home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Business Shareware
/
Business Shareware.iso
/
start
/
finance
/
fapro12a
/
fapro212.exe
/
MANUAL.DOC
< prev
next >
Wrap
Text File
|
1993-04-15
|
110KB
|
2,844 lines
FIXED ASSET PRO
by
HAMMERSOFT (tm)
A full featured fixed asset depreciation system.
WELCOME
Thank you for taking the time to examine Fixed Asset Pro
Version 1.2. We are very excited about this program and we hope
you will be also. HammerSoft (tm) is dedicated to adding more
features, enhancing, and improving Fixed Asset Pro to make it the
best program on the market. We appreciate your cheerful
encouragement and assistance.
Who can use Fixed Asset Pro? This program will prove
invaluable for small, medium and large businesses that must track
equipment for income tax and financial purposes. The program
also will be effective for Accountants and Bookkeepers that have
many different clients that must track equipment records.
Fixed asset management can be a complex task considering all
the information that you must maintain for one asset and all the
tax law complications you must address. Our team of tax and
programming experts designed this program to cut that chore down
to size.
This software and accompanying documentation is subject to
change and the current version supersedes any previous version.
To provide the correct tax law application to your assets, you
must keep this software current.
Copyright (c) 1992,1993 HammerSoft (tm), all rights reserved.
_______
____|__ | (R)
--| | |-------------------
| ____|__ | Association of
| | |_| Shareware
|__| o | Professionals
-----| | |---------------------
|___|___| MEMBER
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The installation program used by Fixed Asset Pro is written
by Lincoln Beach Software and is entitled First Impression.
Lincoln Beach Software reserves all copyright protection
worldwide. For further information they may be reached at P.O.
Box 1554, Ballwin, MO 63022 or call 314-227-2431. Contact Harold
Holmes on CompuServe at 70700,630.
IRS Publication 534 - no copyright is claimed on income tax
excerpts
Yoshizaki, Haruyasu LHA.EXE Data Compression Software
TRADEMARKS
All registered trademarks owned by their respective companies.
Turbo Pascal is a registered trademark of Borland International.
Object Professional is a trademark of TurboPower Software.
MS-DOS is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 are registered trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation.
DEFINITION OF SHAREWARE
Shareware distribution gives users a chance to try software
before buying it. If you try a Shareware program and continue
using it, you are expected to register. Individual programs
differ on details -- some request registration while others
require it, some specify a maximum trial period. With
registration, you get anything from the simple right to continue
using the software to an updated program with printed manual.
Copyright laws apply to both Shareware and commercial software,
and the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below. Shareware authors are accomplished
programmers, like commercial authors, and the programs are of
comparable quality. (In both cases, there are good programs and
bad ones!) The main difference is in the method of distribution.
The author specifically grants the right to copy and distribute
the software, either to all and sundry or to a specific group.
For example, some authors require written permission before a
commercial disk vendor may copy their Shareware.
Shareware is a distribution method, not a type of software. You
should find software that suits your needs and pocketbook,
whether it's commercial or Shareware. The Shareware system makes
fitting your needs easier, because you can try before you buy.
And because the overhead is low, prices are low also. Shareware
has the ultimate money-back guarantee -- if you don't use the
produce, you don't pay for it.
DISCLAIMER - AGREEMENT
USERS OF FIXED ASSET PRO MUST ACCEPT THIS DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY:
FIXED ASSET PRO IS SUPPLIED AS IS. THE AUTHOR DISCLAIMS ALL
WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION,
THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
THE AUTHOR ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR DAMAGE, DIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL, WHICH MAY RESULT FROM THE USE OF FIXED ASSET PRO."
Fixed Asset Pro is a "Shareware program" and is provided at no
charge to the user for evaluation. Feel free to share it with
your friends, but please do not give it away altered or as part
of another system. The essence of "user-supported" software is
to provide personal computer users with quality software without
high prices, and yet to provide incentive for programmers to
continue to develop new products. If you find this program
useful and find that you are using Fixed Asset Pro and continue
to use Fixed Asset Pro after a reasonable trial period, you must
make a registration payment of $79.95 to HammerSoft (tm). The
$79.95 registration fee will license one copy for use on any one
computer at any one time. You must treat this software just like
a book. An example is that this software may be used by any
number of people and may be freely moved from one computer
location to another, so long as there is no possibility of it
being used at one location while it's being used at another.
Just as a book cannot be read by two different persons at the
same time. Commercial users of Fixed Asset Pro must register and
pay for their copies of Fixed Asset Pro within 30 days of first
use or their license is withdrawn. Site-License arrangements may
be made by contacting HammerSoft (tm).
Anyone distributing Fixed Asset Pro for any kind of remuneration
must first contact HammerSoft (tm) at the address below for
authorization. This authorization will be automatically granted
to distributors recognized by the (ASP) as adhering to its
guidelines for Shareware distributors, and such distributors may
begin offering Fixed Asset Pro immediately (However HammerSoft
(tm) must still be advised so that the distributor can be kept
up-to-date with the latest version of Fixed Asset Pro).
This is copyrighted software. You are not obtaining title to the
software or any copyright rights. You may not sub license, rent
lease, convey, modify, translate, convert to another programming
language, decompile, or disassemble the software for any purpose.
You are encouraged to pass a copy of Fixed Asset Pro along to
your friends for evaluation. Please encourage them to register
their copy if they find that they can use it. All registered
users will receive a copy of the latest version of the Fixed
Asset Pro system.
"This program is produced by a member of the Association of
Shareware Professionals (ASP). ASP wants to make sure that
the Shareware principle works for you. If you are unable to
resolve a Shareware-related problem with an ASP member by
contacting the member directly, ASP may be able to help. The
ASP Ombudsman can help you resolve a dispute or problem with
an ASP member, but does not provide technical support for
members' products. Please write to the ASP Ombudsman at 545
Grover Road, Muskegon, MI 49442 or send a CompuServe message
via CompuServe Mail to ASP Ombudsman 70007,3536."
This publication is designed to provide accurate and
authoritative information in regard to the subject matter
covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author is
not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional
service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required,
the services of a competent professional person should be sought.
HammerSoft
P.O. Box 205
Kansas, OH 44841-0205
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Chapter 1 GETTING STARTED
System Requirements........................... 1
Installation.................................. 1
Registration Entitlements..................... 2
HammerSoft (tm) Support Policy................ 2
Chapter 2 TUTOR AND QUICK START
Fixed Asset Pro Tutor......................... 3
Quick Start Reference Guide................... 7
Entering Historical Data Option............... 8
Chapter 3 HOW TO USE HELP......................... 9
Chapter 4 USING FILE MAINTENANCE
Open New File................................. 10
Close File.................................... 10
Delete File................................... 10
Reindex....................................... 10
Change Directory.............................. 11
DOS Shell..................................... 11
Quit.......................................... 11
Chapter 5 DEPRECIATION BOOKS
Income Tax Books.............................. 12
AMT Books..................................... 12
Financial Books............................... 12
State Books................................... 12
Other Books................................... 13
Chapter 6 ENTERING DATA
Setting Up FApro After Installation........... 14
Entering Client Information................... 15
Entering Asset Information.................... 16
Asset Data Entry Screen Fields................ 18
Chapter 7 PERFORMING CALCULATIONS
Calculating Current Deductions................ 26
Open Calculation Years........................ 26
Chapter 8 PRINTING REPORTS
Summary Report................................ 27
Tax Report.................................... 27
Annual Acquisitions and Dispositions Report... 27
Annual AMT Report............................. 27
Lifetime Projection........................... 28
Fixed Asset Card.............................. 28
Print Options................................. 28
Chapter 9 TAX RULES AND CONSIDERATIONS............ 30
APPENDIX A - Cursor Movements...................... 37
APPENDIX B - An Effective Tax Date Summary......... 39
INDEX
Chapter 1 GETTING STARTED
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
IBM PC, PC/XT, PC/AT, PS/2 or compatible
470K Free RAM
MS-DOS, or PC-DOS 3.0 or greater
One hard drive with a minimum of 2MB free disk space.
Color or Monochrome monitor
Dot matrix or HP LaserJet compatible printer
INSTALLATION
To conserve space, the Fixed Asset Pro disk(s) contain compressed
versions of Fixed Asset Pro program files.
Fixed Asset Pro requires a hard disk with at least 2 MB of free
disk space for installation. The Fixed Asset Pro program will use
approximately 1.5 MB of disk space after it is installed.
Fixed Asset Pro installation is simple as 1 2 3.
1) Insert disk 1 into the correct drive for the disk(s)
(5-1/4 or 3-1/2).
2) If you put the disk in A: then at the DOS prompt type
A:Install
If you put the disk in B: then at the DOS prompt type
B:Install
Press <Enter>.
