Colby Motors Uses the Accrual Method and Reports on a Calendar

question 35

Essay

Colby Motors uses the accrual method and reports on a calendar year. In December of last year, Colby acquired auto repair equipment. As part of the acquisition, Colby purchased a warranty agreement that requires the seller of the equipment to provide repairs on the equipment for three years. Colby paid the cost of the warranty, $15,000, in January of this year. What can Colby deduct for the cost of the warranty on the tax return for last year?

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Definitions:

Real Rate of Interest

The rate of interest an investor expects to receive after allowing for inflation, distinguishing from the nominal rate of interest, which does not account for inflation.

Deflation

A decrease in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a period.

CPI

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure that examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and services, such as transportation, food, and medical care.

Base Year

A specific year against which economic growth, prices, or other economic indicators are measured and compared.