Cost Segregation Studies – It’s all we do!

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Selecting a Cost Segregation Study Provider

There are many types of studies done by firms in the industry, and there is a wide range of quality in processes, attention to detail and common sense. It can be difficult to differentiate between a good study and one that is a ticking time bomb. The following information will help guide you in your due diligence process, allowing you to select the provider best suited to meet your needs.

Questions to Ask a Prospective Provider

Ask each of the providers you may consider the same questions. Talk with us. You’ll see why our clients are delighted and why CPAs keep referring clients to us.

1. Will they perform an up-front analysis to determine if a cost segregation study will be beneficial for you at this time?

  • CSA will perform an up-front consultation and analysis to determine if a cost segregation study will be beneficial for you at this time – without any investment by you.

2. Are they being completely transparent in the price they are quoting and do they consider the additional cost from having your CPA involved in the process?

  • CSA is always transparent, and always welcomes the opportunity to work closely with your CPA to minimize your cost.

3. Will they assist you or your CPA in preparing IRS Form 3115 (Change in Accounting Method) allowing you to receive the benefit of catching-up on past depreciation deductions?

  • CSA will assist you or your CPA by providing the attachments needed for preparing IRS Form 3115 (Change of Accounting Method) for those studies that require this filing.

4. Will they stand behind you if you get audited, and if so, what do they charge for those services?

  • CSA stands behind you if you get audited – at no additional cost.

5. Do they perform an on-site inspection of the building by qualified construction specialists?

  • CSA performs an on-site visit by dedicated, qualified construction specialists.

6. Will they take the time to understand your tax situation as it impacts your depreciation opportunity, and will they actually “tie” the numbers to your tax schedules and financial statements?

  • CSA will take the time to understand your tax situation as it impacts your depreciation opportunity, and will actually “tie” the numbers to your tax schedules and financial statements.

7. Will they measure and account for the entire building, or will they shortcut the process by using the “Residual Method” or another method that is low on the “IRS” list of cost segregation methods?

  • CSA measures and accounts for every building component using either a complete “engineered study”, actual costs, or a combination of both.

8. Do they use construction engineering software to prepare their cost calculations, or are they using hand calculations and spreadsheets?

  • CSA uses sophisticated industry leading construction software for calculating “take-offs” and proprietary software for pricing and report preparation.

9. Does the provider actually have employees doing the engineering, analysis and reporting, or are they simply “outsourcing” to another group and then collecting a sales commission?

  • CSA has highly qualified in-house employees doing the engineering, analysis and reporting.

10. Does the provider have an office, or are they a “virtual” provider, working through a P.O. Box or sharing space with other companies so they can appear larger than they really are?

  • CSA has an operation center in Edina, Minnesota. Come visit us!

11. Ask for references!

  • CSA has great references and with our client’s approval, they are more than willing to tell you how we did.