3) Follow the on screen prompts while Install steps you
through the installation.
When the Install program is finished, you can start Fixed Asset
Pro by typing: FApro <Enter>.
If you need black and white mode type: FApro M <Enter>
To print the manual type: copy manual.doc prn:
The manual is a total of 49 pages in length.
The first time you run Fixed Asset Pro you must name a data
subdirectory. We recommend that you keep your data in a
subdirectory other than the FApro subdirectory. The default is
"Prodata".
For those who like to do their own installations, the files are
self extracting. You may copy the two files (FApro112.Exe,
FApro212.Exe) to a subdirectory on your hard drive using the DOS
Copy command. The recommended subdirectory name is "FApro". Once
you have copied the two files into your subdirectory run
FApro112.Exe and FApro212.Exe to extract all the files. After
both programs have finished you should delete the two files
(FApro112.Exe, FApro212.Exe) from your subdirectory. Fixed Asset
Pro requires that the FILES= statement in your Config.Sys file be
set to 30 or greater.
1
REGISTRATION ENTITLEMENTS
Registration entitles you to:
Registered Users' Version without commercials
Printed User Manual
Free Technical Support
Notification of updates and new features
Site License is available
HAMMERSOFT (tm) Support Policy
Our Preferred Method:
Fax Technical Support (419) 986-6007
Fax your comments or questions with examples and print outs
including all necessary information
Include your name, address, phone and fax numbers
Available 24 hours
Telephone (Voice) Technical Support (419) 986-6007
Free voice technical support limited to 30 minutes
10:00 am to 2:00 pm Eastern time Monday - Friday
CompuServe:
Send your comments or questions to: ID 71540,3266
Mail Support:
Send your comments or questions to:
HammerSoft
PO Box 205
Kansas, OH 44841-0205
2
Chapter 2 TUTOR AND QUICK START
FIXED ASSET PRO TUTOR
A brief tutorial on using the program
This chapter will quickly explain how to set up the program,
enter client information and enter asset data. The tutorial will
show you how to use the help screens to answer questions plus
point out the basics of using the program in a very short period
of time.
When you see items inside square brackets these are words to type
in the fields indicated.
Such as: In Description type [Our Computer].
When items are in angle brackets it represents a key. Such as:
Press <Enter> to accept.
Starting with the main menu that shows
File Book Data Entry Calculate Reports
Lesson 1 - Learn to set up your Company's information
Type <D> for Data Entry
Type <S> or Press <Enter> for Setup
Type your Company's Name and Press <Enter> or <Down Arrow>
In ADDRESS LINE 1 type in your Company's first line of
address and Press <Enter> or <Down Arrow>
In ADDRESS LINE 2 type in your Company's second line of address
and Press <Enter> or <Down Arrow>
In CITY, STATE ZIP type in the information and move to
the next field.
Type <N> if you do not have a color monitor
Select a Printer close to yours by moving the highlight with
the arrow keys and Press <Enter>
Select a Printer Port by moving the highlight with the arrow
keys and Press <Enter>
Press <F10> to save
Lesson 2 - Learn to open a file for yourself or a client
Type <F> for the File Menu
Press <Enter> or type <O> for Open/New
Type in a file name such as [New] Press <Enter>
Type <Y> to create a new file
file name is now in the bottom right corner of menu
Type <D> for Data Entry
Type <C> for Client
Type in your client's name and address or leave blank if
the program will be used for your Company only.
In Ending Fiscal Month Press <Enter> if you use calendar
year
In First Year FApro will calculate Press <F1> for help
Press <Esc> to exit help
Press <F10> to accept the current year as the first year.
3
Lesson 3 - Learn to enter asset information into the program
First Asset
Type <D> or Press <Enter> for Data Entry
Press <A> for Asset
Type <A> for Add
In Asset ID type [001] Press <Enter>
In Group type [Office] Press <Enter>
In Location type [Main St.] Press <Enter>
In Description type [Computer] Press <Enter>
In Service Date type [011090] Press <Enter>
Press <Enter> to accept N for New
Press <F2> for Method look up table
Press <Enter> to accept 200DB
Press <F2> for the Class look up table
Press <down arrow> once to move to 05M
Press <Enter> to accept class
Press <Enter> to accept 5 years
In Prior Ded type [2080] Press <Enter>
Press <Enter> 4 times to advance to Cost
In Cost type [5000] Press <Enter>
Press <Enter> to skip Land Value
In Sec 179 type [1000] Press <Enter>
Press <Enter> to skip Salvage Value
Press <down arrow> once to move to Vendor
In Vendor type [Big Computers Inc]
Press the <down arrow> key to move to Convention
In Convention Press <F2>
Press <Enter> to accept Half Year
AMT Type is already set to PP
Press the <down arrow> to Tables
In Tables Press <Enter> to accept N
Press <F10> to save
Second Asset
Type <A> for Add
In Asset ID Press <F4> to add 1 to the previous Asset ID
number now 002 is the Asset ID number
In Group Press <F4> to repeat Office as the group
In Location Press <F2> to see Location List
Press <Enter> to repeat Main St.
In Description type [Office Building] Press <Enter>
In Service Date type [100182] Press <Enter>
Press <Enter> for New
In Method Press <F2>
Use the Down Arrow to Highlight 15R and Press <Enter>
In Class Press <F2>
Press the down arrow 3 times to 15A in ACRS Press <Enter>
Press <Enter> to accept 15 years
In Prior Ded type [10650] Press <Enter>
Press <Enter> 4 times to advance to Cost
In Cost type [15000] Press <Enter>
Press <Enter> to skip Land Value
4
Press down arrow 4 times to AMT Type
In AMT Type Press <F2>
Arrow down to move to RP and Press <Enter>
Press <F10> to save
Third Asset
If Add is already highlighted Press <Enter>
In Asset ID Press <F4> to add 1 to the previous asset ID
number now 003 is the Asset ID number
In Group type [Shop] Press <Enter>
In Location Press <F4> to bring forward Main St.
In Description type [Shop Building] Press <Enter>
In Service Date type [063080] Press <Enter>
Press <Enter> for New
In Method Press <F2>
Press <Page Down> 3 times and <Up Arrow> 2 times to
highlight SL in Other Methods and Press <Enter>
In Class Press <F2>
To accept P81 - Pre 1981 Rules Press <Enter>
In Life type [25] and Press <Enter>
In Prior Ded Type [11500] and Press <Enter>
Press <Enter> 4 times to move to Cost
In Cost type [25000] and Press <Enter>
Press <F10> to save
Lesson 4 - Learn to explore the bottom menu
Press <V> for View to see a summary on screen.
Use the arrow keys along with <End> and <Home> keys to move
across the screen.
Press <ESC> to exit
Use the <right> and <left> arrow keys to move the highlight
on the bottom menu
Press <F1> to see what each function performs
Press <ESC> to exit help
Lesson 5 - Learn to move about on the help screens
Press <E> for Edit
<Arrow down> to Method
Press <F1> for help
Press <TAB> for a related subject
Press <TAB> again and Press <Enter>, to explain Farmers
Press <F1> for the index, arrow to any subject Press <Enter>
Press <ALT+F1> together to move back one level to Farmers
Press <ALT+F1> together to move back one level to Method
Press <ESC> to exit help
Press <ESC> to exit the asset record
Press <Q> to Quit
5
Lesson 6 - Learn to calculate and print reports
Press <C> for Calculate
Press <Enter> to accept full year
Press <Y> to accept the current year as the first year to
calculate
Press <R> for Reports
Type <S> for Summary Report
Press <A> to sort on Asset ID
Press <Enter> to Print Report to screen (default)
Use Arrows, Page Up and Page Down, Home and End to move
around on the report
Press <ESC> to exit report
Press <Enter> on Reports Menu
Press <P> for Projection
Press <F2> for the look-up table
Press <Enter>to accept Asset ID 001
Press <Enter> to look at the report on screen
Press <down arrow> to view report
Press <ESC> to exit
Congratulations you have now accomplished the basics of Fixed
Asset Pro.
**** SAMPLE DATA FILES ****
Fixed Asset Pro comes with a Sample file of assets for you
to browse and examine. The Sample file is composed of twenty two
assets listed as examples from the 1991 IRS Publication 534 -
Depreciation.
From the Main Menu:
Type <F> for the File Menu
Type <O> or Press <Enter> for Open/New
Press <Alt+D>
Press <Enter>
Press <Down Arrow> to highlight Sample
Press <Enter>
Press <Alt+F>
Press <Enter>
Press <D> for DataEntry
Press <A> for Asset
Move around as you desire using the methods learned in the
previous lessons
6
QUICK START REFERENCE GUIDE
How to get started with Fixed Asset Pro quickly.
