Free Cost Segregation Calculator

Estimate accelerated depreciation benefits from a cost segregation study by reclassifying building components to shorter recovery periods.

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First-Year Tax Savings

$12,058

First-Year Extra Depreciation$34,453
Total Reclassified Amount$300,000
% of Building Reclassified30%
ROI on Study Cost-20%
Study Fee$15,000

First-Year Tax Savings vs % Reclassified to 5-Year Property

Cost Segregation Studies

Cost segregation accelerates depreciation by reclassifying building components from the standard 27.5 or 39-year schedule to 5, 7, or 15-year property.

Standard vs. Accelerated Recovery

  • 39-year property: Building structure (commercial)
  • 27.5-year property: Residential rental structure
  • 15-year property: Land improvements (parking lots, landscaping, fences)
  • 7-year property: Certain fixtures and equipment
  • 5-year property: Carpeting, appliances, decorative lighting
  • Bonus Depreciation

    With bonus depreciation (phasing down from 100%), reclassified property can be fully deducted in year one, dramatically increasing first-year tax benefits.

    Typical Results

    A cost segregation study typically reclassifies 20-40% of building cost, generating significant upfront tax savings.

    Example Calculation

    A $1,000,000 commercial building. 15% reclassified to 5-year, 5% to 7-year, 10% to 15-year. 35% tax rate. $15,000 study cost.

    1. 015-year property: $1,000,000 x 15% = $150,000 (year 1: $150,000 x 20% = $30,000)
    2. 027-year property: $1,000,000 x 5% = $50,000 (year 1: $50,000 x 14.29% = $7,145)
    3. 0315-year property: $1,000,000 x 10% = $100,000 (year 1: $100,000 x 5% = $5,000)
    4. 04Remaining 39-year: $700,000 (year 1: $700,000 / 39 = $17,949)
    5. 05Accelerated year 1 total: $30,000 + $7,145 + $5,000 + $17,949 = $60,094
    6. 06Standard year 1: $1,000,000 / 39 = $25,641
    7. 07Extra first-year depreciation: $60,094 - $25,641 = $34,453
    8. 08Tax savings: $34,453 x 35% = $12,059

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