R.E. Cost Seg vs. R.E. Cost Seg

There are two study options based on property characteristics. The Rapid Report ($950) suits properties with depreciable basis under $800K, capital improvements under $50K, and residential properties under 3,500 sq ft—ideal for single-family homes, condos, and small multifamily. It uses a detailed questionnaire instead of inspection, with 5-10 business day turnaround.

The Fully Engineered Study (from $2,750) is required for properties exceeding these limits, all commercial properties regardless of size, and renovations over $50K. It includes virtual or on-site inspection with detailed component analysis and takes 15-20 business days. The key difference is methodology: Rapid Report uses software-based questionnaire analysis while Fully Engineered includes comprehensive site inspection, document review, and detailed engineering analysis. Both are IRS-compliant with full audit protection.

While our studies are based on engineering analysis and IRS guidelines, we understand you may have questions about specific classifications. If you disagree with certain component classifications, we can review the engineering rationale and supporting documentation. Minor adjustments might be possible if you provide additional information about specific assets or their use. However, significant departures from engineering standards could compromise the study's defensibility.

You can choose to be more conservative than the study recommends by treating some personal property as structural components, though this reduces your tax benefits. We provide detailed documentation explaining each classification decision, which your CPA can review. Remember that our studies include audit defense, so we stand behind our engineering conclusions. If you have specific concerns, it's best to address them before finalizing the study.

The virtual inspection is an essential part of the Fully Engineered Study, designed to be both thorough and convenient. It is conducted over a video call (via platforms such as Google Meet or Zoom) and typically lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on the property’s size.

During the session, a person with property access — such as a property manager, tenant, or contractor — uses a smartphone to guide our Site Visit Specialist through the property. The specialist provides step-by-step instructions to ensure all necessary areas and components are properly documented.

For those who prefer an in-person visit, we also offer an on-site inspection option starting at $600, depending on the property's size and complexity.

The documentation requirements for a cost segregation study are straightforward. Essential documents include your closing statement or HUD-1 settlement statement, any existing depreciation schedule, and a cost ledger for capital improvements in spreadsheet format.

While not required, several documents can be helpful if available, including property appraisals, floor plans or architectural drawings, photos of the property. You don't need to provide individual receipts, though you should keep them for backup purposes.

The timeline depends on the type of study you choose:

Rapid Report: Once you’ve made the payment and completed the online questionnaire, the process usually takes about 5–10 business days. This includes time for our engineering team to review the information (about 3–5 days) and prepare your final report (around 2 days).

Fully Engineered Study: For a fully engineered analysis, the clock starts after you’ve submitted all the required documents and completed the virtual inspection. From there, the study typically takes about 15–20 business days (roughly 3–4 weeks) — including 10–15 days for the engineering work and 2–3 days to finalize and deliver your report.

If you need results sooner, we also offer a rush option with a 5-business-day turnaround, depending on availability during busier times of the year.

Distinguishing between repairs and capital improvements is crucial for tax treatment and cost segregation eligibility. Capital improvements that qualify for cost segregation include betterments that improve the property beyond its original condition, restorations that return property to working order after it has fallen into disrepair, and adaptations that ready the property for a new or different use.

Examples include new HVAC systems, roof replacements, additions to the building, and comprehensive kitchen or bathroom remodels. In contrast, repairs that are deductible in the current year include routine maintenance activities, fixing existing components without upgrading them, painting, patching, minor replacements, and work that simply keeps the property in ordinary operating condition.

Several safe harbor elections can simplify these determinations, including the de minimis safe harbor allowing immediate expensing of items under $2,500 or $5,000 with an applicable financial statement, the routine maintenance safe harbor for qualifying maintenance activities, and the small taxpayer safe harbor for buildings with an unadjusted basis under $1 million.

Yes, cost segregation applies to leasehold improvements with some special considerations. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over 39 years for nonresidential property, or over the lease term if it's shorter than the applicable recovery period. Qualified Improvement Property may qualify for bonus depreciation under current law, making it particularly attractive for cost segregation.

Tenant improvements can be studied regardless of who pays for them, and the fact that improvements will eventually revert to the landlord doesn't eliminate the current tax benefits for the tenant. For ground leases, improvements built on leased land qualify for cost segregation using the appropriate recovery periods regardless of the lease term. However, you should consider whether certain costs should be amortized over the lease term rather than depreciated.