On January 4, 2018, Crux Systems, Inc., paid $281,200 for equipment used in manufacturing automotive supplies. In addition to the basic purchase price, the company paid $2,800 for transportation charges; $1,100 for insurance for the equipment while in transit; $12,100 for sales tax; and $2,800 for a special platform on which to place the equipment in the plant. Management of Crux Systems, Inc., estimates that the equipment will remain in service for five years and have a residual value of $25,000. The equipment will produce 65,000 units the first year, with annual production decreasing by 5,000 units over each of the next four years (i.e., 60,000 units in year 2; 55,000 units in year 3; and so on, for a total of 275,000 units). In trying to decide which depreciation method to use, Crux Systems, Inc., requested a depreciation schedule for each of the three depreciation methods (straight-line, units of production, and double-declining balance).

Requirements

1. For each depreciation method, prepare a depreciation schedule showing asset cost, depreciation expense, accumulated depreciation, and asset book value for each year of the asset’s life. For the units of production method, round depreciation per unit to three decimal places.

2. Crux Systems, Inc., prepares financial statements using the depreciation method that reports the highest income in the early years of asset use. For income tax purposes, the company uses the depreciation method that minimizes income taxes in the early years. Consider the first year Crux Systems, Inc., uses the equipment. Identify the depreciation methods that meet Crux Systems’ objectives, assuming the income tax authorities permit the use of any method.

3. Show how Crux Systems, Inc., would report equipment on the December 31, 2018, balance sheet for each depreciation method.