Maintenance Costs Are an Important Component of the Total Costs

question 26

Essay

Maintenance costs are an important component of the total costs of many engineering projects. Normally in engineering projects these costs are added to the purchase price of a piece of engineering equipment. For the following items, describe how important the maintenance costs are compared to the item's price:
(i)A tractor
(ii)A desk
(iii)A computer
(iv)An oil pump

---

Definitions:

Passive Activities

Economic activities in which the individual does not materially participate, often resulting in income or losses for tax purposes.

Passive Income

Income resulting from rental property, limited partnerships, or other enterprises in which a person is not actively involved.

Personal/Rental Property

Property owned by an individual that may be used for personal enjoyment or rented out to generate income.

Flow-Through Entities

Business entities that pass income directly to owners or investors, avoiding corporate income tax.