A company, in the 40% combined federal/state tax bracket, is considering the purchase of a CAD system at a price of $55,000. It is anticipated that it will yield benefits of $10,000 in Year 1, $15,000 in Year 2, $20,000 in Year 3, and $20,000 in Year 4. The CAD system is to be depreciated using the MACRS method, with a recovery period of 5 years. It is expected that the CAD system will be sold at the end of the fourth year at 20% of its purchase price.
What is the tax on the disposal transaction? What is the maximum price the company can pay for the purchase to be economically justified?