Tara purchased a machine for $40,000 to be used in her business. The cost recovery allowed and allowable for the three years the machine was used are as follows: Cost Recovery Allowed Cost Recovery Allowable
Year 1 $16,000 $ 8,000
Year 2 9,600 12,800
Year 3 5,760 7,680
If Tara sells the machine after three years for $15,000, how much gain should she recognize?

The answer is "$11,480".

Explanation:

Calculate the benefit as illustrated below:  

               Recovery of costs approved                      Recovery costs approved

Year-1                    $16,000                                            $8,000

Year-2                   $9,600                                             $12,800

Year-3                   $5,760                                             $7,680

Total cost                                                                                                $40,000

Making a reference to:  Cause great costs allowed or permitted

Year-1                                            $16,000      

Year-2                                           $12,800

Year-3                                           $7,680                                             $36,480

Adjusted basis                                                                                       $3,520

Formula:

Recognized Gain = Residual value - Adjusted basis