In 2009, Jane Smith begins planting a vineyard. She knows that the costs of the land preparation must be capitalized. The land preparation costs do not include any non-depreciable land purchase costs. She hopes that 2016 is when the plants will start producing and wonders if this is when she places the vineyard in service for tax deductions. Will she be able to claim a deduction under 179 on her 2016 income tax return for the 2009 costs for planting the vineyard? Jane also wants to know if she can deduct any costs in 2009, since the vineyard is not producing yet. (Basically, what needs to be capitalized and if anything can be expensed in 2009, or other years until it is producing in 2016).

Partial list of research aids: Bruce Selig, 70 TCM 1125, T.C.Memo. 1995-519.

(have to write a letter from the client)