Narrative
In 2022, the owners of an auto dealership in South Florida undertook strategic tax planning to enhance their investment. The property consists of a single 2-story building encompassing 61,158 square feet. Originally constructed in 2000, the auto dealership features a showroom, service bays, offices, and other amenities designed to serve customers.
The building's exterior showcases modern architectural elements, including durable finishes and large storefront windows. The interior is well-appointed, featuring amenities such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, water heaters, and contemporary lighting fixtures. The property also includes extensive site improvements such as paving, fencing, signage, and landscaping.
The owners engaged Engineered Tax Services (ETS) to perform a comprehensive cost segregation study of the property. This study aimed to identify and reclassify specific assets, enabling the acceleration of depreciation and optimizing tax benefits. This case study outlines the cost segregation strategy employed and its significant impact on the financial outlook of the property.
Objective
The primary objective of the cost segregation study was to identify and classify the auto dealership's assets to optimize the owners' tax savings. By breaking down and reallocating components into shorter depreciation life categories, ETS aimed to provide both immediate and long-term financial benefits through accelerated depreciation.
Methodology
ETS employed a detailed, engineering-based approach, which included:
- Physical Inspection: conducting a thorough site visit to identify and photograph the property's components
- Document Review: examining architectural plans, construction documents and accounting records
- Cost Analysis: applying engineering principles to allocate costs to specific asset classifications
- Depreciation Calculation: calculating depreciation using IRS-accepted methods such as the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS)
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Discover MoreAsset Allocation
5-Year Class Life
Total Depreciation Allocation: $5,161,749.36
Percentage of Total Depreciable Basis: 36.7%
5-year class life assets identified in this study include:
- Electrical systems (specialized equipment outlets)
- Appliances (refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves)
- Furniture and fixtures (cabinets, counters, lockers)
- Interior finishes (carpet, vinyl flooring, ceiling fans)
- Communication and security systems (computer connections, security cameras)
- Specialized equipment (automotive lifts, air compressors, car wash equipment)
15-Year Class Life
Total Depreciation Allocation: $2,904,040.66
Percentage of Total Depreciable Basis: 20.65%
15-year class life assets identified in this study include:
- Land improvements (paving, fencing, signage, landscaping)
- Site utilities and infrastructure (storm drainage, site lighting)
39-Year Class Life
Total Depreciation Allocation: $5,998,413.98
Percentage of Total Depreciable Basis: 42.65%
39-year class life assets identified in this study include:
- Structural components (walls, doors, windows, roofing)
- Building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical distribution)
- Permanent fixtures (restroom fixtures, emergency lighting)
- Interior construction (drywall partitions, flooring, ceilings)
Class Life Details:
Summary
The cost segregation study for this auto dealership in South Florida demonstrates the substantial financial advantages of strategic tax planning. By reclassifying property components into shorter depreciation categories, the study enabled accelerated depreciation, resulting in maximized tax savings and improved cashflow. This approach not only enhanced the auto dealership's profitability but also allowed for more efficient capital management and future property upgrades. The case study illustrates how cost segregation can significantly boost the financial performance of real estate investments.
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