Step 1 - Program Setup to be performed once only
On Main Menu choose Data Entry
On Data Entry Menu choose Setup
Complete with the owner's name, address, monitor and printer
choices
Step 2 - Open A File
On Main Menu choose File
On File Menu choose Open/New
Type in your file name
Step 3 - Enter Your Company or Client Information
On Main Menu choose Data Entry
On Data Entry Menu choose Client
Leave Name and Address blank if the Owner is the user or
type your Client's Name and Address
You MUST Complete Ending Fiscal Month
You MUST Complete First Year FApro will Calculate
Step 4 - Enter Asset Information
On Main Menu choose Data Entry
On Data Entry Menu choose Asset
On the bottom Menu line choose Add
Choose a method to enter historical data, see the next page
As you can see the Tax Book is active when you start data
entry. This is the correct book in which to begin data entry.
Switch to any other set of books after tax data is complete for
an asset.
7
ENTERING HISTORICAL DATA OPTION
You must choose between two methods of entering asset's
back data.
1. Enter all your assets with up to date accumulated depreciation
totals. Example: to begin calculating depreciation in 1992.
Enter accumulated depreciation as prior deduction in tax
book
Set the correct convention in the convention field
To use AMT Book select an AMT Type in the tax book.
Change to each book desired and edit the asset to change
any methods and lives
Enter the correct prior deduction for each book
Start calculations with the first year to calculate
2. Enter the back years data and allow the program to calculate
the depreciation and convention for each year.
Years Before MACRS (1987)
Enter all assets in any order in the Tax Book using tax
rules
To use AMT Book select an AMT Type in the tax book.
Change to each book desired and edit the asset to change
or enter any methods and lives
Calculate each year sequentially
Print each year's report after that year's calculation for
all desired books
Years After MACRS (1987)
Due to convention locking you may work in up to two years at a
time.
Enter 1987 assets
Edit any other books for methods and lives
Calculate 1987
Print 1987 reports from each book desired
Enter 1988 assets
Edit any other books for methods and lives
Calculate 1988
Print 1988 reports from each book desired
Enter 1989 assets - now 1987 conventions will be locked
Edit any other books for methods and lives
Calculate 1989
Print 1989 reports from each book desired
Continue on with later years
8
Chapter 3 HOW TO USE HELP
Context Sensitive Help
Fixed Asset Pro has context sensitive help screens that
define and explain the area of the program in which you are now
working. Press <F1> at any point in the program and the help
screen will explain that area in the program.
Move to related areas easily by using the <Tab> key to move
to the next highlighted text and press <Enter>. The highlighted
text is a cross reference that defines or explains a topic
related to the first help screen viewed.
The Help Keys
Use the following keys on the help screens:
<Page Up> - move forward one screen of text
<Page Down> - move backward one screen of text
<Ctrl+Page Up> - move to the first line of the help screen
<Ctrl+Page Down> - move to the last line of the help screen
<Tab key> - move to the next highlighted cross reference
<Shift+Tab> - move to the previous highlighted cross reference
<Alt+F1> - move backwards through the cross reference levels one
level at a time
<F1> - displays an index of help topics Use the arrow keys to
select a topic and press <Enter>.
<ESC> - exit
9
Chapter 4 USING THE FILE MAINTENANCE MENU
From the Main Menu select <F> for File.
OPENING A FILE
Select <O>pen/New.
This option will allow you to open an existing file or
create a new file. Select this option to open a dialog box. The
active file name will appear in the window if one is open. Type
the name of the file you wish to open, or type the name of a new
file you wish to start. A File Name is any legal DOS file name
without an extension. A file name can only be eight characters
long.
Use <Tab> to obtain the file pick list and arrow down to
highlight the desired file and press <Enter>. Use <Tab> to access
HELP on the dialog screen for instructions on how to use a dialog
box. The name of the open file appears on the bottom right
corner of the main menu.
CLOSING A FILE
Select <C>lose.
This option will close the active file. In the dialog box
Press <Y> for yes to close a file. Press <N> to keep the file
open.
DELETING A FILE
Select <D>elete.
This option will delete the selected file. A dialog box
will appear. Type in the name of the file you wish to delete, or
select a file to delete from the Files Pick List. Press <Enter>
when ready.
REINDEXING THE CURRENT FILE
Select <R>eindex.
Reindexing steps through every asset in the active file and
rebuilds the computer's index files. This assures you of the
correct sort order and improves performance.
Perform reindexing periodically to improve performance
during sorts, searches and report building. If for any reason
your assets are out of the selected sort order, you should
reindex.
10
CHANGING THE DEFAULT DATA SUBDIRECTORY
Select C<h>ange Dir.
This option will allow you to change the data subdirectory.
Type in the name of the subdirectory desired. Select TREE to
display your subdirectories in a graphic tree format. Highlight
your subdirectory and press <Enter> to select the subdirectory.
Your choice of subdirectory now becomes the default
subdirectory and will be active the next time you start up the
program.
RUNNING EXTERNAL DOS COMMANDS
Select Dos <S>hell.
This option allows you to perform most DOS functions. Use
DOS SHELL to run other programs if they will fit within the
memory available.
WARNING:
Some programs you cannot run from the DOS SHELL are programs
that delete open files such as the DOS function chkdsk or any
disk defragmenter.
The screen displayed in the upper left hand corner shows
whether the program has swapped to expanded memory and the number
of bytes that have been swapped. Free ram remaining will appear
on the third line.
Type EXIT to return to Fixed Asset Pro.
ENDING A FApro SESSION
Select <Q>uit.
This option exits from Fixed Asset Pro. Pressing <F3> while
on the main menu also will exit the program.
11
Chapter 5 DEPRECIATION BOOKS
TYPES OF DEPRECIATION BOOKS
From the Main menu select <B>ook.
This option displays your choice of different depreciation
books you can maintain. There are five different depreciation
books available. Add assets in the tax book, so most fields will
automatically transfer to each of the other set of books.
INCOME TAX BOOK
Select <T>ax.
This option is for Federal Tax depreciation records. The Tax
Book is the default active book each time you start the program.
Enter your asset information here first and the data will
duplicate as needed in the other books. You should review all
default methods and lives the program has set in the other books
for accuracy and change any that are not correct.
AMT BOOK
Select <A>mt.
This option is for Federal Alternative Minimum Tax
depreciation records. Default methods and lives are set for all
assets when you enter the correct AMT type in the tax book. You
should review all defaults for accuracy and change any that are
not correct. Refer to the current issue of IRS Publication 534
for the correct class life for your type of property to use in
AMT book.
The AMT type is automatically set for assets placed in
service after 1986 . The life or period of personal property
assets vary considerably, the default life is set to 12 years.
Edit all lives that are different according to IRS Publication
534.
FINANCIAL BOOK
Select <F>inancial.
This option is for Corporate Earnings and Profit
depreciation records. The applicable straight line method and
life is set when you enter the tax information. You should review
all defaults for accuracy and change any that are not correct.
12
STATE BOOK
Select <S>tate.
This option is your resident state depreciation records.
Edit each asset to select a method and life in this set of books.
If you do not desire to use this set of books, then do not set
the methods or lives. When no method or life is set, the program
will not calculate this set of books resulting in faster
calculations.
OTHER BOOK
Select <O>ther.
This option is for any other depreciation records you may
desire. Edit each asset to select a method and life in this set
of books. If you do not desire to use this set of books, then do
not set the methods or lives. When no method or life is set, the
program will not calculate this set of books resulting in faster
calculations.
13
Chapter 6 ENTERING DATA
SETTING UP FApro AFTER INSTALLATION
From the <D>ataEntry pulldown menu select <S>etup.
Complete this option first to set up the Company that owns
Fixed Asset Pro. Type all the company information on the
designated lines.
Type <Y> for yes if you wish color on a color monitor. Type
<N> for no if you desire black and white on your color monitor.
Switch to black and white if your screen is not clear on a LCD
monitor.
A printer pick list will appear for selecting your printer.
Select your printer or the closest one to your printer. If none
are close to your printer, select Generic Epson printer.
Press <F10> to exit and save.
NAME
This field is for the owner of the program. This name
appears on top of the reports.
ADDRESS 1
Type in the address of the owner of the program.
ADDRESS 2
Type in the post office box of the owner of the program.
CITY, STATE ZIP
Type in the city, state and zip of the owner of the program.
COLOR MONITOR
Type <Y> for yes if you wish color on a color monitor. Type
<N> for no if you desire black and white on your color monitor.
Switch to black and white if your screen is not clear on a LCD
monitor.
PORT TYPE
Select by using the arrow keys or use the mouse to choose
one of the printer ports connected. The default is LPT1 and is
the most commonly used port.
PRINTER TYPE
A printer pick list will appear for selecting your printer.
Select your printer or the closest one to your printer. If none
are close to your printer, select Generic Epson printer.
14
**** ENTERING CLIENT INFORMATION ****
From the <D>ataEntry pulldown menu select <C>lient.
