Find Us Investor Relations Career Home About Us Accounting & Tax Insurance & HR Advisory Insights Virtual Investor Day Frequently Asked Questions About Cost Segregation Home / Accounting & Tax / Services / Tax / Federal Tax / Cost Segregation Studies / Frequently Asked Questions About Cost Segregation What Is Cost Segregation? Cost segregation is a strategic tax planning method that accelerates tax depreciation deductions and defers federal and state income taxes. Real property is often depreciated over 27.5 years or 39 years, but certain building components such as electrical installations, plumbing, and mechanical systems and finishes qualify for 5, 7 or 15-year depreciation lives. Studies can also separate out personal property assets, which cannot be depreciated for tax reporting purposes. Who Qualifies for Cost Segregation? Companies that construct, renovate, or acquire commercial or residential real estate see the most benefit from cost segregation, but any company that makes building upgrades that exceed $500,000 may also be good candidates for cost segregation. The ideal project for cost segregation involves newly constructed, acquired, or renovated commercial and residential properties with a depreciable basis of more than $1 million. When Should I Get a Cost Segregation Study? Ideally, a cost segregation study is performed in the year of the acquisition, construction, or renovation of a property. Businesses can also have look-back studies where cost segregation is performed on buildings built, acquired, or renovated within the past 10 years. During a look-back study, tax professionals identify previously missed deduction opportunities. What Is the Cost Segregation Process? Certified tax professionals and qualified engineers inspect the property, determine the value of each component, and assess the proper tax classifications. Tax professionals then work with business owners to determine how and when to use the accelerated depreciation deductions to receive the maximum tax benefit. What Is the Benefit of Cost Segregation? The average net present value savings yields a return on investment of $15 of tax savings per dollar spent in fees. How Can I Find Out If a Cost Segregation Study Is Right for Me? Contact us to learn more about your tax saving opportunities. Featured Content Your Team is always ready, no matter what you need. Connect with an expert today. Connect with Us Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Legal Disclaimer | Help Copyright 2021 By CBIZ, Inc.