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Understanding special depreciation in ProConnect

SOLVED•by Intuit•ProConnect Tax•20•Updated March 02, 2022

Below, you'll find basic information about the special depreciation allowance (SDA), how Intuit ProConnect calculates special depreciation, and where to enter the SDA and related elections.

What is special depreciation?

Generally, you can take a special depreciation allowance to recover part of the cost of qualified property placed in service during the tax year.

The allowance applies only for the first year you place the property in service. For qualified property placed in service in 2017, you may be able to take an additional 50% or 100% special depreciation allowance, depending on the date you acquired the qualified property.

See IRS Pub. 946 for a full definition, additional details, and restrictions.

How is special depreciation calculated in ProConnect?

ProConnect automatically calculates the additional first-year special depreciation for qualified assets. Your property is qualified if it's one of the following:

  • Qualified reuse and recycling property.
  • Qualified second generation biofuel plant property.
  • Certain qualified property acquired before September 28, 2017.
  • Certain qualified property acquired after September 27, 2017.
  • Certain plants bearing fruits and nuts.

The program expenses depreciated assets in this order:

  • Basis (reduced by ownership percentage)
  • Less section 179 expense
  • Special depreciation allowance (50% or 100% based on date placed in service)
  • Regular depreciation

How does special depreciation affect state returns?

ProConnect automatically calculates state differences for states that don't conform to the federal special depreciation rules.

To override state special depreciation, enter an amount in the Current Special Depreciation field in the state column.

Where do I enter special depreciation items and elections in the program?

Unless otherwise noted, the fields referenced below are on the Depreciation Quick Entry screen.

To locate the depreciation quick entry screen in each return type:

  1. Go to the Input Return tab.
  2. From the left of the screen, select Deductions and choose Depreciation.
  1. Go to the Input Return tab.
  2. From the left of the screen, select Ordinary Income and choose Depreciation.
  1. Go to the Input Return tab.
  2. From the left of the screen, select Ordinary Income and choose Depreciation.
  1. Go to the Input Return tab.
  2. From the left of the screen, select Deductions and choose Depreciation.
  1. Go to the Input Return tab.
  2. From the left of the screen, select Deductions and choose Depreciation.

How do I enter enter special depreciation items and elections in the program?

  1. Go to the Depreciation screen.
  2. Select Details on the asset.
  3. Locate the General subsection.
  4. Enter a 1 in Special depreciation allowance: 1=yes, 2=no [Override].
  1. Go to the Depreciation screen.
  2. Select Details on the asset.
  3. Locate the General subsection.
  4. Enter a 2 in Special depreciation allowance: 1=yes, 2=no [Override], or select the checkbox by the field Elected out of SDA for this property (completing election statement required).
    • Use the former if the asset doesn't qualify for special depreciation, or the latter if the property qualifies but you're electing not to take the deduction.
  1. Go to the Depreciation screen.
  2. Select Details on the asset.
  3. Scroll to the Regular Depreciation subsection.
  4. Enter the amount in Current special depreciation allowance (-1=none) [Override].
  1. Go to the Depreciation screen.
  2. Select Details on the asset.
  3. Scroll to the Regular Depreciation subsection.
  4. Enter the amount in Prior special depreciation allowance.
  1. Go to the Input Return tab.
  2. From the left of the screen, select Other and choose Elections.
  3. Locate the Election to Not Claim Additional Depreciation Deduction section.
  4. Enter a 1 or 2 in Elect not to claim additional depreciation: 1=Section 1400N(d)(2), 2=Section 168(k)(7).
  1. Go to the Depreciation screen.
  2. Click the blue Misc./Sec. 179 [O] link at the top right of the screen.
  3. Locate the Miscellaneous Override section.
  4. Mark the checkbox Elect out of SDA (bonus) for all eligible asset classes and automatically generate the election statement.

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