What is “engineered” cost segregation?
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Does it have to be done by an engineer?
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Why haven’t I heard about it?
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Will my accountant be involved?
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Is it possible my accountant already prepared a Study?
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Will it increase my chances for an audit?
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What size property is needed to do a Cost Segregation Study?
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How much can I expect to save?
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Why choose Cost Seg Associates?
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How much will a Study cost?
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How do I get started?
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What is “engineered” cost segregation?
Engineered cost segregation is a strategic analysis of real estate that has been purchased, constructed, expanded or remodeled that allows
companies to increase their cash flow by accelerating depreciation-related tax deductions. To do so, the Study identifies, segregates and
reclassifies property costs currently being depreciated over the typical 39-(27.5 for residential property) year periods to shorter
depreciable periods of 5, 7, or 15 years.
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Does it have to be done by an Engineer?
No! The use of the word “engineer” refers to the process of breaking down, measuring and calculating the costs that exist within
a building. The IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide specifically does not require that Studies be completed by a degreed
engineer. Many experts in the application of Cost Segregation come from construction, estimating and appraisal backgrounds.
CSA has experienced cost segregation professionals, engineers and CPA expertise on staff. This is what separates us from our competition. We bring
these critical disiplines together in order to provide you with the most effective Cost Segregation Study available.
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Why haven’t I heard about it?
Engineered cost segregation for real estate owners has been around since 1997.
Since then, the “Big 4” accounting firms and a select group
of other national and regional accounting firms have used cost segregation for their larger real estate clients. It has only
been within the last few years that this application has been made available to smaller properties.
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Will my accountant be involved?
Yes! CSA does not provide accounting services and values the relationship you have with your accountant. We work with your accountant to provide
them with the necessary data to prepare your tax return with the correct depreciation calculation.
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Is it possible my accountant already prepared a Study?
It is doubtful. An “engineered” Cost Segregation Study requires the use of detailed construction documentation nationally accepted
industry costing manuals, and must be performed by “qualified personnel competent in design, construction, auditing, and estimating procedures
relating to building construction.” Many accountants have segregated land improvements and some assets i.e. carpet into shortened depreciation
periods but that usually represents a small fraction of the potential benefit that can be achieved from an “engineered” approach to cost
segregation.
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Will it increase my chances for an audit?
Engineered cost segregation will not increase your chance of an audit provided it is done properly. In September 2004, the IRS issued the Cost Segregation Audit Technique Guide which established the 13 principal elements
of an acceptable Study. At Cost Seg Associates, our Study report meets all of these elements. Each study will require the filing of Form 3115 "Change of Accounting". The IRS has pre-approved the use of Form 3115 as long as it is filled out correctly.
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What size property is needed to do a Cost Segregation Study?
Cost Segregation Studies are most effective on buildings valued at $500,000 or more. Our engineers have completed
projects on buildings with values as large as $45 million. (CSA will consider smaller properties that are well documented or under special
circumstances.)
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Why choose Cost Seg Associates?
This is all we do! We are the specialists you need for the application of engineered cost segregation. Our staff has many years of
experience and extensive knowledge in this very specialized area. At CSA, we are as dedicated to customer service as our engineers are
qualified to produce the highest quality Study every time!
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How much does a Study cost?
The cost of a Study depends on the complexity and size of the project. The complexity
of the project depends on the type and size of
the building and the availability of architectural plans, construction cost statements, etc.
CSA believes our customers will receive a
typical return on their investment in the 6-10 to 1 range with a Cost Segregation Study. In many cases that return can be substantially
higher.
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How do I get started?
Ask for our no cost, no obligation estimate of your property. This will generate an estimate of your anticipated tax deferred
savings as well as the fee for the project.
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