A company purchased a POS cash register on January 1 for $5,600. This register has a useful life of 10 years and a salvage value of $420. What would be the depreciation expense for the second-year of its useful life using the double-declining-balance method?

The depreciation expense for the second-year of its useful life using the double-declining-balance method would be $896.

Explanation

Determine the depreciable cost.

Depreciable cost = Acquisition cost - Salvage value

Depreciable cost = 5,600 - 420

Depreciable cost = $5180.

Determine the annual depreciation expense.

The annual depreciation expense = Depreciable cost / Useful life.

The annual depreciation expense = 5180/10.

The annual depreciation expense = $518.

Determine the depreciation rate.

Determine the depreciation rate = (The annual depreciation expense/Depreciable cost) * 100.

Determine the depreciation rate = (518/5180) * 100.

Determine the depreciation rate = 10%

But since we are applying the double-declining-balance method, we multiply the rate by 2.

So the applicable rate is 10 * 2 = 20%

Determine the depreciation expense for the second year.

Depreciation for 1st year = acquisition cost * rate.

Depreciation for 1st year = 5600 * 20%.

Depreciation for 1st year = $1120.

Depreciation for 2nd year = Asset carrying value * rate.

Depreciation for 2nd year = (5600 - 1120) * 20%

Depreciation for 2nd year = 4480 * 20%

Depreciation for 2nd year = $896.