What is depreciation and amortization? What's the difference? It is an accounting concept that has an indirect impact on cash flow as it is deductible for tax purposes and lowers the overall amount of taxes paid for that period. Therefore, it does impact or lower cash outflows for taxes. That is called the tax shield of depreciation and amortization. Over the course of my career, companies have increased their percentage of intangible property that must be amortized. Now, it is very common where companies will have little property, plant and equipment, but lots of intangible property. Why