In July of 2009, Mr. Mann, a sole proprietor who performs excavating services, purchased and put to use for business a piece of heavy equipment for $36,500. This piece of equipment was depreciated using the MACRS 150% DB method of depreciation over the useful period of 7 years. No salvage value was approximated and applied to the appreciable basis of this equipment. Freight and installation charges for this equipment totaled $1500. Mr. Mann sold this piece of equipment for $31,500 in June of 2011.
For this task, define capital asset and discuss the purpose of depreciation of assets, and why depreciation directly affects valuation of the asset at disposal. Based on the information provided, determine the amount of gain or loss Mr. Mann incurred through this transaction. Be certain to detail your calculations for depreciating the equipment, and how this impacts the gain or loss associated with the disposal of this asset. Explain how any gain on this asset will impact the tax obligation for Mr. Mann as the proprietor.