THE FISCAL YEAR AND THE FIRST YEAR CALCULATED MUST BE COMPLETED
This option allows you to enter information on different
clients if you keep records for more than one company. If using
this program for the owner only, leave the client name blank.
Enter information on each client that you open. Enter the
client's name and address. For each client or for one company
enter the ending fiscal month. Ending fiscal month is the last
month of your accounting and tax year. If you are on a calendar
year, the default of 12 is correct.
Enter the first year you will calculate with Fixed Asset
Pro. Set your accumulated depreciation amounts to include all
years before the first year calculated.
COMPANY NAME
Complete the name and address section with your Client's
information. If you are using this program for the owner only,
do not complete the name and address. Always complete the Ending
Fiscal Month and First Calculation Year.
COMPANY ADDRESS 1
Enter the first address line of your client here. Leave
blank if using for a single company. Always complete the Ending
Fiscal Month and First Calculation Year.
COMPANY ADDRESS 2
Enter the second address line of your client here. Leave
blank if using for a single company. Always complete the Ending
Fiscal Month and First Calculation Year.
CITY, STATE ZIP
Enter the city, state and zip of your client here. Leave
blank if using for a single company. Always complete the Ending
Fiscal Month and First Calculation Year.
ENDING FISCAL MONTH
This is the ending fiscal month of your accounting and tax
year. If you are on the calendar year, accept the default of 12.
ALWAYS complete this data field for each file.
15
FIRST CALC YEAR
Enter the first year you will use Fixed Asset Pro to
calculate depreciation. Set all your accumulated depreciation
amounts to include all years before the first year of
calculation. ALWAYS complete this data field for each file.
**** ENTERING ASSET INFORMATION ****
From the <D>ataEntry pulldown menu select <A>sset.
This option allows entry of all the information on each
asset to be depreciated. Along the bottom is a menu line of
actions. To select an action press the highlighted letter or
move the highlight bar to the desired action and Press <Enter>.
The Bottom Menu has all of the following options:
ADD RECORD
This option gives you a blank record to complete. The
cursor is placed in the first field (Asset ID) of the record.
See the commands available on the bottom of the screen.
When a command is highlighted, press <F1> to get context
sensitive help to see what task each command performs. <Tab>
key, arrow keys and <Enter> will move you forward in the fields.
<Shift+Tab> keys together and arrow keys will move you backwards
through the fields. Press <F10> to save and exit. <Esc> key will
exit without saving. <F2> will present a look up table available
for certain fields.
Add all assets in the tax book. If you are currently in any
other book the program will change to the tax book and tell you
that it has changed to tax book. Enter all your assets original
methods and lives using tax rules.
EDIT RECORD
Edit mode allows you to change a saved record. Use the
arrow keys, <Tab>, <Shift+Tab> and <Enter> to move around on the
screen. Change any field. Press <F10> to save your changes.
<Esc> will exit without saving.
You may need to recalculate for this year if you have edited
any assets after calculating deductions. Editing a record will
not change default methods or lives in other books.
DELETE RECORD
This option will allow you to delete a record. Press <D>
for delete. A dialog screen will appear to confirm your deletion.
Select <Y> for yes to delete the record. Press <Enter> also
will delete the asset. Select <N> for no and this will cancel
the action.
16
FIND RECORD
The find option will allow you six different ways to search
for a record. Enter any information you have on the asset. A
search by asset ID is the fastest way to find a record. You can
enter info in more than one field. You can use part of a word to
perform a search. Press <F10> to search.
NEXT RECORD
This option will move you forward one record at a time from
the record you start on through the end of the file. A beep will
sound when you have reached the end or bottom of the file.
PREVIOUS RECORD
This option will move you backward one record at a time from
the record you start on through to the beginning of the file. A
beep will sound when you have reached the beginning or top of the
file.
TOP RECORD
This option will take you to the first record of the file.
BOTTOM RECORD
This option will take you to the last record of the file.
VIEWING ASSETS
This option will display certain fields in a spreadsheet
type format.
<Home> - takes you to the far left of the screen which
is asset ID
<Arrow> keys - use the up and down arrow keys to highlight an
asset
<End> - takes you to the far right of the screen which
is basis
<Enter> - highlight the record you desire and press
<Enter> this will access the record
<Scroll> - use the mouse with the side scroll bar to move
quickly
<Esc> - escape will leave the view record option
SORT ORDER
This option will allow you to select how your asset will be
sorted. Remember numerical Asset ID's will only be in correct
ascending sort order if you use leading zeros.
Sort options are:
Asset ID
Group, Class, Date
Date
17
QUIT DATAENTRY
This option will quit the data entry of assets and return
you to the main menu. Press the letter <Q> to quit or use the
arrow to move the highlight bar to Quit and press enter.
**** ASSET DATAENTRY SCREEN FIELDS ****
From the Bottom Menu Press <A> for add.
ASSET ID
This field is a ten character alphanumeric field for
numbering of your assets. The program will not allow duplication
of asset ID numbers. For automatic numbering press <F4> to add 1
to the last entered Asset ID number. This can be used to make
data entry easier. To sort numbers accurately, use leading zeros
to make the program sort in ascending order.
GROUP
This field is a ten character alphanumeric field that allows
you to group assets in categories that you name. Upon entering
your group name a table will be developed. Press <F2> to find
group names used before in a look up list. Press <F4> to copy
the last asset's group name into this record.
GROUP LOOKUP TABLE
The program keeps a list of all the different GROUPS that
are entered into the program. Use the up and down arrow keys and
press <Enter> to select the correct Group.
LOCATION
This field is a twenty character alphanumeric field that
allows you to group assets by location. Upon entering your
location names a table will be developed so in the future any
location name used before can be found in a look up list by
pressing <F2> Look Up. Press <F4> to copy the last asset's
location name into this record.
LOCATION LOOKUP TABLE
The program keeps a list of all the different LOCATIONS
entered into the program. Use the up and down arrow keys and
press <Enter> to make your selection.
18
DESCRIPTION
This field is a twenty character alphanumeric field that
allows a description of the asset.
SERVICE DATE
This field represents the date the asset is placed into
service to begin its depreciation. Type two digits for the month
and day. If you type the last two digits of the year the program
will fill in the first two digits of the year. Press <F4> to
copy the last asset's service date into this field.
CONDITION
This field represents the condition of the asset upon its
placement into service. Type <N> for new or <U> for used.
METHOD
This field determines the depreciation method used. When
adding an asset select the method to use for income tax purposes.
Press <F2> for the look up table to give you the code for each
method. The look up table is arranged from the latest methods
available to earlier methods used. Press <F4> to copy the last
asset's method forward to this asset.
Note to Farmers:
Property placed in service after 1988 in a farming business
cannot use 200% declining balance method. Instead the farmer can
use the 150% declining balance method or elect a straight line
method. If a farmer elects not to apply the uniform
capitalization rules to any plant or animals produced in a
farming business, then he must use the alternate MACRS method
(ADS). The ADS applies to all property placed in service in any
tax year for which the election is in effect.
METHOD LOOKUP TABLE
This look up table shows all methods available for Fixed
Asset Pro. The methods are arranged from MACRS to Pre 1981
depreciation methods. The method labeled NONE will allow manual
entry of any amount as the current depreciation deduction.
CLASS
This field represents the depreciation class to which the
asset belongs. Press <F2> for the look up table to give you the
code for each class. The look up table is arranged from the
latest classes available to earlier classes used. Press <F4> to
copy the last asset's class forward to this asset.
19
CLASS LOOKUP TABLE
This look up table is to place the asset in the correct
class for tax purposes. The classes are arranged from MACRS to
Pre 1981 classes.
LIFE
This field is the total period in years (or life) to
depreciate the asset. Press <F1> for the help screen to show an
excerpt of the current 1991 IRS Table of Class Lives and Recovery
Periods of the most frequently used assets.
SWITCH YEAR
This field appears when you elect to switch to the straight
line method from one of the Pre 1981 Rules declining balance
methods. The Switch Year tells Fixed Asset Pro the number of the
year you want to change to straight line depreciation. Example:
For a ten year asset type [6] to change to straight line
depreciation in the sixth year.
PRIOR DEDUCTION
This field is all accumulated depreciation taken before the
first year the program is used to calculate. Fixed Asset Pro
will add to the prior deduction after you use the program to
calculate.
Enter a prior deduction amount for each book that you wish
to maintain. If no prior deduction is entered in the tax book,
the prior deduction field will lock in all the books.
Prior Deduction will become accumulated depreciation and
will lock when an asset is entered with a date placed in service
before the first year calculated. Prior deduction will remain
unlocked, while you are working in the two open calculation
years.
REMEMBER ACCURACY IS THE KEY TO CORRECT COMPUTATIONS.
