Accelerated Depreciation

A depreciation method which allows faster write-offs than the straight line method. These methods provide a greater tax shield effect than straight line depreciation, and so companies with large tax burdens might like to use accelerated depreciation methods, even if it reduces the income shown on financial statement. Accelerated depreciation methods are popular for writing-off equipment that might be replaced before the end of its useful life since the equipment might be obsolete (e.g. computers). One example of an accelerated depreciation method is the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS).