or you figure it is worth $100 and transfer it to yourself at no gain and no loss. 

For an intangible asset, such as a franchise fee you can claim the remaining value. It can be done a couple different ways. You could sell the original asset as a wash in 2017. Then enter the remaining value as an expense with a description of "Intangible asset depletion". You could also enter the remaining value as a new asset with a 1 year depreciation for 2017. Because it is franchise fee, it is treated differently than a tangible asset and can be captured upon the business closing.

[Edited 02.27.2018 | 11:19AM]

[arlington]

The asset has no value outside of the company. It is the purchase price of the franchise upon opening the doors. Franchise closes, the license disappears. Still no way to recover?

[KrisD]

As an intangible asset, you can claim the remaining value. It can be done a couple different ways. You could sell the original asset as a wash in 2017. Then enter the remaining value as an expense with a description of "Intangible asset depletion". You could also enter the remaining value as a new asset with a 1 year depreciation for 2017. Because it is franchise fee, it is treated differently than a tangible asset and can be captured upon the business closing.