In DataEntry under Client:
Step 1 Set the year ending fiscal month of your accounting year.
Step 2 Set the first year the program is to calculate.
In DataEntry under Asset:
Step 3 Sum your accumulated depreciation for all years before the
year assigned as the first year the program is to calculate.
Enter this sum in the Prior Deduction field when adding the
asset. Each book will have a different prior deduction so edit
all books to set the prior deduction.
ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
Accumulated Depreciation is the total of the prior deduction
entered during the program set up plus depreciation deductions
calculated by Fixed Asset Pro.
20
BUSINESS USE PERCENTAGE
This field is available for entry of the percentage of
business usage of an asset. This field plus the production use
percentage field cannot total more than 100%. Qualified business
use is any use in your trade or business.
PRODUCTION USE PERCENTAGE
This field is available for entry of the percentage of
production of income or investment usage allowable for the asset.
The use of listed property in the production of income is not a
qualified business use. This field plus the Business use
percentage field cannot total more than 100%.
DISPOSAL DATE
This field is a date field used to record the date of
disposal of the asset. Type two digits for the month and day. If
you type the last two digits of the year the program will fill in
the first two digits of the year. When an asset is disposed in
the current year, it will be printed in the Annual Activity
Report as a disposition. The year following disposal the asset
will not appear on any reports.
SALES PRICE
This field is available to enter the sales price obtained on
disposal of the asset. The sales price of the asset will print
on the Annual Disposition Report.
COST
This field allows entry of the cost or basis of the asset.
LAND VALUE
This field is for land value of real property assets. Land
value will be subtracted from the basis and will not be
depreciated.
FIRST YEAR ADDITIONAL DEPRECIATION
First Year Additional Depreciation is the optional deduction
allowed in years before 1981. Allowed only for personal property
with a useful of at least six years the additional deduction may
not exceed 20% of the cost. The program will automatically limit
first year additional depreciation to 20% of the cost, adjusted
by the business and investment use percentages.
21
SECTION 179
This field is for the amount of Code Section 179 or
"Expensing" you elect for this asset. Expensing applies to
property acquired by purchase for use in the active conduct of a
trade or business and placed in service after 1981. The program
applies various limits and will show a warning when you exceed a
limit. A limit applies to this field for the total of Section
179 deduction that can be taken for any given year. Also an
investment limit applies which reduces the total expensing
allowed if the total cost of property placed into service exceeds
$200,000.00 in one year.
You cannot expense an amount greater than the cash
difference paid for qualifying assets.
You cannot expense an amount greater than the total taxable
income from the active conduct of all trades or businesses. If
your expensing is reduced because of the taxable income limit you
need to manually adjust this field for the reduction, if you
decide not to carryover the unallowable deduction.
SALVAGE VALUE
This field allows entry of the salvage value. Salvage value
is the estimated value of property at the end of its useful life.
The salvage value is subtracted from basis for computing Pre 1981
Rules straight line and sum of the years digits methods. Pre 1981
Rules declining balance method will not depreciate below salvage
value. All other methods ignore salvage value.
ITC OPTION
This field provides a Lookup table for the investment tax
credit options that are available according to the service date
of the asset. Press <F2> to use the options available. If you
select option <O> to manually adjust the basis and the year
placed in service is 1983-1985 then on the bottom right hand
corner of the Asset Entry screen will appear a box to enter the
amount you wish to adjust (subtract from) the basis.
ITC LOOKUP TABLE
Select an option for the Investment Tax Credit. The options
from the pick list will vary as to the tax laws in effect for the
year placed in service. Use the up and down arrow keys and press
<Enter> to select the ITC option.
ITC TAKEN
This field will be calculated for the amount of investment
tax credit allowed according to the code you have entered under
22
ITC option. If you have selected <O> from the pick list then you
must manually enter the amount of investment tax credit taken.
If the asset was placed into service in 1983 through 1985 then
the adjusted basis field will appear. ITC was generally repealed
after 1985, except for transition property.
For tax years after the year the property was placed in
service, if the business or investment use percentages increase
you cannot take additional investment tax credit. If the total
use percentages decrease, you must recapture the difference. By
changing the use percentages, the ITC Taken amount will change.
Always refer to the year the asset was placed in service, for the
correct amount of ITC Taken.
ITC Taken is limited by business use percentage. ITC limits
apply to automobiles placed in service after 6/18/84 that are
also adjusted for business use percentage.
SECTION 179 VENDOR
This field is twenty character alphanumeric that allows
entry of the name of the vendor from whom you purchase the asset.
This information is required to be maintained for any asset that
you make an expense election under Code Section 179.
LISTED PROPERTY
Listed property is the following properties placed in
service
after June 18, 1984:
Automobiles
Other property used for transportation
Property used for entertainment, recreation or amusement
Computers and related peripheral equipment
Also Cellular telephone place in service after 1989
This field requires a code made available on a look up
table. Press <F2> to open the look up screen and select the
correct code.
<N> not applicable or not listed property
<A> automobile
<O> other listed property (including vehicles over 6,000 lbs.)
LISTED PROPERTY LOOKUP TABLE
Select an option for listed property. Select <N> if the
property is not listed property. Select <A> if the property is
an automobile. Select <O> for other listed property. Use the up
and down arrow keys and press <Enter> to select the listed property
option.
23
CONVENTION
This field will automatically calculate for assets placed in
service after 1986, if the program is allowed to calculate for
the year the asset is placed in service.
Manually set the convention for any assets if the program
does not calculate for the year the asset is placed in service.
Press <F2> to open the look up screen and select the correct
code for the convention.
[HY] half year convention.
[MQ] mid quarter convention.
[MM] mid-month convention for real property.
Under MACRS the HY and MQ conventions will lock when you
advance past the second calculation year.
When advancing into a new year, a message will appear asking
if you desire to lock the second oldest year.
Answer yes if:
1. you are finished with any changes to the assets
2. you have calculated for that year
3. you have made all the print outs for that year
ACRS conventions are reflected in the table percentages. Pre
1981 assets are pro-rated by the number of months in use.
CONVENTION LOOKUP TABLE
For MACRS property the convention will automatically be set
by the program, when the program is allowed to calculate for the
year this property is placed into service. Set the convention
manually, when the program does not calculate for the year this
asset is placed into service. Use the up and down arrow keys and
press <Enter> to select the convention.
BASIS
The program will calculate this field, from your entries in
the previous fields. This is basis available to be depreciated.
AMT TYPE
This field requires a code from the AMT Type look up table.
Press <F2> to open the look up screen and select the correct
code. Select the correct AMT Type code when adding an asset and
the program will set default methods and lives in the AMT books.
The life or period of personal property assets vary
significantly, the default is 12 years. Edit and change all
lives that are different according to IRS Publication 534.
24
ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX LOOKUP TABLE
Select the required Alternative Minimum Tax Category. By
completing this field the AMT Book will be completed with default
methods and lives. The life or period of personal property assets
vary significantly, the default is set to 12 years. Edit all
lives that are different according to IRS Publication 534.
Remember AMT is computed on accelerated depreciation only.
ADJUSTED BASIS
This field appears only when you select <O> in the ITC
option field and the asset was placed into service in 1983
through 1985. Enter here the basis adjustment amount or the
amount you wish to subtract from the depreciable basis.
TABLES
In this field enter <Y> for yes if you wish to use IRS MACRS
percentage tables. Enter <N> for the program to use MACRS
formulas for the calculations. This field applies to MACRS
calculations only.
If you use the percentages from the tables to figure the
depreciation deduction for an item, you must continue to use the
tables for the entire recovery life of the property.
You cannot continue to use the tables if there is an
adjustment to basis for reasons other than:
Depreciation allowed or allowable
Addition, reduction or improvement to the property
Short tax year
TIP: Automobiles placed in service in the current year will yield
a higher deduction in the later years if you choose calculations
over tables. See Passenger Automobiles in the Tax Rules and
Considerations Chapter.
CURRENT DEDUCTION
Select NONE as the method. This field will appear during
calculate and allow manual entry of the desired current years
depreciation deduction for each book that NONE is the method.
The method NONE must be selected for each book you wish to make
active. NONE will not default to other books during the add
routine.
25
Chapter 7 PERFORMING CALCULATIONS
CALCULATING CURRENT DEDUCTIONS
From the <C>alculate pulldown menu select <F>ull Year.
This option calculates depreciation for a full 12 month
year. A dialog box will show the year entered for the first
year of calculation or the last year actually calculated. Enter
the next year to calculate. Calculate each year in order, do not
omit any years. This will keep the accumulated depreciation
totals correct. The program will allow you to calculate one year
before and one year after the last year calculated. Press <Enter>
or push <O> for OK to calculate. Press <N> to cancel
calculations.
If the method NONE is selected for an asset, a screen will
appear asking for the manual entry of current depreciation
deduction for each asset in each book that NONE is the method.
