All About Cost Segregation by Eli Loenbenberg, CEO Download PDF

New Webinars!

Enhance Your Client's Bottom Line and Develop More Business Through Cost Segregation.
Register Now Register Now

Learn How Cost Segregation Provides Tax Benefits and Improves Your Cash Flow.
Register Now Register Now

Check out a real Cost Seg Property Site Tour Site Tour Click Here Read Our Madison Blog!
Estimate Request

Cost Segregation Glossary C

C

Cash Flow

The amount of cash generated and used by a company during a given period. Cash flow is calculated by either adding or subtracting noncash charges (such as depreciation) to net income. It can be attributed to a specific project or to a business as a whole. Maximizing annual depreciation deductions through cost segregation reduces taxable income thereby generating increased cash flow.

Cost Segregation

The process of evaluating a commercial or residential rental property and identifying and reclassifying eligible non-structural assets from longer recovery periods (typically 27.5-years or 39-years) to shorter recovery periods (typically five, seven or 15-years). Accelerating the depreciation of these personal property assets can result in a reduction of current tax liability thereby generating increased cash flow.

Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide

Developed to assist Internal Revenue Service examiners in the review and examination of cost segregation studies. The primary goals are to provide examiners with an understanding of why cost segregation studies are performed for federal income tax purposes, how cost segregation studies are prepared, and what to look for in the review and examination of these studies. All properly documented cost segregation studies should conform to this guide.

Cost Segregation Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for a cost segregation study include: investment property or property used for the operation of a business (whether a commercial or residential rental property) constructed since 1986; an existing property that has been renovated, expanded or restored; or an existing property that has had leasehold improvements performed. Additionally, since the fundamental concept of cost segregation is to accelerate tax deductions for depreciation, thereby reducing income tax liability, the property owner needs to be an income tax payer.

Cost Segregation Study

A tax and engineering analysis of any real estate holdings including leasehold improvements. It is designed to accelerate the tax deductions for depreciation by reclassifying eligible fixed assets to shorter recovery periods. A cost segregation study identifies and segregates those assets, assesses their value and determines the resulting accelerated depreciation. Relevant IRS guidelines should be adhered to and thorough documentation provided.

Cost Segregations Study Approaches

There are several different approaches to conducting cost segregation studies, including:

  • Engineering Approach From Actual Cost Records

    This is the most methodical and accurate approach to cost segregation, relying on solid documentation and minimal estimation. Construction-based documentation, such as blueprints, specifications, contracts, job reports, change orders, payment requests, and invoices, are used to determine unit costs. The use of actual cost records contributes to the overall accuracy of cost allocations, although issues may still arise as to the classification of specific assets.

  • Detailed Engineering Cost Estimate Approach

    The detailed engineering cost estimate approach (or detailed estimate approach) is similar to the detailed cost approach. The difference is that the detailed estimate approach estimates costs, rather than using actual costs. This approach is used when cost records are not available or for an acquisition when the purchase price must be allocated.

  • Survey Or Letter Approach

    The survey or letter approach is an alternative method for estimating costs. In this approach, contractors and subcontractors are contacted via a survey or letter to provide information on the cost of specific assets that they installed on a particular project.

  • Residual Estimation Approach

    The residual estimation approach is an abbreviated method in which only short-lived asset costs (e.g., 5- or 7-year property) are determined. Although this method is simpler and less time consuming than the engineering approaches, it can also be less accurate.

  • Sampling Or Modeling Approach

    The sampling or modeling approach uses a created model (or template) to analyze multiple facilities that are nearly identical in construction, appearance and use (e.g., fast food chains and retail outlets). The use of sampling minimizes resources and costs compared to conducting studies on all properties.

  • "Rule Of Thumb" Approach

    Some cost segregation studies are merely based on a "rule of thumb" approach. In general, this approach uses little or no documentation and is based on a preparer's "experience" in a particular industry.

Cost Segregation Study Process

In a properly documented cost segregation study, an engineer will conduct a site study and analyze architectural drawings, mechanical and electrical plans, and other blueprints when available to segregate the structural and general building electrical and mechanical components from those linked to personal property. Cost specialists determine the value of all assets eligible for cost segregation, using the most widely accepted sources of construction cost information, such as the services of RS Means. Accounting and tax experts then compile relevant tax law and IRS guidance in order to support the eligible asset reclassification. In addition, appropriate depreciation schedules are prepared which will then be incorporated into the client's tax return by their CPA.

Home | Contact Us | The Concept | Our Approach | Case Studies | About Us | Alliance Programs
Privacy Policy