Cost segregation studies can help property owners accelerate depreciation, but the process requires detailed documentation. This checklist helps you organize records before working with cost segregation engineers and your CPA.
Important Disclaimer
This article provides educational information about organizing documentation. We do not perform cost segregation studies, provide tax advice, or guarantee tax savings. Consult with qualified cost segregation engineers and your CPA for study evaluation and tax filing.
What Cost Segregation Professionals Typically Need
Cost segregation engineers and CPAs generally need documentation in four key areas: acquisition records, construction documentation, improvement records, and current depreciation schedules. Having these organized helps the study proceed more efficiently.
Property Acquisition Records
- Purchase agreement and settlement statement (HUD-1 or Closing Disclosure)
- Property appraisal at time of purchase
- Title insurance documents
- Land vs. building allocation documentation
- Historical tax assessments showing land/building split
Construction Documentation
- General contractor agreements and invoices
- Subcontractor invoices broken down by trade
- Change orders and modifications
- Architectural and engineering drawings
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Improvement Records
- Tenant improvement invoices and descriptions
- Renovation and remodeling documentation
- Equipment installation records
- HVAC, electrical, and plumbing upgrades
- Landscaping and site improvement costs
Current Depreciation Records
- Current fixed asset schedule from accounting system
- Depreciation schedules showing methods and lives
- Prior cost segregation studies (if any)
- Tax return depreciation schedules (Form 4562)
- Asset additions and dispositions since acquisition
How We Help with Documentation Support
Our cost segregation documentation support helps property owners organize their existing records into the categories that cost segregation engineers and CPAs typically need. This includes:
- Organizing acquisition and settlement documents
- Compiling construction invoices by category
- Gathering improvement and renovation records
- Reconciling fixed asset schedules
- Creating CPA-ready documentation packages
We do not perform cost segregation studies, determine depreciation lives, or provide tax advice. Our role is documentation organization to help you work more efficiently with qualified professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cost segregation documentation support?
Cost segregation documentation support helps property owners organize construction invoices, improvement records, fixed asset details, and property documentation that cost segregation engineers and CPAs typically need when performing a study. We do not perform studies or provide tax advice.
Do you perform cost segregation studies?
No. We provide documentation support only. The actual cost segregation study must be performed by qualified engineers and reviewed by your CPA for tax filing purposes.
What records are typically needed for a cost segregation study?
Key records include purchase/settlement documents, construction contracts and invoices, improvement documentation, property appraisals, floor plans or blueprints, and current depreciation schedules.