The dialog box will show the Asset ID, description of the asset,
the year of calculation, the book name in the lower left corner
and the file name in the lower right corner.
OPEN CALCULATION YEARS
To allow for entering assets and changing data in one year
at closing and beginning a new year with new assets, FApro will
keep two years open at one time. This is convenient to work on
one year's tax return, while running projections for the next
year with new assets added to old assets. Once you advance to
the third year the conventions are locked in the oldest of the
three years, allowing only two years to remain open.
After conventions are locked, they are not changed by adding
or deleting assets in later years. Before locking conventions, a
message will appear asking if you desire to lock a specific year.
Answer yes if you are finished with changes to assets, you have
calculated for the year and made print outs for the year.
26
Chapter 8 PRINTING REPORTS
PRINTING REPORTS
From the Main menu select <R>eports.
This menu option allows you to print six different reports.
Upon selecting a report to print you will access a print dialog
box that will allow you to sort in different ways, send the
information to the printer, the screen or a file, select the year
of a report, or change to a different printer. Help on how to
use the dialog box is available. Press <Tab> to move to the help
bar. Press <Enter> at any time on this menu to accept the screen
and advance to the report.
SUMMARY REPORT
Select <S>ummary.
This report prints a summary of most of the details of the
data entry screen. You may sort in seven different orders as
selected on the dialog box. The report is printed for one of the
two active years. Print the report to the screen or to the
printer.
TAX REPORT
Select <T>ax.
This report is a Depreciation Summary Expense Report. Totals
are by Class within the sort order you specify.
ANNUAL ACTIVITY REPORT
Select <A>nnual Activity.
This report is an Annual Activity Report with current year
acquisitions and dispositions listed.
ANNUAL AMT REPORT
Select Annual A<M>T.
This report is an Alternative Minimum Tax Depreciation
Report. It will show depreciation adjustments by total and
depreciation preference items individually. The totals are
separated to be used on IRS Form 6251 when the AMT type codes are
set properly and the lives are set to the proper class life.
27
LIFETIME PROJECTION REPORT
Select <P>rojection.
This report is a Lifetime Projection Report on one asset.
Choose an asset by entering the asset's ID. The projection will
compare the asset's tax method to straight line method. An
Alternative Minimum Tax depreciation projection is shown if the
AMT Type is set.
FIXED ASSET CARD
Select <F>ixed Asset Card.
This report will print all the data on an asset for the
active book. Choose All to see the entire file. Specify by
asset ID to see one asset. Select All and send to the printer,
to print your assets three to a sheet of paper.
**** PRINT OPTIONS ****
The following are user selectable options on the Print Options
Dialog Box. This screen displays each time a report is selected.
SORT ORDER
Use the arrow keys to select a sort order preference or
press the highlighted letter or click on it with a mouse. The
assets will be arranged in ascending order.
ASSET ID
This option only appears for the Projection or Fixed Asset
Card reports. Type the asset ID of the asset you desire to print
a Projection or a Fixed Asset Card.
ASSET ID LOOKUP TABLE
This is a list of the ASSET IDs entered in this file. Press
<F2> to view Asset ID's. Use the up and down arrow keys and then
press <Enter> to make your selection.
SEND REPORT TO
Use the arrow keys, the mouse or press <Alt> + and the
highlighted letter together to select the destination of your
report. When you choose to send the report to a file, the File
Name field will appear. Tab to file name and type in a name for
the report. If no name is entered, the report will be
automatically be labeled Report.TXT. When you send the report to
the printer, you may change the port and default printer if
desired.
28
REPORT FILE NAME
The file name is any legal DOS file name without an
extension. A file name can only be eight characters long. Type
in the name of the file or use the pick list to select a file.
If you do not designate a report name, the program will
automatically name it REPORT.TXT.
REPORT YEAR
Select with arrow keys, use the mouse or press the <Alt> +
the highlighted 1 or 2 together, to select one of the two years
available for reports.
PORT
Select by using the arrow keys, the mouse or press <Alt> +
the highlighted letter together to choose one of the printer
ports connected. The default is LPT 1 and the most commonly used
port.
PRINTER PICK LIST
The default printer is highlighted. For this report, you
may choose any other printer desired.
29
Chapter 9 INCOME TAX RULES AND CONSIDERATIONS
This chapter is a brief summary of definitions and rules
contained in IRS Publication 534-Depreciation. Consult this
publication along with other more detailed tax information
services when a question arises.
Amortization
Amortization is similar to depreciation. It allows cost or
basis recovery for certain property proportionately (straight
line) over a stated number of years or months. Some costs that
can be amortized are costs of starting a business, reforestation
and pollution control facilities, construction period interest
and taxes, costs of acquiring a lease, trademarks and trade
names.
Alternative minimum tax
If you use accelerated depreciation for real property, or
personal property placed in service after 1986 or personal
property that is leased to others placed in service before 1987
you may be liable for the alternative minimum tax. Accelerated
depreciation is any method, including MACRS and ACRS, that allows
recovery at a faster rate in the earlier years than the straight
line method.
Tangible Property Placed In Service After 1986
For AMT purposes, you must use the alternate modified
accelerated cost recovery system (alternate MACRS) to depreciate
tangible property placed in service after 1986 (or after July
1986 if you elected to use MACRS). Depreciation using alternate
MACRS is generally figured using the SL method over a specified
recovery period. Refer to the current issue of IRS Publication
534 for the correct class life for your type of property to use
for AMT book. However, to figure AMT depreciation on personal
property (other than property depreciated for regular tax
purposes under the SL method), you must use the 150% DB method
over the alternate MACRS recovery period.
Accelerated Real Property Placed In Service Before 1987
For AMT purposes, the depreciation or amortization you took
for regular tax purposes on real property placed in service
before 1987, minus the depreciation you would have been allowed
under the SL method is a tax preference item.
Accelerated Leased Personal Property Placed in Service Before
1987
The depreciation or amortization you took during the tax
year on personal property leased to others, minus the
depreciation that would have been allowed using the SL method, is
a tax preference item.
30
Partial business use
If you use property for both business and nonbusiness use,
you can deduct depreciation only for the part used in your
business. Nonbusiness use is not deductible.
Partial investment use
If you hold property for both production of income and
nonbusiness use, you can deduct depreciation only for the part
held for the production of income. Nonbusiness use is not
deductible.
Land
Land can never be depreciated. This generally includes the
cost of clearing, grading, planting, and landscaping because
these expenses are all part of the land cost. However, you can
depreciate certain land preparation costs if they are so closely
associated with a depreciable asset that it is possible to
determine a life for the preparation costs along with the life of
the asset with which it is associated.
Listed property
There are special rules that limit the depreciation and
section 179 deductions you can claim on passenger automobiles,
other transportation vehicles, home computers, and certain other
property placed in service after June 18, 1984. In addition,
special rules apply if the property is not used more than 50% in
a qualified business use during the year.
Section 179 Deduction "Expensing"
Expensing applies to property acquired by purchase for use
in an active conduct of a trade or business and placed in
service after 1981.
You can elect to treat all or part of the cost of certain
qualifying property as an expense rather than a capital
expenditure. This means you can deduct all or part of the cost
in one year rather than taking depreciation deductions spread
over several years. You must decide for each item of qualifying
property whether to deduct, subject to the yearly limit, or
capitalize and depreciate its cost. If you make the election for
a section 179 deduction, you can deduct a limited amount of the
cost of qualifying property in the first year you place the
property in service.
Placed in service - property is considered placed in service
in the tax year it is first ready and available for its specified
use, whether in a trade or business, the production of income, a
tax exempt activity, or a personal activity.
Qualifying property - is depreciable property that is
section 1245 property and that is bought for use in the active
conduct of your trade or business. You cannot elect to deduct
the cost of property held merely for the production of income.
31
Nor can you take depreciation to the extent that you elect to
deduct the cost of the property. The decision whether property
is section 1245 property is made in the first year the property
is placed in service.
Deduction limit - the total cost you can elect for a tax
year cannot exceed $10,000 currently. The limit applies to each
taxpayer. A married couple is considered one taxpayer. This
limit can be reduced by certain other provisions.
Investment limit - for each dollar of cost of section 1245
property placed in service in excess of $200,000 in a tax year,
the $10,000 maximum is reduced by one dollar.
Taxable income limit - the total cost that can be deducted
in each year is limited to the taxable income from the active
conduct of any trade or business during the tax year. This limit
is not applied within the program, Fixed Asset Pro.
Passenger automobiles - are limited to the first year
depreciation allowed for autos.
Partnerships and S Corporations - the limits apply to the
separate entity and also to each taxpayer.
Records - you must maintain records that permit specific
identification of each piece of section 179 property and show how
and from whom the property was acquired and when it was placed in
service.
