Case Studies: Car Wash Facility
Car wash facility owners operate in a high-intensity environment where building systems are specifically designed to withstand constant water exposure and chemical use. Engineered Tax Services helps these operators maximize their liquidity by identifying the vast array of specialized assets—such as reclaim systems, high-pressure piping, and reinforced concrete—that qualify for accelerated depreciation. Because a car wash facility requires frequent equipment cycles and infrastructure maintenance, an ETS engineering-based study provides the immediate cash flow needed for upgrades. By reclassifying these specialized components, owners can transition from long-term tax deferral to immediate, front-loaded deductions that support operational growth.
Car Wash Facility Case Studies
A car wash facility contains unique mechanical and site requirements, including moisture-resistant lighting, specialized HVAC for bay ventilation, and 15-year land improvements like vacuum islands and complex drainage systems. Engineered Tax Services meticulously documents these components to move them away from the standard 39-year commercial life cycle. Furthermore, ETS identifies savings through 179D energy tax deductions for high-efficiency motors and LED lighting systems essential for 24/7 operations. These results demonstrate how Engineered Tax Services delivers substantial Net Present Value increases, providing a defensible strategy for owners to reinvest in the latest automated technology and water-saving innovations.

Cost Segregation Study on a Car Wash Facility in Marble Falls, TX
Purchased in 2021 for $4.4 million, this car wash in Marble Falls, TX would have generated a straight-line first-year depreciation

