Question - Depreciation computations: change in estimate. Aussie Imports purchased a specialized piece of machinery for $50,000 on January 1, 20X3. At the time of acquisition, the machine was estimated to have a service life of 5 years (25,000 operating hours) and a residual value of $5,000. During the 5 years of operations (20X3 - 20X7), the machine was used for 5,100, 4,800, 3,200, 6,000, and 5,900 hours, respectively.
On January 1, 20X5, management shortened the remaining service life of the machine to 15 months. Assuming use of the straight-line method, compute the company's depreciation expense for 20X5.