In the last year, 2023, we accounted for another $3,450 in depreciation expense. This increases the accumulated depreciation to $13,800. At the same time, the book value drops to $1,200.
Year Annual Depreciation Expense Accumulated Depreciation Book Value
2020 $3,450 $3,450 $11,550
2021 $3,450 $6,900 $8,100
2022 $2,275 $9,175 $5,825
2023 $1,150 $10,325 $4,675
When we calculate annual depreciation using the straight-line method, we're dividing the van's cost ($15,000 - $1,200) over its useful life of 4 years. Each year, we're assigning $3,450 as the depreciation expense.
In the first year, which is 2020, the total accumulated depreciation amounts to $3,450. At the beginning of the year, the book value (the van's value on our books) is $11,550 ($15,000 - $3,450).
Moving to the next year, 2021, we're adding another $3,450 in depreciation expense, which results in a total accumulated depreciation of $6,900. The book value decreases to $8,100.
As we enter 2022, we include an additional $3,450 in depreciation. Now, the total accumulated depreciation reaches $10,350, and the book value lowers to $4,650.
Finally, in the last year, 2023, we account for another $3,450 in depreciation expense. This increases the accumulated depreciation to $13,800. At the same time, the book value drops to $1,200.
This method makes sure that we evenly distribute the van's cost over its expected useful life.