On January 15, 2019, Dillon purchased the rights to a mineral interest for $3,500,000. At that time, it was estimated that the recoverable units would be 500,000. During the year, 40,000 units were mined and 25,000 units were sold for $800,000. Dillon incurred expenses during 2019 of $500,000. The percentage depletion rate is 22%. Dillon's depletion deduction for 2019 would be:

$175,000

Explanation:

Depletion per Unit =$3500000 / 500000 = $7 per unit

25,000 units were sold during the year.

There are two ways of figuring depletion on mineral property.

1. Cost Depletion

2. Percentage Depletion

Generally, we must use the method that gives you the larger deduction.

Calculation of Cost Depletion:

Cost Depletion = Units Sold * Depletion Rate = 25,000 units * $7 per unit = 175,000

Calculation of Percentage Depletion:

Percentage Depletion = Gross Income from Property During the Year * Depletion Rate = 800,000 * 22% = 176,000

Percentage Depletion cannot be more than 50% of net taxable income from the property.

Percentage Limit = (Sales - Expenses ) * 50% = (800,000 - 500,000) * 50% = 300000*50% = 150,000

Thus Percentage Depletion is limited to $150,000

Thus, the deduction is $175,000 (Higher to Cost or Percentage Depletion)