Corporate Finance
NS e-Prep Course
Nanyang Technological University
Concepts
Concepts in Finance – Answer
Q. How do depreciation and other noncash charges act as sources of cash inflow to the firm? Why does a depreciation allowance exist in the tax laws? For a profitable firm, is it better to depreciate an asset quickly or slowly for tax purposes? Explain.
A. Depreciation and other non-cash charges are sources of cash to the firm. These charges are subtracted from the firm’s revenues, decreasing cash flow in order to get a correct estimate of taxes owed. They need to be added back to compute an accurate cash flow. These charges are not real cash flows – no dollars exchange hands when a company takes a depreciation expense – and are only subtracted because they reduce the company’s tax bill, and taxes are a real dollar cash flow. The tax code does not allow a company to expense its capital equipment in the year it was purchased. It requires company’s to charge this expense over the lifetime of the equipment, taking a percentage of the total cost each year. For a profitable firm, it is better to depreciate assets as quickly as possible. The larger the depreciation expense, the lower the taxable income and the lower the taxes owed.