Field help: Depreciation

Depreciation, also known as amortisation, distributes the acquisition or production costs evenly over the useful life of a building or asset. When claiming depreciation for the first time, please submit an explanation with the invoice amount, date, subject of the service and the company carrying out the service.

If you previously rented out owner-occupied property, you must calculate the depreciation for the first time. Maintenance reserves are not included.

Divide the total price into acquisition costs for land and buildings. You can find a working aid on the website of the Federal Ministry of Finance under "Purchase price allocation".

Sect. 7 para. 4 of the Income Tax Act (EStG) applies to buildings in the accession area before 1991. For buildings acquired before 1990, depreciation is based on the restoration/replacement costs, up to a maximum of the current market value on 1 July 1990.