The pen and the computer, the notepad and the printer. Four objects that all VAT numbers have to deal with on a daily basis. From the accounting point of view, and therefore the payment of taxes, it is not the same thing. The pen and the notepad are in fact non-durable goods, that is to say goods that run out of use during the year. The computer and the printer, on the other hand, are durable goods, ie goods that can be used for several years. For this reason the computer and the printer fall into the large category of capital goods.

The computer and the printer fall into the large category of capital goods.

But what are capital goods

Capital goods are none other than equipment, furniture, machinery, computers, cars, that is to say all those goods that are used in the business for several years.

Their accounting feature is very simple: if they cost more than 516.46 euros, the expenses incurred – in the case of an ordinary and non-subsidized regime – cannot be discharged in the payment year, but must be spread over several years. The procedure used to spread the cost of capital goods over time is called depreciation.

If the purchase cost of an instrumental asset is less than 516.46 euros, the expense is fully discharged in the year in which it is incurred.

The category includes all real estate (warehouses, laboratories, factories, warehouses, offices, shops), but also vehicles (cars, trucks, motor vehicles, trucks, vans). Also subject to amortization are intangible assets, i.e. trademarks, patents, licenses for use, design models, copyrights and so on.

The depreciation coefficients

For each capital asset, the Ministry of Finance has established specific depreciation coefficients. In essence, it is a percentage to be applied to the purchase cost to establish each year how much of this cost can be discharged, that is, it can be subtracted from the revenues to obtain the income on which to pay taxes. In particular, the law establishes the following depreciation percentages:

• Real estate 3%;
• Light constructions 10%;
• Furniture and office machines 12%;
• Air conditioners and refrigerators 15%;
• Computers, printers, copiers, telephone systems 20%;
• Internal communication systems 25%;
• Alarm systems and photographic recording 30%;
• Local restructuring costs used for the activity 20%;
• Cars and motorcycles 25%.

If, on the other hand, the purchase cost of an instrumental good is less than 516.46 euros, one behaves as if it were a normal non-durable good: the expense is fully discharged in the year in which it is incurred.