Final answer:
The cost of the new kitchen addition for Paula's Pastries will likely be depreciated over a 39-year period, the same as the original building, which aligns with standard practices for non-residential real property.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cost of the new addition to Paula's Pastries would typically be depreciated over the same recovery period used for the original building unless there is a specific business or tax reason to use a different one. Since the original building is being depreciated using a 39-year recovery period, it would be logical to assume that the new addition will also be depreciated over a 39-year period, consistent with U.S. Internal Revenue Service guidelines for non-residential real property.
However, it's important for a business to consult with financial advisors or tax professionals to determine the most advantageous depreciation period for the new construction, taking into account any recent changes in the tax law and the specific characteristics of the addition.
When a firm, like Paula's Pastries, expands, it is an indicator of business investment, which is one of the key components for sustaining economic growth. Decisions concerning depreciation, expansions, and investments are crucial for a company's financial planning and can have significant tax implications.