What is Cost Segregation?
The principle goal of a cost segregation study is to increase cash flow from constructed buildings, purchased properties and renovations by accelerating depreciation expense deductions. Through this analysis, the components of a building are reclassified into proper class “lives” according to government legislation, case law, and IRS revenue rulings/procedures. Substantial tax savings can be achieved by accelerating depreciation deductions.
Why have I not heard about Cost Segregation before?
Though it has been around, in its current form, since the late 60’s; Cost Segregation was, for some time, almost solely offered by Big 4 accounting firms and a handful of large real estate consulting companies who serviced only the largest of clients. There were very few qualified practitioners and, for small to medium size taxpayers, the service was cost prohibitive. Within the last few years, however, Cost Segregation has become available, at a very reasonable cost, to smaller companies and individual property owners.
How does Cost Segregation work?
CORE Advisors will gather documentation, such as construction plans, contractor invoices, depreciation schedules, etc. From these documents, we will identify the qualifying items and associated costs to be reclassified into shorter-life categories. One of our consultants will visit the property to compare what was actually built against the plans, and take photographs of the property. Results are aggregated and presented in a report, along with relevant case law data, definitions, photo documentation, and calculation details.
Is this all legal?
Absolutely! Over 1000 IRS revenue rulings and court cases provide the necessary guidelines for proper conduction of Cost Segregation studies. The IRS has also recently issued an Audit Techniques Guide that defines a quality Cost Segregation study.
What sort of benefit might I expect?
The benefit of a Cost Segregation study lies in the timing of tax payments. Assuming a 35% Federal tax rate, an 8% discount rate, half-year convention, and no bonus depreciation, for every $1,000,000 of property reclassified from 39 years has a cumulative present value of tax deferral equaling approximately:
- $195,000 for 5-Year Property
- $178,000 for 7-Year Property
- $108,000 for 15-Year Property
In other words, the benefit is approximately $19 for every dollar reclassified to five years from thirty-nine years.
Does this increase my chances of being audited?
No. The chances of getting audited are not automatically increased.
What sort of documentation do I need?
At the front end of a Cost Segregation study, CORE only has to know certain basic information, such as the capitalized cost, property location, placed-in-service date, etc. to provide an estimated benefit. Once engaged, the more information available, the better. The following list is fairly comprehensive:
New Construction:
- The date of acquisition or “placed in service date”
- The capitalized costs
- Complete set of plans
- Contractor’s final application for payment or similar document
- A complete list of all change orders with a brief description of each
- A copy of the specifications (If readily available)
- Rent roll or similar document (For multi tenant buildings only)
- A list of owner incurred costs above and beyond the General Contractors costs. Examples include architectural and engineering fees, permits, testing and materials paid for directly by the owner
Purchased Properties:
- The date of acquisition or “placed in service date”
- The capitalized costs
- Depreciation schedule
- Plans, site plans and surveys (If available)
- Square footage of buildings and site
- Appraisal (If available)
- Rent roll or similar document (For multi tenant buildings only)
A site visit is an essential part of a good study; sufficient information can be collected, from such a visit, to accurately perform a Cost Segregation study in the event that construction drawings and cost information are not available.
How long does a Cost Segregation study take?
For small to medium size projects, CORE typically issues the final deliverable three to six weeks from the point that all information is received. Naturally, the time of year matters a great deal, consultant workload is much heavier in the periods just before filing deadlines. Upon receipt of an engagement letter, a specific schedule for completion is assigned to each project based upon client needs, time of year and, of course, IRS deadlines.
What if my project is still under construction?
No problem here. In fact, this situation is good for both sides. A CORE Advisor will work with construction personnel to document costs and other information to streamline the process as much as possible.
Could I not just use my own architects/engineers?
For a few reasons, this is probably not a good idea.
First of all, our architects, engineers and CPA’s are specialists, in this field, with decades of Cost Segregation experience. They know the ins and outs not just of the construction project, but also of the accounting side – documentation, tax law, etc. Architects and engineers alone are typically not familiar with the many subtleties involved in a comprehensive study.
Secondly, CORE offers a combination of construction industry professionals, in-house CPA’s and full time research staff to provide you with the assurance that your study will be fully compliant with the latest changes to the tax law. Lastly, our team is experienced in defending our work in the event of an audit, at no additional charge.
Will I need to file an amended return?
No. IRS Revenue Procedure 96-31 allows a taxpayer to file a form 3115 Automatic Change in Accounting rather than an amended tax return. This form can be used to fix depreciation as far back as 1987. CORE can prepare the 3115 for you, if you wish.
No amended return . . . even if my building was acquired or constructed in a prior year?
That’s right. IRS provisions will allow you to “catch up” on missed depreciation by filing a 3115. No need for an amended return.
What if there is a 1031 exchange associated with my property?
In some situations (certainly not all) this can reduce the benefit if the tax basis is decreased. We recommend speaking to us about the specifics of your property; together we can devise the best plan of attack for you.
I am interested in learning more. Do you charge for estimates?
No. We would very much like to hear from you. Let us discuss your property and tax situation, so that we may maximize your tax savings.
Do I need all the documentation available for the initial estimate of benefits?
No. While more information will result in a more accurate estimate, we can utilize information collected from similar projects to estimate benefits for your situation; of course, more detailed information produces a more accurate estimate.
Why hire CORE Solutions Group to perform your Cost Segregation Study?
Bottom line, CORE has become one of the leading commercial property cost recovery and advisory firms in the nation. We specialize in niche engineering – based cost segregation studies and other important incentives such as: property tax reduction, innovation tax credits, energy credits and other niche cost recovery services. We offer a highly credentialed and dedicated staff made up of top tax and legal professionals as well as team of experienced project engineers with hundreds of years in combined experience.
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