Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS)

Definition of "Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS)"

Term given to two depreciation systems defined by the Internal Revenue Service:

  1. The main system is called the General Depreciation System (GDS). Under GDS, most property is assigned to eight property classes based on their class lives. These property classes provide the recovery period to be used by establishing the number of years over which the basis of an item in a class is recovered.
  2. The Alternative Depreciation System (ADS) generally provides for a longer recovery period and uses only the straight line method of depreciation to figure your tax deduction.


Both systems establish conventions determining how many months property can be depreciated in the first year it is placed in service and in the year of disposition.

  1. 20-year property. This class includes property such as farm buildings.
  2. Residential rental property. This class is comprised of rental buildings or structures for which 80% or more of the gross rental income is from dwelling units. Examples are living in a house or apartment. It excludes hotels and motels. Residential rental property is depreciated over 27.5 years.
  3. Nonresidential real property. This class includes real property that is not residential rental property. This property is depreciated over 31.5 years.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Uncertainty in the price of real estate due to market, economic, political or other conditions. ...

Money payments to be delayed for a future date or extended over a period of time. ...

Expected selling price of property less costs to sell. It is the net amount received upon the sale of property. gross receivables less allowance for doubtful accounts, representing the ...

Recurring obligation or assurance given. ...

Methods of owning real estate. Ownership form has important consequences for income tax, estate tax, corporate income tax, and survivorship. Real estate may be owned by one or more persons. ...

A tender has several meanings in everyday discourse. Most generally, tender means a formal offer designed for acceptance with the anticipation of soliciting a response in return. Bidding ...

Individual: Adjusted gross income less itemized deductions and personal exemptions. After taxable income is computed, the tax to be paid can be determined by looking at the tax rate ...

Distance from the location of natural ground and water to the actual ground level. ...

Legal obligation to pay taxes associated with owning property or earning income. For example, a real estate owner must pay property taxes. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions