Final answer:
To calculate depreciation expense for the van, apply straight-line, units-of-production, and double-declining-balance methods. Units-of-production best matches usage while double-declining-balance is preferred for tax benefits.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prepare a schedule of depreciation expense per year for the van under the three depreciation methods, we must calculate the expenses using the straight-line, units-of-production, and double-declining-balance methods.
Straight-line method:
- Cost of van: $19,200
- Residual value: $1,400
- Useful life: 4 years
- Annual depreciation expense: ($19,200 - $1,400) / 4 = $4,450 per year
Units-of-production method:
- Total miles expected to be driven: 71,200 miles
- Depreciation per mile: ($19,200 - $1,400) / 71,200 = $0.25 per mile
- Years 1-4 depreciation expenses: 28,000 miles * $0.25, 20,500 miles * $0.25, 18,500 miles * $0.25, and 4,200 miles * $0.25, respectively
Double-declining-balance method:
- Double the straight-line rate: 2 * (1/4) = 50% per year
- Calculate the annual depreciation expense based on the remaining book value each year, not going below residual value.
Comparing the methods, the units-of-production method best tracks the wear and tear on the van since it correlates directly to usage.
For income tax purposes, Piccadilly may prefer using the double-declining-balance method because it results in higher depreciation expense and lower taxable income in the initial years of the asset's life.