How do you do a cost segregation study?
Christopher Ramos
Updated on March 10, 2026
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.
Can you do your own cost segregation study?
Nearly anyone can do a basic cost segregation study which may include some component breakout, but doing it right is the issue. It is fair to say that CPAs, appraisers, contractors, and others can breakdown some of the building components and apply a life to them, especially on new construction.
How long does a cost segregation study take?
Q: How long does a cost segregation study take? A: Typically, 30-60 days. The timing is often based on the size of the project and whether all of the information and documents are provided up front.
How much is a cost segregation study?
While the fees vary widely, a well-done study is not inexpensive: A typical cost segregation study and written report will cost between $10,000 and $25,000.
Should I do cost segregation?
Cost segregation is a highly beneficial and widely accepted tax planning strategy utilized by commercial real estate owners and tenants to accelerate depreciation deductions, defer tax, and improve cash flow.
Is a cost segregation study worth it?
Is a Cost Segregation Study Worth It? Performing a cost segregation analysis is beneficial to real estate investors, as it allows for greatly accelerated depreciation of certain components of the property they are acquiring. This, in turn, can lower their tax burden, increase cash flow, and free up funds to reinvest.
Should you do cost segregation?
Conclusion: It is Worth the Effort! Cost Segregation can be one of the most advantageous tax strategies available to property owners. Accelerating depreciation deductions leads to a lowering of taxable income and taxes due.
What do you mean by cost segregation?
Under United States tax laws and accounting rules, cost segregation is the process of identifying personal property assets that are grouped with real property assets, and separating out personal assets for tax reporting purposes.
What is segregated cost method?
The Segregated Cost Method is designed to enable the assessor to give separate consideration to all of the major construction assemblies or systems (components) of a building with a minimum of time-consuming counting and measuring, and to arrive at a reliable replacement cost in a reasonably short time.
Can cost segregation offset capital gains?
All real estate owners and investors are concerned about how they can reduce and/or defer their taxes. Cost segregation studies and 1031 Exchanges are two powerful tax strategies that investors can utilize to both reduce operating expenses and defer capital gains taxes.
What do you need to know about cost segregation?
Under United States tax laws and accounting rules, cost segregation is the process of identifying personal property assets that are grouped with real property assets, and separating out personal assets for tax reporting purposes. According to the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals, a cost segregation is “the process …
How does Kbkg do a cost segregation study?
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.
Who are the examiners for cost segregation audits?
In some cases (e.g., small projects) examiners may be able to evaluate a study without assistance. However, other studies may require specialists with expertise, industry experience and specialized training (e.g., Engineers, Computer Audit Specialists and/or DCE PN Senior Revenue Agents).
How does a construction engineer do a segregation study?
Usually, a construction engineer will analyze architectural drawings, mechanical and electrical plans, and other blueprints to segregate the structural and general building electrical and mechanical components from those linked to personal property.