Question

Jose purchased a delivery van for his business through an online auction. His winning bid for the van was $34,750. In addition, Jose incurred the following expenses before using the van: shipping costs of $1,470; paint to match the other fleet vehicles at a cost of $1,590; registration costs of $4,836, which included $4,600 of sales tax and an annual registration fee of $236; wash and detailing for $141; and an engine tune-up for $318.

Required:
What is Jose’s cost basis for the delivery van?

Answer 1

Jose's cost basis for the delivery van = $42,410

Explanation:

Cost basis of a fixed asset can be described the original value of an asset for tax purposes which includes the purchase price, shipping, installation, sales tax, and other costs incurred that are related to the purchase of the fixed asset and to make it be in conformity with other assets in its class.

Based on this explanation, Jose's cost basis for the delivery van can be calculated as follows:

Jose's cost basis for the delivery van = Winning bid + Shipping costs + Cost of painting to match other fleet vehicles + Sales tax = $34,750 + $1,470 + $1,590 + $4,600 = $42,410