Q: The AJC earlier this month described the tax break for corporate jets as accelerated depreciation. How does this reduce corporate taxes paid? I realize this helps corporations by delaying when taxes are paid, but aren't the same amount of taxes paid over time?
Kathy McManus, Gainesville
A: In short, the answer is "yes." Dennis Beresford, the Ernst & Young Executive Professor of Accounting at the University of Georgia's J. M. Tull School of Accounting, told Q&A on the News: "The use of accelerated depreciation means that deductions will be taken earlier, but the total cannot exceed the cost of the asset less estimated salvage value. So accelerated depreciation results in lower tax payments initially, but the same total over time."
Q: Did Pakistan return the stealth helicopter rotor that was left behind after the raid on Bin Laden's compound?
William McKee Jr., Flowery Branch
A: The remains of the helicopter, including the large tail section, were returned to the U.S., the Pentagon said in late May, according to ABCNews.com. The helicopter, which was believed to be modified to have a smaller radar signature than other military helicopters, crashed during the raid to kill Osama bin Laden in May. Pakistan initially said it wanted to study the wreckage before returning it to the U.S.
Lori Johnston wrote this column; Jeremiah McWilliams contributed. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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