Uncover Tax Savings on Your Construction Project with a Cost Segregation Study

It’s building season, and as you’re paying attention to project costs on your next commercial build or remodel, a cost segregation study is more beneficial than ever due to changes in bonus depreciation set in place by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

A cost segregation study is an IRS-approved study that seeks to separate your personal property asset cost from the true building cost, allowing depreciation during a shorter lifespan. The benefits have skyrocketed under the act. Commercial property owners can realize an increase in bonus depreciation from 50% to 100% for assets placed in service from Sept. 27, 2017, to Jan. 1, 2023, on their next tax bill, making now the perfect time for a cost segregation study.

During such a study, a specialist will analyze the project cost data to identify your personal property as independent of the building cost. Examples of personal property include special purpose/decorative lighting, floor and wall coverings that are not essential to the structure, computer network equipment, communication systems, cabinetry that is not essential to the structure, office equipment and more. Each project will have unique personal property elements to be evaluated for qualification.

Personal property can be depreciated during a shorter time than the 39 years typically required for building projects. Nearly every industry can benefit, and projects that qualify include:

• Newly constructed commercial buildings.
• Existing commercial buildings undergoing renovation or expansion.
• Leasehold improvements and “fit-outs.”
• Purchases of existing commercial properties.

If the study is performed in the year the building is constructed, the depreciation for that year will be based on the segregated costs. If the study is performed in a year other than the year the building is constructed, a catch-up deduction is allowed in the year in which the study is performed.

Owners we’ve worked with who have undergone these studies are able to free up cash from their tax burden allowing them to pay down debt, invest in the market and expand their operations.

Alternatively, clients have chosen to invest in their people by channeling those savings into their company’s 401(k) plan. This approach generates even more tax savings and, in today’s competitive talent landscape, increased investment in employee benefits can go a long way to attracting and retaining the best talent.

Historically, projects of at least $500,000 and above have been the best fit for cost segregation studies. Now, with 100% depreciation, the investment into a study could be worthwhile for owners with smaller projects looking to save on their tax bill. To determine if your project is a good fit, have a conversation with your certified public accountant.

Adam Reisch, CPA, CFP®, CCA, CGMA is a partner at Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C. in Dubuque. Email him at areisch@honkamp.com.

This article originally appeared in the Telegraph Herald.