The recently passed Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 included an extension of the accelerated depreciation allowance for qualified leasehold and restaurant improvements and for certain improvements to retail space.

The National Restaurant Association hailed the passage of this “side order” provision extending the current 15-year depreciation schedule for improvements made to restaurant buildings in 2008 and 2009, and for new restaurant construction in 2009. 

According to Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “A faster, more accurate depreciation schedule has a direct impact on a restaurant’s bottom line. By shortening the depreciation schedule to 15 years, Congress has given operators cash flow to reinvest in their businesses, allowing them to grow and add more restaurant jobs.”