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“Understanding Cost Segregation Studies”

“Understanding Cost Segregation Studies”. Presented by: Cathy A. Harris, CPA Director, Cost Segregation Group. What is a Cost Segregation Study?.

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“Understanding Cost Segregation Studies”

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  1. “Understanding Cost Segregation Studies” Presented by: Cathy A. Harris, CPA Director, Cost Segregation Group

  2. What is a Cost Segregation Study? • A cost segregation study (CSS) is a systematic engineering-based analysis and classification of all capital expenditures associated with a newly constructed, renovated, recently purchased or existing property.

  3. CSS Goal • The goal of a CSS is to identify assets as either real or personal property and to separate the capital expenditures into the most optimum MACRS asset classifications allowed by IRS code, revenue rulings and existing case law.

  4. Why is a Cost Segregation Study a Good Idea? • A properly completed Cost Segregation Study will: • Maximize tax deferrals through accelerated depreciation • Increase cash flow through a decrease in tax exposure – potential for a big “catch-up” • Minimize taxable gains on the sale of property

  5. What Type of Owners Benefit? • Taxpayers with a commercial property having depreciable basis of $750,000 or greater. • Taxpayers who have constructed, purchased, expanded or renovated commercial properties since 1987. • Lessees and lessors who have made leasehold improvements of $750,000 or greater. • Owners of properties about to be sold or who have sold property in recent years.

  6. Component Building Land Improvements Furn, Fixt. & Equip. FF&E, Retail & Service Information Systems Recovery Period 27.5 or 39 years 15 years 7 years 5 years 5 years Primary Property Recovery Periods

  7. Manufacturing Hotels Apartments Restaurants Office Buildings Research & Development Hospitals Tenant Improvements Retail Grocery Stores 20% - 60% 15% - 40% 20% - 50% 10% - 40% 10% - 40% 20% - 50% 20% - 50% 15% - 50% 15% - 40% 15% - 50% Average Value Misclassified by Property Type

  8. Examples of Reallocated Personal Property • Carpeting • Wallcoverings • Cabinetry • Specialty lighting • Specialty electric and plumbing • Built-in shelving • Loading dock equipment

  9. Examples of Reallocated Land Improvements • Asphalt • Concrete • Parking lot lighting • Curb and gutters • Signage • Landscaping

  10. Benefits of a Cost Segregation Study • The present value of income tax savings, at 7% interest rate, for each $100,000 in property identified as personal property versus nonresidential real property with a 39 year life: • 5 Year property - $17,200 • 7 Year property - $15,800 • 15 Year property - $9,600 * Assumes 35% Federal Income Tax Rate

  11. Average NPV Savings

  12. Catch-Up Depreciation • For existing properties that are not optimally classified, the IRS provides an automatic consent procedure to make changes on a “catch-up” basis. • Depreciation differences between current and optimum property classifications are currently allowed to be fully expensed in the year of change.

  13. Year of Sale Study Catch-up depreciation taken at ordinary tax rates (up to 35% federal rate). Additional gain on sale recognized at capital gain rates (15% federal rate). Up to 20% tax savings on additional depreciation taken in the year of sale.

  14. Recent Developments Relating to Depreciable Property Bonus Depreciation is back for 2008 and 2009!!! For assets contracted and placed in service between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009. Enhanced Small Business Expensing Deduct capital expenditures up to $250,000 phased out after $800,000 in additions. Increase extended from 2008 through 2009.

  15. Recent Developments Relating to Depreciable Property 5 year NOL carryback for small businesses. Expenditures related to tangible property: Current deduction v. capital expenditure. Improvements to restore property to former working condition or to keep property in ordinary efficient operating condition may be currently expensed. Improvements which add to the value or prolong the useful life of the property must be capitalized.

  16. IRS Cost SegregationAudit Technique Guide This guide was developed to assist IRS agents in the examination of cost segregation studies. Latest update was December 2007. It identifies cost segregation methodologies that the IRS believes are valid and those which require additional scrutiny. The guide identifies the attributes of what the Service believes is a quality cost segregation study and report.

  17. The Process • Based on preliminary information given, we use our extensive database and estimate the expected tax benefit. • A fixed fee proposal is offered. • A site visit is made, and the data is processed. • Client is under no obligation to pay unless they receive a net benefit from the study. • Average turn around is 30 to 60 days.

  18. Steps in a Cost Segregation Study • Perform on-site property tour to collect data. • Process detailed information from property tour, site map, blueprints and specifications. • Prepare itemized list of all property components. • Compute actual or estimated acquisition and installation costs for each identified component. • Allocate indirect costs to appropriate property components. • Research applicable IRS code, regulations and case law. • Determine appropriate depreciable life for each property component. • Prepare and present final report.

  19. Deliverable • Cost Segregation Report • Preparer Information • Project Background Information. • Cost Segregation Methodology. • Asset Classification Summary. • Federal Tax Classifications. • Federal Tax Classifications Support. • Project Related Fees and Service. • Exhibit 1 - Federal Income Tax - MACRS listing of assets and associated class lives. • Exhibit 2 – Photographs.

  20. Shopping Center Example • Purchase Price $3,700,000 • NPV Tax Savings $193,000

  21. Hotel Example • Purchase Price $3,300,000 • NPV Tax Savings $178,000

  22. Apartments Example • Purchase Price $22,000,000 • NPV Tax Savings $969,000

  23. Example Catch-up Study • Shopping Center capitalized building at $1,517,000 between 1990 and 2005. • Reclassified $300,000 to 5 year assets. • Reclassified $249,000 to 15 year assets. • Catch-up Section 481 Adjustment through 2005 was $281,000. Adjusted on the 2006 tax return. • Savings in 2006 to owners exceeding $100,000.

  24. Year of Sale Benefit Example • Purchase Price: $11,400,000 • Sales Price: $25,000,000 • Year of Sale Tax w/o CSS: $2,600,000 • Year of Sale Tax w/ CSS: $2,300,000 • Tax Savings exceeding: $330,000

  25. Benefit Over Price (Return on Investment)

  26. Why use The Cost Segregation Group? • Experience providing studies since 1998. • Billions of dollars in real estate segregated. • Engineers and CPAs perform studies. • Senior member of the ASCSP on staff. • 100% IRS audit success. • Authors of CCH’s Practical Guide to Cost Segregation.

  27. Contact Us • Visit our website: www.costsegregationgroup.com The Cost Segregation Group Cathy Harris, Director charris@costsegregationgroup.com (757) 533-4118

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