IRS Form 4562

Form 4562: Depreciation and Amortization

A plain-English guide to IRS Form 4562 — what it's for, who files it, when it's due, and how to complete it.

Form number4562
Official nameDepreciation and Amortization
CategoryBusiness
Typically dueWith the business return
Official IRS Form 4562 (PDF)

What is Form 4562?

Form 4562 reports depreciation, the Section 179 expense election and amortization for business assets — letting you deduct the cost of equipment, vehicles and property.

4562 is where you turn equipment purchases into deductions — regular depreciation, the Section 179 immediate expensing election, and bonus depreciation. Section 179 lets you write off qualifying purchases in full the year you buy them, up to a generous limit, which can dramatically lower a profitable year's tax.

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Who files it

Businesses that placed new assets in service, want to expense equipment under Section 179, or claim bonus depreciation.

When it's due

Form 4562 is generally due With the business return. Deadlines can move for weekends and holidays, so confirm the exact date for the current year on IRS.gov.

Key lines and parts

Here's what you'll actually fill in on Form 4562:

  • Part I — Section 179 expense election
  • Part II — special (bonus) depreciation
  • Part III — MACRS depreciation
  • Part V — listed property like vehicles

How to file

List assets, choose Section 179 or regular depreciation, and carry the deduction to your business schedule.

Common mistakes & penalties

Section 179 can't push your business into a loss — it's capped at business income — but bonus depreciation can, so knowing which to use matters. And "listed property" like vehicles has extra substantiation rules; sloppy mileage or usage records are the usual reason a deduction gets disallowed.
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Frequently asked questions

What is IRS Form 4562?

Form 4562 reports depreciation, the Section 179 expense election and amortization for business assets — letting you deduct the cost of equipment, vehicles and property.

Who has to file Form 4562?

Businesses that placed new assets in service, want to expense equipment under Section 179, or claim bonus depreciation.

When is Form 4562 due?

Form 4562 is generally due With the business return. Always confirm the current year's date on IRS.gov, since deadlines shift for weekends and holidays.

What's the most common mistake with Form 4562?

Section 179 can't push your business into a loss — it's capped at business income — but bonus depreciation can, so knowing which to use matters. And "listed property" like vehicles has extra substantiation rules; sloppy mileage or usage records are the usual reason a deduction gets disallowed.