Cost Segregation Company in Chicago, Illinois

Choosing a cost segregation company in Chicago, Illinois, requires a partner who understands the high-stakes nature of the Cook County real estate market. In a city where property tax assessments have seen recent, record-breaking shifts, often placing a higher burden on residential and multi-unit owners, maximizing every federal tax deduction is not just a strategy; it is a necessity for maintaining project viability.

At Engineered Tax Services (ETS), we provide the engineering-based precision required to navigate Chicago’s unique building stock, from the historic Loop towers to the sprawling industrial corridors of the West Side.

A cost segregation analysis is a strategic tax planning tool that enhances your immediate cash flow by postponing tax payments. By conducting a cost segregation study in Chicago, you could potentially deduct up to 30-35% of your property's initial acquisition cost in the first year! 

This is possible because depreciation reflects the declining value of a building as it ages. In reality, your building consists of multiple individual elements (like lighting systems, HVAC units, etc.), each of which degrades over time. 

However, these elements are categorized differently from the entire building, which is typically depreciated over 27.5 or 39 years. Individual components are often allocated shorter depreciation periods of either five or 15 years. This accelerates the depreciation benefits, particularly in the early years. No matter if your real estate property in Chicago is for residential or commercial use, you have the flexibility to spread out this expense over a period of 27.5 or 39 years. 

The Strategic Importance of Cost Segregation in Chicago, IL

Chicago real estate investors are currently operating in a challenging fiscal environment. With citywide reassessments shifting the tax burden and the “Loop's” commercial values adjusting to new work patterns, liquidity is king.

A professional cost segregation in Chicago, IL, allows you to move beyond the standard 27.5 or 39-year depreciation schedules. By identifying assets that qualify for 5, 7, and 15-year recovery periods, Engineered Tax Services helps you front-load your deductions. This immediate tax shield provides the cash flow needed to offset rising local property taxes and fund critical building improvements.

Why Engineered Tax Services (ETS) is the Leading Choice in Chicago

In a city with complex local ordinances, you need a firm with a national reach and local engineering expertise. Engineered Tax Services stands apart through:

  • Engineering-Based Accuracy: We don't rely on “estimates” or software-only tools. Our team includes civil, structural, and architectural engineers who perform on-site inspections for every study.

  • IRS Audit Defense: Every Chicago cost segregation report we deliver is authored to withstand the most rigorous IRS scrutiny, following the specific guidelines set in the IRS Audit Technique Guide.

  • Integrated Energy Credits (179D & 45L): Many Chicago developments are pushing for LEED certification or energy efficiency. We can pair your cost segregation study with Section 179D deductions (up to $5.00+ per sq. ft.) to double your tax-saving impact.

Maximize your depreciation benefits!

Explore your property's potential with our cost segregation services in Chicago. Contact ETS today for a detailed analysis. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Depreciation Can Be Accelerated for Your Owned or Leased Property in Chicago? 

The application of cost segregation can lead to varying degrees of accelerated depreciation, depending on the specific type of property. Each property type, be it residential, commercial, industrial or special-purpose, has unique attributes that influence the potential for depreciation acceleration. The table here presents a range of percentages, indicating the potential for accelerated depreciation applicable to each property type in Chicago. 

How Does Cost Segregation Help with the Recent Cook County Property Tax Spikes?

While cost segregation is a federal income tax strategy, the detailed engineering report provided by Engineered Tax Services provides a granular breakdown of your property’s value. This documentation can be invaluable during a Cook County Assessor or Board of Review appeal, as it clearly distinguishes between “real property” and “personal property,” potentially lowering your assessed valuation.

How Much Should a Cost Segregation Study Cost?

The fee for a cost segregation study in Chicago should be between $3,000-$12,000. However, the capital outlay is more than worth it, considering you can save hundreds of thousands, if not millions, in taxes by commissioning a study. The ROI is amazing.

Contact Us Today

Chicago

(800) 236-6519

Get Your Questions Answered about Cost Segregation!

Our Cost Segregation Specialists are happy to answer your questions about this federal income tax tool.

Webinars:

Possibilities: How to navigate economic uncertainty as a real estate investor

Webinar covering Cost Segregation, Bonus Depreciation, energy-efficient tax credits and more. 

Brochure:

logo

Download a PDF Brochure of Our Cost Segregation Services

Case Studies

Cost Segregation Study on a Apartment Complex in Upstate New York

$1,894,081.46 in 1st year Total Realized Tax Savings Without a Cost Segregation Study, an upstate New York $26 Million new construction apartment complex placed in ...

Cost Segregation Study On a $14 Million Dollar Office Building in Rochester, NY

$4,409,456.95 in first year tax savings Purchased in 2018 for $14 million, this office building in Rochester, New York would have generated a first-year depreciation ...
cost segregation study business center Brentwood NY

Cost Segregation Study For Business Center, Brentwood, NY

$1,151,083.12 in first year tax savings​ Had investors in this $10.3 million business center in Brentwood, New York taken the straight-line depreciation rate, the property ...

Articles

tax savings on gas stations and convenience stores

Unlocking Major Tax Savings When Buying a Gas Station or Convenience Store

Many investors overlook one of the most powerful advantages of acquiring a gas station with an attached convenience store: the ability to use accelerated depreciation ...
Read Full Article
cost segregation automated tax tools

Technology Based Cost Segregation Estimates: What Investors Should Know Before Relying on Automated Tools

As cost segregation becomes more widely understood, a new category of simplified, technology-driven estimation tools has emerged. These systems offer quick, low-cost depreciation breakdowns based ...
Read Full Article

Engineered Tax Services Applauds Real Estate Roundtable’s Request for Treasury Guidance

West Palm Beach, FL – October 20, 2025 — Engineered Tax Services (ETS), the nation’s leading specialty tax engineering firm, today expressed strong support for ...
Read Full Article

Find services, resources, case studies, and more

Esc to close

Type or hit Enter to search

We Love Referrals!

Spread the love, share the savings
Know someone who could benefit from our specialized tax expertise? Our referral program rewards you for sharing ETS with your network.

Why Refer to ETS?