How can I save more money in taxes with my rental property?+
Start by tracking eligible rental expenses and claiming depreciation correctly. Cost segregation may help you deduct some property costs sooner. Compare the estimate with the study fee, then ask your CPA which deductions you can use.
What rental property expenses can I deduct?+
Eligible expenses can include mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, repairs and management fees. Improvements usually have different treatment and may need to be depreciated. Keep records and separate any personal use.
How much does a cost segregation study cost?+
Standard rental home, Airbnb and condo studies start at $1,595 for properties purchased below $300,000. Select your property type and purchase price in the calculator for an instant quote. Complex properties and portfolios need a custom scope.
Can I get an instant quote without paying?+
Yes. Choose your property type and purchase price to see the study fee for a standard property. Send the short form for a written proposal. No payment or card is required.
Does cost segregation save the same amount on California and federal taxes?+
Not necessarily. California and federal depreciation rules differ, including bonus depreciation. Our calculator estimates federal savings only. Your CPA calculates any California adjustment separately.
What areas of California do you service?+
We accept rental and commercial property requests throughout California, including the Bay Area, Sacramento, Central Valley, Central Coast, Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire and San Diego. Your proposal confirms the study scope and any visit arrangements.
What is cost segregation in simple terms?+
It separates parts of a rental or business property that can be written off faster, such as qualifying flooring, appliances and site improvements. Taking those deductions sooner may lower your taxes now.
What is the difference between regular depreciation and cost segregation?+
Regular depreciation spreads building deductions over many years. Cost segregation identifies parts that qualify for shorter schedules and, when eligible, bonus depreciation. The calculator compares estimated Year 1 federal tax savings both ways.
How much could a cost segregation study save me in Year 1?+
It depends on the property and your tax situation. Use the purchase price and tax rate sliders to see an estimate. Extra tax savings equals the extra Year 1 deduction multiplied by your tax rate, assuming you can use the full deduction.
Is a tax deduction the same as tax savings?+
No. A deduction reduces the income you are taxed on. Tax savings is the resulting reduction in tax. The main calculator compares tax savings. Open How it’s calculated to see the underlying deductions.
Is cost segregation worth it for a rental property?+
It may be worthwhile when the deductions you can use outweigh the study cost. Start with the calculator, get a free quote, and have your CPA compare the fee with your potential benefit.
Can I use cost segregation for an Airbnb or short term rental?+
A property used for rental activity may qualify. Personal use and your tax situation can affect the deductions you can claim. Send the property details for a review.
Can I get a study for a property I bought years ago?+
Yes. A lookback review may identify missed depreciation using the rules that applied when the property entered service. Your CPA determines whether Form 3115 and a catch up adjustment are appropriate. It does not create new basis or automatically require amending every prior return.
Do I pay anything to get a quote?+
No. Your quote is free. You receive the study scope, price and timing before deciding whether to move forward. No card is required.
What information do you need for a free quote?+
Just the full property address, property type, purchase price or construction cost, and your contact details. Add any other properties or questions in the optional note. We will ask for anything else needed.
Can I request one quote for several properties?+
Yes. Put the first property in the form and list the others in the note. We can review them together for a portfolio proposal.
Can ChatGPT explain cost segregation or help me get started?+
ChatGPT can help you understand the basics and prepare questions. A property study and your CPA establish the facts and tax treatment for your return. To get started with us, use the free quote form and select ChatGPT if that is how you found us.
How is normal depreciation calculated on a rental or commercial building?+
Under the usual federal system, residential rental buildings use 27.5 years and commercial buildings use 39 years. Divide the depreciable building basis, excluding land, by that period for a full year estimate. The first year is prorated. Special rules can change the schedule.
Who is generally a good fit for cost segregation?+
Owners of rental homes, apartments, storage, retail, office or industrial property may benefit if there are qualifying assets and usable deductions that justify the fee. Passive loss limits can delay the benefit. A personal residence alone does not qualify.
Do I get an engineering based report for my CPA?+
The quoted service is an engineering based cost segregation report with asset classifications, depreciation schedules and supporting calculations. Your proposal identifies the review scope and deliverables. Your CPA confirms eligibility and handles tax return filing.
Can a cost segregation study be done remotely with pictures?+
Many standard properties can be reviewed using purchase records, plans and property photos, with a remote walkthrough when needed. Complex layouts, incomplete records or specialized assets may require additional review or a site visit and a custom quote.
What happens if the IRS questions my study?+
Technical audit support addresses questions about the study methodology and supporting calculations with your CPA. The written proposal confirms the included support and its duration. No study guarantees IRS acceptance or a particular tax result.
When does my property need a custom quote?+
Portfolios, complex ownership or exchanges, major renovations with multiple service dates, specialized assets and extensive missing records can need extra work. We explain the scope and final price before you pay. An older purchase alone does not automatically mean a higher fee.
How accurate is this free cost segregation calculator?+
It gives an initial estimate using your inputs and broad property type assumptions. It does not inspect your property or price its individual components. Actual results can differ because of land value, condition, improvements, service dates and usable deductions.
Is a cost segmentation calculator the same as a cost segregation calculator?+
People sometimes use cost segmentation when they mean cost segregation. This tool estimates how faster depreciation could affect your federal taxes and helps you decide whether to request a study quote.
Can I file my tax return using the calculator result?+
Use it to discuss the opportunity with your CPA. The completed study provides the property specific classifications and supporting schedules needed for tax preparation. A calculator result alone is not a completed study.
What should I have ready after accepting a study quote?+
Keep your closing statement, existing depreciation schedule, improvement invoices, available plans and property photos together. We confirm the exact records needed in your scope, so you do not have to gather everything just to request a quote.