Recapture - if you deduct the cost of property placed in
service after 1986 and the property is not used more than 50% in
a trade or business for any tax year before the end of the
property's recovery period, you must include in income the
benefit derived.
Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS)
MACRS applies to all tangible property placed in service
after 1986. MACRS provides two systems for depreciating
property. The main system is referred to as the General
Depreciation System (GDS) and applies to most property. The
second system is referred to as the Alternative Depreciation
System (ADS). Unless ADS is specifically required by law or you
elect it, GDS is generally used to figure you depreciation
deduction.
Real property acquired before 1987 that is changed from
personal use to a business or income producing use after 1986
must be depreciated under MACRS
Straight line election - instead of using the declining
balance methods, you can elect to use the SL method over the GDS
(regular MACRS) recovery period. The election to use the SL
method for one item in a property class applies to all property
placed in service in the tax year of the election.
150% Election over ADS - Instead of using the 200% or 150%
declining balance methods over the GDS(regular MACRS) recovery
period, you can elect to use the 150% declining balance method
over the ADS (alternate MACRS) recovery period. The election to
use the 150% declining balance method for one item in a property
class applies to all property in that class placed in service in
the tax year of the election.
32
Farm Restrictions
Property placed in service after 1988 in a farming business
is depreciated using the 150% declining balance method instead of
the 200% declining balance method.
If you elect not to apply the uniform capitalization rules
to any product in a farming business you must use the ADS
(alternate MACRS)
MACRS
5 Methods Summary Table
GDS
Method Life
200DB - 200%DB over GDS recovery life
150DB - 150%DB over GDS recovery life
GDSSL - SL over GDS recovery life (must elect)
ADSDB - 150%DB over ADS recovery life (must elect)
ADS (Alternate MACRS)
ADSSL - SL over ADS recovery life
You can elect to use ADS for property that qualifies for GDS.
The GDS recovery periods are generally shorter than ADS recovery
periods.
ADS Required
ADS (alternate MACRS) method of computing depreciation is
required for:
tangible property used during the tax year
predominantly outside of the United States
tax-exempt use property
property financed by an obligation the interest of
which is tax exempt
listed property not used predominately in business
farmers electing not to apply uniform capitalization
The election of the ADS (alternate MACRS) method for
one item in a property class applies to all property in that
class placed in service in the tax year of the election.
However, the election applies on a property by property basis for
nonresidential real and residential rental property.
Once you elect to use the ADS (alternate MACRS) method
for an item of property, you cannot switch to any other method
for that property.
Mandatory use of the SL method for listed property does not
have a binding effect on other depreciable property in that
class.
Tables for MACRS
If you use the percentages from the tables to figure the
depreciation deduction for an item of property, you must continue
to use the tables to figure the deductions for this property the
entire recovery period of the property. You cannot continue to
use the tables if there are any adjustments to the basis of the
property for reasons other than:
33
(1) Depreciation allowed or allowable, or
(2) An addition or improvement to that property depreciated
as a separate item of property
Passenger Automobiles
For passenger automobiles placed in service after June 18,
1984, the total of the section 179 deduction and depreciation
deduction is limited. The limit is indexed each year for
inflation.
TIP..Apply the section 179 deduction to non-auto assets when the
depreciation deduction for autos reach the maximum allowed
without the section 179 deduction.
If you choose to use the standard mileage rate in the first
year of business use, you are considered to have made an election
not to use depreciation, since the standard mileage rate allows
for depreciation. You also cannot claim section 179 deduction.
If you change to the actual cost method in a later year, but
before your car is considered fully depreciated, you have to
estimate the useful life of the car and use SL depreciation.
TIP..Depreciation deductions will be increased during the
unrecovered basis years for an auto if calculations are used
versus using the tables. If you have not yet used the tables for
this automobile, then consider using calculations.
Listed Property with Partial Business Use
If listed property is placed in service after June 18, 1984
is not used predominantly (more than 50%) in a qualified business
use during the year, the section 179 deduction on the property is
not allowed and the property must be depreciated using the
SL method. The mandatory use of the SL method for listed
property is not an election of the SL method for other property
in the same class as the listed property.
Qualified Business Use
A qualified business use is any use in your trade or
business. This does not include use of property held merely for
the production of income (investment use). Qualified business
use does not include certain uses by a 5% owner or related
persons.
Investment Use
The use of listed property in the production of income is
not a qualified business use. Whether the use of the SL method
is required for listed property is determined by reference to the
qualified business use rather than be reference to
business/investment use.
34
Predominate Use Test
Listed property is predominantly used in a qualified
business use for any tax year if the business use is more than
50% of the total use of the property. The percentage of
investment use of listed property is not part of the percentage
of qualified business use for purposes of the more than 50% test.
However, the combined total of business and investment use is
taken into account to figure the depreciation deduction.
Accelerated Cost Recovery System (ACRS)
ACRS is used for most tangible depreciable assets placed in
service after 1980 and before 1987. You must continue to figure
your depreciation under ACRS for assets placed in service after
1980 and before 1987. You must use MACRS for assets placed in
service after 1986.
ACRS allows you to recover the unadjusted basis of recovery
property over a recovery period. Your property's recovery period
is determined by its recovery class. The recovery class of your
property is 3-year, 5-year, 10-year, 15-year, 18-year, or 19-
year. A recovery percentage for each year of the recovery period
is prescribed for figuring your ACRS deduction. You cannot use
ACRS for property you placed in service before 1981 or after
1986. Nor can ACRS be used for intangible depreciable property.
Alternate ACRS Method
At your election you could have used a method for recovering
the unadjusted basis of your recovery property that used a
recovery percentage based on a modified straight line method.
This alternative ACRS method generally used percentages other
than those from the tables. If you elected the alternate ACRS
method, you used the following schedule for other than 18 and 19
year real property and low-income housing to determine the
recovery period.
In the case of: You could elect recovery period:
3-year property 3, 5 or 12 years
5-year property 5, 12 or 25 years
10-year property 10, 12, or 35 years
15-year property 15, 35 or 45 years
In the case of 3, 5 and 10-year property if you elected to
use an alternative recovery period, you have to use the same
period for all property in that class that you placed in service
in that tax year and it applies throughout the recovery period
you selected.
A half year convention also will apply to Alternate ACRS Method.
Depreciating Property Not Under MACRS
If your property can be depreciated under MACRS, you must
use MACRS. If your property is already being depreciated under
ACRS or MACRS, you must continue to use the methods and rules for
35
depreciation applicable when you placed the property in service.
Certain property because of special rules that exclude it from
MACRS cannot use MACRS. If property is excluded, use one of two
of the reasonable methods used before 1981.
Reasonable Methods
Two reasonable methods of depreciation used before 1981 are
the straight line and the declining balance methods. If ACRS or
MACRS does not apply, you can use one of these methods. These
methods are not calculated the same as straight line or declining
balance methods under MACRS.
Changing Methods
In some cases, you may change your method of depreciation
for property depreciated under a reasonable method. You can
change from the declining balance method to the SL method at any
time during the useful life of your property without IRS consent,
unless you have a written agreement with the IRS not to change.
Depreciation in the Year of Purchase of Sale (Pre 1981 Rules)
In determining depreciation in the year of acquisition, it
was proper to treat an asset as having been held a full month if
it was acquired on or before the 15th of the month, If it was
acquired after the 15th, the month was not counted.
Consistently, it was proper to count the disposition month only
if the asset was disposed of after the 15th.
36
APPENDIX A - Cursor Movements
The following is a description of special key assignments in the
selected mode.
VIEWING ASSETS IN TABLE FORMAT
<Home> - takes you to the far left of the screen which is
asset ID
<Arrows> - use the up and down arrow keys to highlight an
asset
<End> - takes you to the far right of the screen which
is basis
<Enter> - highlight the record you desire and press enter
this will quickly access the record
Scroll - use the mouse with the side scroll bar to move
quickly
<Esc> - escape will leave the view record option
VIEWING REPORTS ON SCREEN
<Arrow> - move right, left and up and down
<Page Up>
<Page Down> - move a screen at a time
<Home> - move to the far left of the report
<End> - move to the far right of the report
<Esc> - end viewing on the screen.
To send selected portions of the report to the printer:
Move the first line to be printed to the top of the screen.
Press <F7> to mark.
Move the last line to be printed to the top of the screen.
Press <F8> to mark.
Check to see if printer is online.
Press <Ctrl>+<K><P> to print.
MOVING ABOUT IN A DIALOG BOX
To move to fields:
Use the <tab key> to move forward from field to field
<Shift+tab> to move backward from field to field
Press the <Alt> key and the highlighted letter
Use a mouse to click on the titles on the screen to
move to that area.
