Question

Hazel owns an event planning company that specializes in very high-end events. Several years ago, Hazel purchased a magnificent chocolate fountain for $3,000 and has since taken $1,200 in depreciation deductions on the fountain. Hazel is now ready to replace the fountain with tools for creating ice sculptures, but she is not sure what the tax consequences of selling the fountain will be. Which of the following statements is true regarding the tax consequences of selling the fountain?A. If Hazel sells the chocolate fountain for $1,800, she will have a $1,200 ordinary loss.B. If Hazel sells the chocolate fountain for $1,700, she will have a $100 capital loss.C. If Hazel sells the chocolate fountain for $2,000, she will have an ordinary gain of $200 and no capital gain.D. If Hazel sells the choclate fountain for $3,300, she will have a $1,500 capital gain.

Answer 1

D. If Hazel sells the chocolate fountain for $3,300, she will have a $1,500 capital gain.

Step-by-step explanation:

I´m assuming that Hazel is a person that owns this event planning company.

The current book value of the chocolate fountain = purchase cost - accumulated depreciation = $3,000 - $1,200 = $1,800

If the chocolate fountain (or any asset) is sold at a higher price than book value, then a capital gain must be recognized. If the chocolate fountain is sold at a lower price than book value, then a capital loss should be recognized.

$3,300 (selling price) - $1,800 (book value) = $1,500 capital gain