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New Member
posted May 31, 2019 10:59:10 PM

Depreciation for a tree fruit farm. I need to depreciate both farm equipment (GDS 150% DB, 7 year) and fruit trees (GDS SL, 10 year).

TurboTax will not allow different depreciation methods for same asset class.  IRS rules show different methods.

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1 Best answer
New Member
May 31, 2019 10:59:14 PM

Which Depreciation System (GDS or ADS) Applies?

Your use of either the General Depreciation System (GDS) or the Alternative Depreciation System (ADS) to depreciate property under MACRS determines what depreciation method and recovery period you use. You generally must use GDS unless you are specifically required by law to use ADS or you elect to use ADS.


When you choose the property descriptions already provided in TurboTax, you are using GDS. So for farm equipment you get GDS, 150% DB, 7 year, this is standard GDS.

Same for fruit trees, GDS, SL, 10 year property, this is standard GDS.

They are both in TurboTax as asset choices.

You can use "Other Property" and choose your method but I don't recommend it. It's used only as last resort.

Did I answer your question? If not, reply here and I'll try to follow up.

2 Replies
Level 9
May 31, 2019 10:59:12 PM

Can you explain what you mean that TurboTax won't allow it?  What is exactly is TurboTax doing?  How exactly are you entering the assets?

Maybe @Cattlerancher  may have some insight for you as well.

New Member
May 31, 2019 10:59:14 PM

Which Depreciation System (GDS or ADS) Applies?

Your use of either the General Depreciation System (GDS) or the Alternative Depreciation System (ADS) to depreciate property under MACRS determines what depreciation method and recovery period you use. You generally must use GDS unless you are specifically required by law to use ADS or you elect to use ADS.


When you choose the property descriptions already provided in TurboTax, you are using GDS. So for farm equipment you get GDS, 150% DB, 7 year, this is standard GDS.

Same for fruit trees, GDS, SL, 10 year property, this is standard GDS.

They are both in TurboTax as asset choices.

You can use "Other Property" and choose your method but I don't recommend it. It's used only as last resort.

Did I answer your question? If not, reply here and I'll try to follow up.