General Depreciation System

General Depreciation System

In depreciation, the most common method used in the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System. Under the General Depreciation System, one uses either the declining balance method or straight-line depreciation, depending on which will result in a greater amount depreciated for the time period in question.

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General Depreciation System

The most commonly used method for computing MACRS depreciation. Personal property is depreciated using the declining-balance method (double or 150 percent, depending on the recovery class) switching to straight line when that method results in the larger deduction. Residential rental property is depreciated using the straight-line method over 27.5 years, and nonresidential real property is depreciated using the straight-line method over 39 years (31.5 years for property placed in service before May 13, 1993).

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