As a real estate investor, you must definitely be putting efforts into how to minimize your tax liability. One tax strategy you should be focusing on is cost segregation. It acts as a shield in reducing taxable income for real estate owners by depreciating a few components at an accelerated rate. This blog is all about cost segregation, what it is, and the benefits of conducting a CSS.  Before we deep dive into cost segregation let’s first understand what depreciation is.

An Introduction To Depreciation

As mentioned in one of our previous blogs, depreciation refers to deducting the loss from the value of an asset over a certain period of time. Please refer to the blog “the impact of cost segregation on property tax“. So now, let’s quickly get into how a cost segregation study works, when should a CSS be conducted, and the role of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act.

How does a cost segregation study work?

A CSS separates a few items like carpeting, wall coverings, special plumbing, phone system, etc, and these are usually considered 1250 properties. The assets that qualify vary based on the property type and hence, it is better to refer to the IRS Audit Technique Guide for detailed information. It is always better to hire a professional who has years of experience in engineering, construction, and tax.

When should a cost segregation study be conducted?

Professionals always recommend conducting a study either immediately after the purchase of a property or after remodeling or construction. Otherwise, a cost segregation study can be conducted in the first year in order to maximize the tax benefits. Initially, there were separate categories for qualified properties like a restaurant property, leasehold improvement property, retail improvement property, etc. Both personal and real property qualified for the like-kind exchange treatment. After the changes brought by the TCJA, cost segregation became a major part of a tax strategy. It is essential for property owners to have an eye on the TCJA changes in order to reduce taxes and increase savings.

The role of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act have added a lot of provisions to the IRS code and this has allowed business owners to take a 100% bonus depreciation for assets in year one instead of depreciating it over a longer period of time. This provision is available only till 2022 and is likely to diminish by 2027.

The bottom line

Cost segregation can help you save thousands, and sometimes millions, of dollars in taxes. Now with the 100% bonus depreciation, it has become the right move for every investor. If you are considering conducting a cost segregation study on your property take up the free analysis. Use our cost segregation calculator and calculate your potential savings. If you feel you might benefit from a cost segregation study, enroll today. Our studies are IRS tested, CPA approved, and warrantied for the duration of your ownership of the asset studied! Satisfaction is guaranteed; if you are not satisfied, you do not pay.