(a) General. — The annual combined qualified research and development expenditure is the sum of the applicable percentage of the cost of depreciable property purchased for the conduct of a qualified research and development activity, which is placed in service or use in this state during the taxable year, plus the amount of qualified research and development expenses (as defined in this section) deducted by the eligible taxpayer, for federal income tax purposes for the taxable year.
(b) Applicable percentage of the cost of depreciable property. — For the purpose of subsection (a), the applicable percentage of the cost of depreciable property is determined under the following table:
If useful life is: The applicable percentage is:
Less than 4 years 33 1/3
4 years or more but less than 6 years 66 2/3
6 years or more 100
The useful life of any property for purposes of this section is determined by those methods as the Tax Commissioner may require as of the date the property is first placed in service or use in this state by the taxpayer.
(c) Placed in service or use. — For purposes of the credit allowed by this article, property is considered placed in service or use in the earlier of the following taxable years:
(1) The taxable year in which, under the taxpayer's depreciation practice, the period for depreciation with respect to the property begins; or