Depreciation recapture refers to a tax provision that requires taxpayers to recognize and report as income a portion of the gains that result from the sale or disposition of an asset that has been depreciated for tax purposes. It primarily applies to assets used for business or investment purposes.

When a taxpayer claims depreciation deductions on a property, such as real estate or business equipment, the depreciation expense is subtracted from the property’s original cost to determine its adjusted cost basis for tax purposes. If the taxpayer later sells or disposes of the property for a price higher than its adjusted basis, a portion of the gain may be subject to depreciation recapture.

Key points about depreciation recapture include:

1. **Calculation of Depreciation Recapture:**
– The amount of depreciation recapture is calculated as the lesser of:
– The gain realized on the sale or disposition of the property, or
– The total depreciation claimed on the property.

2. **Tax Rates:**
– The recaptured depreciation is typically taxed at ordinary income tax rates, which may be higher than the capital gains tax rates that apply to other types of gains. This is a distinctive feature of depreciation recapture.

3. **Forms of Property Subject to Depreciation Recapture:**
– Common examples of properties subject to depreciation recapture include real estate, business equipment, and vehicles used for business purposes.

4. **Section 1250 and Section 1245 Property:**
– In the U.S., the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) distinguishes between real property (Section 1250 property) and personal property (Section 1245 property) when it comes to depreciation recapture. The tax treatment may vary depending on the type of property.

5. **Like-Kind Exchanges:**
– If a taxpayer participates in a like-kind exchange (also known as a 1031 exchange) and defers capital gains tax, any depreciation recapture is generally carried over to the replacement property. If the taxpayer later sells the replacement property without executing another like-kind exchange, the recaptured depreciation may become due.

Depreciation recapture is an important consideration for taxpayers when selling or disposing of depreciable assets. It aims to ensure that taxpayers do not receive a tax benefit from depreciation deductions without eventually recognizing the tax consequences when the property is sold. Taxpayers should be aware of the rules and potential tax implications associated with depreciation recapture, and they may seek the advice of tax professionals to optimize their tax strategies.