Ugh, there's no good answer there. I think for people who don't keep formal partnership books, I make an entry in my tax workpapers that's a contra-account to accumulated depreciation, called "Sec 179 carryforward." It's easier than poking Lacerte.

Also, have you considered bonus depreciation?

Yes, but they want to go the 179 route for other reasons.

So, I take it that this is an ongoing issue?  Does my way of handling it seem appropriate?

LOL "poking Lacerte" 

I agree with Phoebe, Lacerte doesn't handle this situation well (or, at all).  You have to make it work.