Depreciation matches the cost of long-lived assets (machinery, vehicles, buildings) against the revenue they help produce. Common methods are straight-line (equal annual charges) and declining-balance (faster early write-off).
Depreciation is a non-cash expense — it reduces reported profit and taxable income without affecting cash flow. Tax authorities publish maximum rates; choosing accelerated methods defers tax but does not reduce total tax over the asset's life.
Straight-Line Depreciation = (Cost − Salvage Value) ÷ Useful Life
A bakery buys an oven for CHF 30,000 with a 10-year useful life and no residual value — straight-line depreciation charges CHF 3,000 per year for ten years.