Form 4562: Depreciation and Amortization Explanation

Form 4562: Depreciation and Amortization is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax form used to claim deductions for the depreciation or amortization of a piece of property. 

When individuals or businesses purchase property to use in their business, the IRS does not allow them to claim the full cost as a business deduction in the first year. However, they can deduct a portion of their costs each year by claiming a depreciation deduction and reporting it on IRS Form 4562.

Individuals and businesses can claim deductions for both tangible assets such as a building and intangible assets such as a patent. Section 179 property, which is actively used to conduct business, cannot include investment property, hotels, or property primarily held abroad.

[Important: According to the IRS, you cannot depreciate land. Therefore, it cannot be reported on the form.]

Anyone who wants to claim the following must fill out form 4562:

• Depreciation for property placed in service during the tax year
• A section 179 expense deduction (which may include a carryover from a previous year)
• Depreciation on any vehicle or other listed property
• A deduction for any vehicle reported on a form other than Schedule C (Form 1040): Profit or Loss From Business or Schedule C-EZ (Form 1040): Net Profit From Business
• Any depreciation on a corporate income tax return other than Form 1120S: U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation
• Amortization of costs that begins during the tax year

Separate forms must be filed for each business or activity for which a Form 4562 is required. For example, a new form must be filled out for each depreciation or amortization deduction being claimed for different properties. The IRS does not require detailed depreciation records to be attached, but taxpayers should keep such records in order to calculate the depreciation deduction.

This form does not apply to employees who wish to deduct job-related vehicle expenses. That deduction has been discontinued after the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Filers must include their name, taxpayer identification number, as well as the business activity for which the form is being filed.

Part I of the form deals with Election to Expense Certain Property Under Section 179. The deduction applies to tangible personal property like machinery or equipment and for real, qualified property. Part II outlines the special depreciation allowance and other depreciation. This section must not include listed property. Part III is reserved for MACRS depreciation. Under this, assets are assigned to a specific asset class, which has a depreciation period associated with it.

If you need more space, attach additional sheets. However, complete only one Part I in its entirety when computing your section 179 expense deduction.

Click this link to download a copy of Form 4562: Depreciation and Amortization.

• Form 4562 is used to claim deductions for the depreciation or amortization of tangible or intangible of property. 
• Assets such as buildings, machinery, or equipment (tangible), or patents (intangible) qualify.
• Land cannot depreciate. Therefore, it cannot be reported on the form.