Cost Segregation

Cost Segregation is a commonly used strategic tax planning tool that allows companies and individuals who have constructed, purchased, expanded or remodeled any kind of real estate to increase cash flow by accelerating depreciation deductions and deferring federal and state income taxes.

When a property is purchased, not only does it include a building structure, but it also includes all of its interior and exterior components. On average, 20% to 40% of those components fall into tax categories that can be written off much quicker than the building structure. A Cost Segregation study dissects the construction cost or purchase price of the property that would otherwise be depreciated over 27 ½ or 39 years. The primary goal of a Cost Segregation study is to identify all property-related costs that can be depreciated over 5, 7 and 15 years. For example, certain electrical outlets that are dedicated to equipment such as appliances or computers should be depreciated over 5 years.

KBKG goes beyond a traditional Cost Segregation study and will also separate all of the different building structural components (such as the roof, windows or HVAC units) so when they are replaced, a loss deduction can be claimed on them. For leased property, we also separate tenant leasehold improvements.

What is Involved in a Cost Segregation Study?
A quality Cost Segregation study evaluates all information, including available records, inspections, and interviews, and presents the findings in a clear, well-documented format. Our process for conducting a detailed Cost Segregation includes a review of any available cost detail for the property, a review of any available blue prints and a physical inspection of the property. If none of this information is available, a Cost Segregation study can still be performed by estimating component values on site.

When should a Cost Segregation study be conducted?
A Cost Segregation study can be completed any time after the purchase, remodel or construction of a property. However, the optimum time for a study for new owners is during the year a building is constructed, purchased or remodeled. For investors who are in the planning phases of construction or remodeling, the best time to consider a Cost Segregation study is before the infrastructure of the building is set. KBKG offers a free preliminary analysis that can help determine the right timing and strategy for any investor.

What should I consider when selecting a Cost Segregation provider?
You should always read the bio and resume of the persons signing your Cost Segregation study. Make sure they are certified with...READ MORE »

Will the company be available if I get audited by the IRS?
Any company can give you a Cost Segregation report with results that save you a lot of money; the real question is whether it will stand up to IRS scrutiny. The true value of the fee you pay is how easy (or painful) the audit process goes. Every Cost Segregation company will say...READ MORE »

Does the company have tax experts that can help if my CPA has questions?
There are so many unique fact patterns and situations that can have a tax impact on how the Cost Segregation deductions will flow through on your tax return. A Cost Segregation engineer does not know enough about tax to truly understand how the Cost Segregation deductions will specifically impact you. Using a firm with tax experts on staff will...READ MORE »

Tax Reform Makes it Easier to Generate Deductions with Cost Segregation

01/18/2019

In 2018, the tax reform changes made cost segregation studies more valuable than before. Under the new law, any building components with a tax recovery period of 20 years or less, are eligible for 100% Bonus Depreciation. Historically, bonus depreciation only applied to newly constructed property, but now it’s available for any acquired property. These … Read More

KBKG Tax Insight: Now’s the Time to Request Your Cost Segregation Studies

12/04/2018

Are you or your clients interested in performing a cost segregation study as we look toward 2018 tax filing deadlines? If so, now is the time to get started to meet the March 15th tax deadline. KBKG is committed to timely work, and we are starting to get busy with Cost Segregation projects. Help us … Read More

KBKG Tax Insight: Updates to “Qualified Improvement Property”

11/09/2018

With the 2017 tax year behind us, tax professionals are laser focused on the various new rules presented by the recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) effective for the 2018 tax year. One of the most significant changes related to real estate improvements is the new eligibility criteria for qualified improvement property (QIP). The … Read More

KBKG Tax Insight: Utilize Statistical Sampling with Cost Segregation

09/04/2018

If you are a taxpayer that owns multiple building improvement properties which are similar in construction, utilizing a statistical sampling along with cost segregation can greatly reduce the fees and resources needed to allocate each property for tax depreciation. Pairing this with an accounting method change to claim missed cost segregation opportunities over multiple years … Read More

Eddie Price Elected to ASCSP Board of Directors

08/17/2018

Eddie Price, Director of KBKG, a nationwide tax credits, incentives, and cost recovery firm, was recently elected to the board of directors for non-profit organization, the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP), for a subsequent two-year term. ASCSP was founded in 2006 to address the growing need for credentials, technical standards, education, and a … Read More

KBKG Tax Insight: Impact of Proposed Regulations for Additional First Year Depreciation Deduction

08/08/2018

This article is featured in Accounting Today and Tax Pro Today. On August 8th, 2018 the IRS published proposed regulations (REG-104397-18) that provide guidance regarding the additional first year depreciation deduction under section 168(k) of the Internal Revenue Code (Code). These proposed regulations reflect changes made to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) to … Read More

Partial Disposition Election for Buildings Being Targeted by IRS

06/18/2018

Recently, the IRS Large Business and International division highlighted five issues that it will be targeting in its “compliance campaign” audit strategy this year. One of the issues on its radar is the partial disposition election for buildings and its structural components. Treasury Regulations provide guidelines for recognizing gain or loss on the disposition of … Read More

KBKG Tax Insight: IRS Penalizes Cost Segregation Provider for Aiding and Abetting

03/06/2018

Tax preparers and their clients often cannot recognize quality differences among cost segregation service providers, leading to buying decisions based on who proposes the lowest fee or promises the highest tax benefit. However, the real test of quality is how the cost segregation results stand up in an IRS audit. What are the consequences of … Read More

Minimize Gains on Sale of Condos in Mixed-Use Developments. Condo Tax Basis Allocation Studies

01/09/2018

Traditional cost accounting for mixed-use residential projects often does not properly allocate all construction costs to each section of the property. Consequently, there may be a significant understatement of cost basis for residential condominium units resulting in higher taxable gains upon sale. This is most common within vertical mixed-use developments where residential condos are stacked … Read More

Reduce Taxes on Condo Sales in Mixed-Use Developments with Tax Basis Allocation Studies

12/01/2017

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Many business owners are surprised to learn of the compelling tax savings a cost segregation study offers. Below is a list of three of the most prominent benefits.

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