Real estate investors often look at auto services facilities as solid, income-generating investments. These properties are typically in high demand, serve a broad customer base, and often require substantial upfront investment in specialized infrastructure. But are investors fully leveraging the financial potential of these assets?
A recent project conducted by Engineered Tax Services (ETS) in Nevada provides valuable insight into how investors can maximize their returns. This case study highlights the untapped tax benefits that come with investing in an auto services property—and how strategic planning can unlock them.
The property, a 15,000-square-foot, two-story facility, was built in 2005 and designed to support a full-service auto repair business. It features 10 service bays, a durable brick-and-metal exterior, and state-of-the-art systems, including high-efficiency HVAC, LED lighting, and tankless water heaters. While these features made the property operationally efficient, their financial value wasn’t fully realized until ETS conducted a cost segregation study.
The Hidden Value in Auto Services Properties
Auto services facilities are unique in that they combine structural durability with high levels of specialized equipment and custom features. This means they often include a diverse range of assets that qualify for shorter depreciation schedules, which can result in significant tax savings.
For example, the Nevada facility included a wide variety of reclassifiable assets, such as:
- Specialized Equipment: Hydraulic lifts, diagnostic machines, and compressors are essential to the business, and these assets qualify for accelerated depreciation.
- Interior Finishes: Custom flooring, decorative wall treatments, and high-efficiency ceiling fans, which enhance the property’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.
- Technology Systems: Modern communication and security features, including telephone connections, key card readers, and security cameras, are integral to daily operations and qualify for shorter depreciation schedules.
- Land Improvements: Parking lots, sidewalks, fencing, and landscaping were reclassified, allowing faster cost recovery on these outdoor features.
- Building Systems: High-efficiency HVAC units, tankless water heaters, and energy-saving LED lighting offered dual benefits—operational cost savings and tax advantages.
Why This Matters for Real Estate Investors
Auto services properties can be an excellent addition to a diversified real estate portfolio, but they come with higher upfront costs due to the specialized infrastructure they require. Cost segregation offers a way to offset these expenses by accelerating depreciation and creating immediate tax benefits.
In this case, the reclassification of assets resulted in substantial tax savings for the property owner. These savings translated directly into increased cash flow, which was reinvested in new equipment, property upgrades, and other business enhancements. This financial flexibility is particularly valuable for auto services businesses, which need to stay competitive by maintaining and updating their facilities regularly.
What Investors Should Consider
If you’re considering investing in an auto services property, it’s important to think beyond traditional property valuation methods. Here are a few questions to guide your decision-making:
- Are you factoring in the tax-saving potential of the property’s specialized assets? Many of these components, like equipment and land improvements, can yield faster returns through accelerated depreciation.
- Does the property include modern, energy-efficient systems? Features like LED lighting and high-efficiency HVAC not only reduce operational costs but also qualify for tax advantages.
- What is the long-term value of reinvestment? Accelerated depreciation can free up capital to improve the property, ensuring it remains attractive to tenants or end-users.
Key Takeaways
This Nevada case study demonstrates that auto services properties are not just operational assets—they are financial opportunities. By identifying and reclassifying assets, investors can unlock tax savings that enhance their property’s cash flow and overall profitability.
For those interested in exploring the full breakdown of this project, including the specific methodologies and results, click here to view the complete case study.
Auto services properties can deliver strong returns, especially when paired with strategic tax planning. If you’re considering an investment in this sector, understanding the financial potential of cost segregation could be the key to maximizing your profits.
