Floating vinyl flooring that is floating or otherwise easily removed is depreciable on a 5 year schedule (just as carpet is). See Hospital Corporation of America v. Commissioner, 109 T.C. No. 2 (1997):
"Applying the Whiteco criteria, we conclude that the vinyl floor coverings are not inherently permanent. We are persuaded that the floor coverings were not intended to be, and were not, permanent coverings for the buildings' floors. The floor coverings were attached with adhesives to permit easy removal without damage to the concrete floors. Indeed, much of the floor coverings was removed within 3 to 5 years of their installation without damaging the underlying floors or vinyl floor coverings. Accordingly, we hold that the vinyl floor coverings constitute tangible personal property, and that they are depreciable over a 5–year recovery period."
