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posted Jun 4, 2019 12:36:56 PM

Are vehicle service contracts included in the vehicle cost basis used to calculate depreciation?

Purchase loan of a new car included a vehicle service contract in the total amount financed. I'm having a hard time finding IRS information on whether the service contract should be included in the depreciable cost basis of the vehicle.

0 2 8566
2 Replies
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 12:36:58 PM

The service contract is a vehicle maintenance expense, not a vehicle purchase expense. The fact it may be included in the loan doesn't matter. So only the vehicle cost is depreciated over 5 years. But since it's all for business, that makes all the interest on the loan deductible, assuming the vehicle is 100% business use.

Not applicable
Jun 4, 2019 12:36:59 PM

if you are an employee (get a W-2) your vehicle expenses are no longer deductible starting in 2018