Depriciation for mulch, plants and annuals?

Depriciation for mulch, plants and annuals?

Member since 2019 · 2 posts · 0 votes

I have a rental and I am wondering if I can depreciate mulch, gardening soil, annual flowers and perennials? 

Also I have built multiple pergolas around the yard with pressure treated lumber.  What depreciation schedules would I use?   Thanks in advance.

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Accountant · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
7y

Agree with @Michael Plaks that it depends.  It may be a non-issue if the amounts are de minimis and you make a de minimis safe harbor election and expense the costs for book and tax.

Disagree on S179.  Landscaping would not be considered a 1245 asset, nor one of the "allowed" categories of 1250 assets.

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  • Michael PlaksPro Member
    Tax Accountant / Enrolled Agent · Houston, TX · Member since 2014 · 5k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    7y
    Originally posted by @Matt Maves:

    I have a rental and I am wondering if I can depreciate mulch, gardening soil, annual flowers and perennials? 

    Also I have built multiple pergolas around the yard with pressure treated lumber.  What depreciation schedules would I use?   Thanks in advance.

    The standard accountant's answer applies here: it depends.

    Generally, land improvements such as landscaping are depreciated over 15 years. However, some of what you listed can be deducted as maintenance, and the rest can possibly be depreciated immediately in the first year, using Section 179 or bonus depreciation.

    Another standard advice: consult a tax professional for a more specific advice

  • Accountant · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    7y

    Agree with @Michael Plaks that it depends.  It may be a non-issue if the amounts are de minimis and you make a de minimis safe harbor election and expense the costs for book and tax.

    Disagree on S179.  Landscaping would not be considered a 1245 asset, nor one of the "allowed" categories of 1250 assets.

  • Michael PlaksPro Member
    Tax Accountant / Enrolled Agent · Houston, TX · Member since 2014 · 5k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    7y
    Originally posted by @Eamonn McElroy:

    Disagree on S179.  Landscaping would not be considered a 1245 asset, nor one of the "allowed" categories of 1250 assets.

    True for landscaping. He also built multiple pergolas that could contain 1245 property.

    PS. Reminder: never disagree with Michael Plaks. ;) 

  • Accountant · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    7y

    @Michael Plaks

    "PS. Reminder: never disagree with Michael Plaks. ;)"

    For some reason I can't find that in any authoritative guidance.  ; ) 

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