Answer:($40,000 * 14.06 %* 12.5% )= $703
Explanation: First, we determine the depreciable basis. In this case, Barbara purchased it, so we use the amount of how much the was the cost of asset ($40,000). We then proceed to determine which type of convention (Mid-convention) was used and no depreciation bonus or section 179 expensing. Now we gather more information if she is only depreciating or/and also disposing? The recovery period(MARCS table) for an appliance is a 7-year property(also given in the problem). We have to use mid-quarter convention not only because it is given in the problem but also it is the rule : 40% of personal property in service during the last three months of the tax year(in this case it is in quarter 4 or last quarter. We use the mid quarter convention table for the quarter 4 recovery year 4 which has the value of 14.06% to depreciate the value we multiply this to cost basis ($40,000) = 5624 depreciable value. However, Barbara also wants to sell (dispose) the appliances, we have to use the disposition table Mid-quarter convention percentage and we have to consider when is she selling the appliances. In this case, she sells in March(year 4 recovery period), take note that March is part of the 1st quarter . The value for the first quarter of disposition is 12.5% (derived from 1.5/12). We then multiply this value to determine how much she will be able to deduct. Hence,
$40,000*14.06%*12.5% = $703