(2021) How can I depreciate work-related items?

You purchased a notebook for professional reasons on 01.08.2021 for 1.500 Euro. The usage period was set by the tax authorities at three years. This results in the following linear annual depreciation: 1.500 Euro divided over 3 years results in an annual depreciation of 500 Euro. Since the purchase was made during the year, the notebook must be depreciated on a monthly basis in the first year:

Depreciation in the year 2021: 500 Euro x 5/12 = 209 Euro (for the months August to December).
Depreciation in the 2nd and 3rd year: 500 Euro each.
Depreciation in the 4th year: 291 Euro (= residual value from the year 2021).

Current: Since 01.01.2021, there has been a particularly advantageous new regulation for all types of computers and software: The Federal Ministry of Finance has very generously stipulated that the normal service life is generally one year. This means: The purchase costs of computers and software can now always be fully deducted as business expenses or operating costs in the year of purchase, regardless of the amount (BMF letter dated 26.02.2021, IV C 3-S 2190/21/10002:013).

Furthermore: Since expensive computers previously had to be depreciated over 36 months, a favourable regulation applies to devices purchased in previous years 2019 and 2020: The residual value as of 01.01.2021 may now be fully deducted for tax purposes in 2021. If you wish, you can continue to depreciate devices and software purchased before 2021 over three years.