This online course provides a practical and comprehensive overview of depreciation rules and planning opportunities for business property and rental real estate. Effective depreciation strategies can generate substantial tax savings, but only when assets are properly classified, placed in service correctly, and depreciated under the appropriate method.
This course reviews key MACRS principles, Section 179 expensing, bonus depreciation, and the Qualified Improvement Property provisions under §168(n), including recent legislative updates. Participants will examine how depreciation applies to real estate, equipment, vehicles, home offices, and certain energy efficient property, along with the long term impact of depreciation recapture at disposition. The program emphasizes decision making, compliance considerations, and common practitioner errors to help tax professionals confidently advise clients and prepare accurate returns.
Per the IRS Education Provider Standards this course must be COMPLETED by 12/31/2029 to receive credits. NOTE: Go to My Professional Profile in your CCH CPELink account settings to ensure your name, and PTIN number; matches your PTIN card
Publication Date: July 2026
Designed For
This course is designed for CPAs, enrolled agents, public accountants, and other tax professionals who prepare or review business and rental real estate returns.
Topics Covered
- Overview of federal depreciation rules and planning considerations
- MACRS depreciation systems and recovery periods
- Section 179 expensing limits and qualifying property
- Bonus depreciation rules and current limitations
- Qualified Improvement Property under §168(n)
- Depreciation of real estate and rental property
- Depreciation for equipment, vehicles, and listed property
- Home office depreciation considerations
- Depreciation related to energy‑efficient property
- Depreciation recapture and disposition planning
- Compliance risks and common depreciation errors
Learning Objectives
- Identify depreciation methods and recovery periods applicable to business and rental assets
- Apply current rules for Section 179 expensing and bonus depreciation to qualifying property
- Determine when property qualifies as Qualified Improvement Property under §168(n)
- Calculate depreciation deductions for real estate, equipment, vehicles, and home office property
- Evaluate the tax consequences of depreciation recapture upon the sale or disposition of assets
- Compare depreciation strategies to optimize current year deductions and long term tax outcomes
Level
Basic
Instructional Method
Self-Study
NASBA Field of Study
Taxes (2 hours)
Program Prerequisites
None
Advance Preparation
None
Instructor
Jane Ryder
Jane Ryder, EA, CPA, is a nationwide professional educator.
She writes and speaks on many income tax, business compliance, accounting, and tax representation topics.
Jane has been providing tax preparation, accounting services, and tax collection resolution services since 1980.
She runs her San Diego CPA firm, Brass Tax Ryder Professional Group, Inc., and consults with colleagues on tax matters, audits, and business planning.