Deducting/amortizing partially purchased asset (cash basis)

[sztaylor]

I operate a music business to claim income and deduct/depreciate gear purchased and used in service of the business.  This year (2019), I have made a down-payment on a substantial purchase that I will not complete until 2020.  I operate on a cash basis and normally, I would pay for and begin amortizing the asset within a single tax year.  How should I claim deductions and declare/amortize the asset in this case, since I will have costs in 2019, but will not own the asset until 2020?

[Critter]

You start depreciating an asset in the year you place it in service even if the payments are made over a span of many years. 

[sztaylor]

How do I deduct the payments made before the asset is placed in service?

[Critter]

You don't ... payments are not deductible  only the cost basis is once the asset is placed in service.  This is a basic accounting/bookkeeping rule so you may wish to seek local assistance to get educated on this and other bookkeeping situations for your business.