Capital Allowances - Income Tax

Unused capital allowances coming forward query:
I understand that unused capital allowances coming forward (for plant & machinery in the Construction trade) can be used to reduce a taxable profit in the current year (from the same trade).

My question relates to the options one has to use just enough of the
capital allowances coming forward to leave a taxable profit that is covered by tax credits, thus keeping the balance of (unused) capital allowances for another year
Say a sole trader has €25000 unused cap allowances coming forward. Taxable income (before cap all) of €30,000 in 2012 with capital allowances of €10,000 in 2012. No other income in 2012.

I understand that unused cap allowances forward may be used first to leave the current year capital allowances available to augment a loss if desired.

My question:
Could one use say €22,000 of the unused cap allowances coming forward to leave a taxable profit of €8000 which would be covered by a single person tax credit, leaving the balance of €3,000 of unused unused cap allowances coming forward + the current year cap allowances (€10,000) to be carried forward to next year (to reduce next year's profit).

Are there restrictions in this regard? Perhaps if one uses any of the unused cap allowances coming forward to reduce taxable profit in the current year all of it will have to be used to the extent that there is a taxable profit available to absorb it?
I hope that my question is clear?
Thank you

I think that you know the answer!

The excess capital allowances are set against the profits in total. So they either reduce the profit to zero or until the allowances are used in full.

I have a question about capital allowances... If you purchased equipment prior to set up can you claim for that equipment as part of your capital allowances or does it have to be all in the same year?

Basically I was acquiring computer and office equipment for some time before I actually set up the business. The equipment is only used for my company.... can I now claim for equipment purchased in 2011 in my 2012 return.

Thanks Joe 90
Could I please ask a related question - Say the sole trader has €25000 unused cap allowances coming forward as before but with taxable income (before cap all) of €7,000 in 2012 with capital allowances of €10,000 in 2012. No other income in 2012.

Could one elect to carry forward all of the €25000 unused cap allowances coming forward and the 2012 capital allowances of €10,000 ( ie not offset any part of the capital allowances against the taxable profit) in order to leave the €7000 to be taxed (and covered by tax credits) or must one offset the capital allowance being carried forward against the most immediate profits available.

Can you suggest a link in which I might find this sort of information?

Thanks again

If a business ceased trading in June 2012 would soletrader be entitled to claim capital allowances for 2012 (Accounts Year 31/12/12). Would he be able to claim half or is there some rule that says no capital allowances in year of cessation. Assets were not sold, sole trader still has them