FIELD EDITING
Cursor Movement
<Arrow left or right> - one character left or right
<Ctrl+left> or <Ctrl+right> - one word left or right
<Home> - beginning of the field
<Up or down arrow> - up or down one field
<Tab> or <Shift+Tab> - forward or backward one field
Insertion and Deletion
37
<Delete> - deletes one character at cursor
<Backspace> - deletes character at left of cursor
<Ctrl+Y> - clears entire field
<Ctrl+End> - deletes from cursor to the end of field
<Ctrl+Home> - deletes from beginning of field to cursor
<Insert key> - turns insert mode on and off
Other
<Enter> - accept contents of field
<Ctrl+R> - restore original contents of field
<Esc> - abandon changes return to menu
Function keys
<F1> - Help
<F2> - Lookup
<F3> - Exit program
<F4> - Copies field from previous record
<F5> - Status of asset
<F6> - not used
<F7> - not used
<F8> - not used
<F9> - Rebuild totals
<F10> - Save and Exit
USING THE MOUSE
Main Menu - Click once to select an option
Menu Item - Click twice, once moves the highlight and the
second click selects the item.
Dialog Boxes - Click on titles on the screen to move to
that item. Click on the file name to accept
that file.
Close - Click on the button in the upper left hand corner of
the box.
Escape - Right mouse button
<Enter> - Left mouse button
Help - Click both right and left button at same time.
Resize screens - Place the cursor on the bottom right hand
corner of the frame. Click the left mouse
button and hold down, if a double arrow
appears you can resize the box. Click,
hold and move the left mouse button to
resize. The help screen will remain this
size until changed.
Move screens - Click on the top frame of the box, if a
double arrow appears you can move the box.
Click and hold the left mouse button to
move. The help screen will remain in the
new position until changed.
Scroll bar - A scroll bar appears on the right side or
the bottom of the screen to move quickly
forward or backward or right or left.
Click and hold the left button on the
elevator and drag to the area desired.
Or click on an arrow to move one line or
space at a time. Or click on any desired
location on the scroll bar.
38
APPENDIX B - Summary of Depreciation Effective Dates
Depreciation rules generally in effect:
Pre 1981 rules and CLADR
Before 1981
ACRS
After 1980 and before 1987
First Year Additional Depreciation
Repealed after 1980
Section 179 Expensing
Allowed after 1981 limit of $5,000.00
After 1986 limit of $10,000.00
MACRS
After 1986
After 1988 Farmers cannot use 200% Declining Balance
After 4/88 Tax years beginning after this date disregard
property placed in service and disposed of in the same year
for the 40% mid-quarter test
Listed Property
Rules in effect after 6/18/84
Cellular phone listed property after 1989
Investment Tax Credit - regular
Before 1981 useful life of 3-5 years 1/3 cost @ 10%
useful life of 5-7 years 2/3 cost @ 10%
useful life of 7 + years total cost @ 10%
After 1980 useful life of 3 years 60% cost @ 10%
useful life of 4 + years total cost @ 10%
After 1982 (elect to reduce basis by 50% of credit)
useful life of 3 years 60% cost @ 10%
useful life of 4 + years total cost @ 10%
or (elect to reduce credit with no basis reduction)
useful life of 3 years 40% cost @ 10%
useful life of 4 + years 80% cost @ 10%
After 6/18/84 autos were capped and recapture rules applied
After 1985 generally repealed except for transition
property
autos were barred
After 1990 ITC restructured for:
rehabilitation credit
energy credit (basis reduced by 1/2 of cost)
reforestation credit (basis reduced by 1/2 of
credit)
39
INDEX
A
Accelerated depreciation, 30
Accumulated depreciation, 16, 20
ACRS, 35, 39
ADD RECORD, 16
Adding, 26
Additional Depreciation, 21
ADJUSTED BASIS, 25
ADS, 32, 33
Alternate ACRS, 35
Alternate MACRS, 32, 33
Alternative minimum tax, 30
ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX LOOKUP TABLE, 25
Amortization, 30
AMT BOOK, 12
AMT TYPE, 24
Amusement, 23
Angle brackets, 3
ANNUAL ACTIVITY REPORT, 27
ANNUAL AMT REPORT, 27
ASSET ID, 18, 28
ASSET ID LOOKUP TABLE, 28
Automobiles, 23, 31, 34
B
BASIS, 24
Book
Tax, 12
AMT, 12
Financial, 12
State, 13
Other, 13
BOOKS, 12
Bottom menu, 5, 16
BOTTOM RECORD, 17
BUSINESS USE, 21, 31
C
C<h>ange Dir, 11
Calculate, 6, 26
CALCULATED, 15
Cellular telephone, 23
Changing Methods, 36
Chkdsk, 11
CLASS, 19
Class Lives, 20
CLASS LOOKUP TABLE, 20
<C>lient, 15
<C>lose, 10
CLOSING A FILE, 10
Company information, 14
Computers, 23, 31
CONDITION, 19
Context Sensitive Help, 9
CONVENTION, 24, 26
CONVENTION LOOKUP TABLE, 24
COST, 21
CURRENT DEDUCTION, 25
Cursor Movements, 37
D
DataEntry
Setup, 14
Client, 15
Asset, 16
Data subdirectory, 11
Default active book, 12
<D>elete, 10
DELETE RECORD, 16
Deleting, 26
DELETING A FILE, 10
DESCRIPTION, 19
Destination, 28
Dialog box, 10, 27, 37
Disk defragmenter, 11
Disk space, 1
DISPOSAL DATE, 21
Dos <S>hell, 11
DOS COMMANDS, 11
E
Earnings and Profits, 12
EDIT RECORD, 16
EDITING, 37
Effective Dates, 39
ENTERING ASSET INFORMATION, 16
Entertainment, 23
Expensing, 22, 31, 39
F
Farm Restrictions, 33
File
Open/New, 10
Close, 10
Delete, 10
Reindex, 10
Subdirectory, 1, 11
FILE MAINTENANCE, 10
File Name, 10, 28
FINANCIAL BOOK, 12
FIND RECORD, 17
FIRST YEAR ADDITIONAL, 21, 39
FISCAL MONTH, 15
FISCAL YEAR, 15
FIXED ASSET CARD, 28
Formulas, 25
Function keys, 38
G
GDS, 32, 33
GROUP, 18
GROUP LOOKUP TABLE, 18
H
Hard disk, 1
Help Keys, 9
Help screens, 5
I
Index, 9, 10
INSTALLATION, 1
Investment Tax Credit, 39
Investment use, 31, 34
ITC LOOKUP TABLE, 22
ITC OPTION, 22
ITC TAKEN, 22
L
LAND, 21, 31
Land preparation costs, 31
LIFE, 20
LISTED PROPERTY, 23, 31, 34, 39
LISTED PROPERTY LOOKUP TABLE, 23
LOCATION, 18
LOCATION LOOKUP TABLE, 18
LPT1, 14
M
MACRS, 32, 39
Manual entry, 25
METHOD, 19
METHOD LOOKUP TABLE, 19
Monitor, 14
MOUSE, 38
N
New, 19
NEXT RECORD, 17
NONE, 25
O
OPEN CALCULATION YEARS, 26
<O>pen/New, 10
OPENING A FILE, 10
OTHER BOOK, 13
P
Partial Business Use, 34
PORT, 14, 29
Pre 1981, 19, 22, 24, 36, 39
Predominantly, 34
Predominate Use Test, 35
PREVIOUS RECORD, 17
PRINT OPTIONS, 28
Print reports, 6
Printer, 14, 29
Printer pick list, 14
PRINTING REPORTS, 27
PRIOR DEDUCTION, 20
Production of income, 21, 31, 34
PROJECTION REPORT, 28
Q
Qualified Business Use, 34
<Q>uit, 11
QUIT DATAENTRY, 18
R
Reasonable Methods, 36
Recovery Periods, 20
Recreation, 23
Registration, 2
<R>eindex, 10
Reports
Summary, 27
Tax, 27
Annual Activity, 27
Annual AMT, 27
Projection, 28
Fixed Asset Card, 28
S
SALES PRICE, 21
SALVAGE VALUE, 22
SECTION 179, 22, 31, 39
SECTION 179 VENDOR, 23
SERVICE DATE, 19
<S>etup, 14
SORT ORDER, 17, 28
Square brackets, 3
Standard mileage rate, 34
STATE BOOK, 13
Straight line election, 32
SUBDIRECTORY, 11
SUMMARY REPORT, 27
Support, 2
SWITCH YEAR, 20
T
Tab key, 9
TABLES, 25
Tables for MACRS, 33
TAX BOOK, 12
TAX REPORT, 27
Tax year, 15
TOP RECORD, 17
Transition, 39
Transition property, 23
Transportation, 23
Transportation vehicles, 31
TREE, 11
Tutorial, 3
U
Uniform capitalization, 33
Used, 19
V
VIEWING ASSETS, 17, 37
VIEWING REPORTS, 37