MACRS Definition
The Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) is the current method of accelerated asset depreciation required by the United States income tax code. Under MACRS, all assets are divided into classes which dictate the number of years over which an asset's cost will be recovered. For example, office equipment is depreciated over five years, and water vessels are depreciated over ten years. Each MACRS class has a predetermined schedule, which determines the percentage of the asset's cost which is depreciated each year.