Amortization

[Marion1E]

I bought my father in-law's cleaning business. There is no equipment
involved just the client base. I paid a down payment and I am making
monthly payments for the remainder of the purchased business. My
understanding is that I have to amortize this on schedule C, but I am
not sure over how many years. Any help and additional comments are
greatly appreciated.

 

[Brew1]

I bought my father in-law's cleaning business. There is no equipment
involved just the client base. I paid a down payment and I am making
monthly payments for the remainder of the purchased business. My
understanding is that I have to amortize this on schedule C, but I am
not sure over how many years. Any help and additional comments are
greatly appreciated.

Pub 535 covers this topic--180 month amortization of Sect 197
intangibles.

The amount of your down payment is irrelevant, you will use the total
cost
of the purchase to calculate the deduction. Things can get a little
stickier with
the interest (there can be "implied interest,") you and your father-in-
law may
want a consult on that.

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