Multifamily cost segregation

Cost segregation isn't a commodity. Your partner shouldn't be either.

We help multifamily owners and their partners get more out of every property: more reclassification, more deductions, and numbers you can take to your investors. 25 years. No stone left unturned.
Not all cost seg studies are the same

Price isn't the whole story.

A lot of owners think every cost seg provider is the same, so they shop on price. That’s where they lose money. ETS sits right in the middle ground, and that’s where you want to be.

Big CPA firms

Our specialists came from Big Four firms and have stayed focused on cost segregation ever since. Because we do this on a national scale, we compete with any large firm. The difference: we cost less and deliver more detail. And because we're independent from whoever files your return, you have a third party standing behind the study. That's a strong position if the IRS ever asks questions.

Low-cost providers

A cheaper study usually means less reclassification. Less reclassification means a smaller deduction up front. You save a little on the fee and give up a lot more in tax savings.

The middle ground

ETS

Big-firm expertise, specialty-firm pricing, and the detail that gets you the most out of every property.

Big CPA firm
Low-cost provider
ETS
Expertise
Big Four
Varies
Former Big Four specialists
Level of detail
Standard
Less reclassification
Every system broken out
Price
Highest
Lowest fee
Specialty-firm pricing
Independent third party
Not if they file your return
Varies
Yes
Ongoing value
Limited
Rarely supports later write-offs
Dispositions, incentives, insurance
More detail means more money

The detail is where the value is.

Our engineers break out the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in every building. That detail moves a bigger share of the property into faster categories, which means a bigger deduction up front for you and your investors. And it keeps paying. Because every component is broken out, when you replace a roof, an HVAC system, or appliances down the road, you can write off what’s left of the old ones. That’s called a partial asset disposition, and a less detailed study usually can’t support it.
  • MechanicalHVAC units, ductwork, rooftop equipment
  • ElectricalDedicated circuits, lighting, panels
  • PlumbingFixtures, water heaters, supply lines
  • Site & finishesRoof, appliances, landscaping, paving
Illustration
Real results

Real properties. Real numbers.

Acquisition

Lakeside, CA

Placed in service Mar 2024

Extra first-year depreciation

$470,049

Acquisition

Buena Park, CA

Placed in service May 2024

Extra first-year depreciation

$1,326,317

Acquisition

Scarsdale, NY

Placed in service Nov 2023
Not calculated in this report

Acquisition

Miami, FL

Placed in service Jul 2023

Extra first-year depreciation

$6,475,772

$616,382

179D deductions · Miami, FL

On this new construction project, we didn’t stop at cost segregation. We also identified $616,382 in 179D energy-efficiency deductions for the building envelope and lighting. That’s what no stone unturned looks like.

How each basis was split

  • 5-year
  • 15-year
  • 27.5-year
  • Moved to faster categories
Lakeside, CA · $2,020,00036.6% moved faster
5-yr $556,42415-yr $182,16727.5-yr $1,281,409
Buena Park, CA · $4,857,50042.6% moved faster
5-yr $1,507,01915-yr $562,21227.5-yr $2,788,269
Scarsdale, NY · $9,200,00027.3% moved faster
5-yr $2,306,73715-yr $208,58227.5-yr $6,684,681
Miami, FL · $36,343,97821.8% moved faster
5-yr $6,267,32215-yr $1,658,41627.5-yr $28,418,240
These properties were placed in service in 2023 and 2024, when bonus depreciation was 80% and 60%. Under today's 100% bonus depreciation, the first-year write-off on the same properties would be even bigger.

Figures from final ETS engineering reports. Extra first-year depreciation is the difference with vs. without cost seg in the year placed in service. Results depend on each property and tax situation.

We help you shine with your investors

Better numbers for your partners, before you close.

Upfront estimates.

We give you savings estimates before you buy or build, so you can pencil them into your pro forma and your investor packages.

Stronger returns.

Bigger deductions up front mean better ROI for you and your partners. Happier partners, better projects.

Education for your investors.

Videos, webinars, articles, and our podcast help your partners understand why your deals do better than the ones that skip cost seg.

Answers when you need them.

You, your CPA, or your partners can reach an expert who knows your properties.

No stone unturned

We look at every opportunity, not just the study.

Energy-efficiency incentives.

We've helped clients claim 45L tax credits and 179D deductions on energy-efficient apartment projects, depending on the size of the property. On the Miami project above, that meant $616,382 in 179D deductions. We keep looking for opportunities like these on every project.

Insurance built on real numbers.

Our sister company, Engineered Insurance Services, looks at true replacement cost value to help lower premiums and overhead, and make sure your properties are protected the right way.

Every property, every year.

New purchases, new construction, renovations, and properties you've owned for years. We look at the whole portfolio.

That’s the difference between a cost seg provider and a partner.
What our clients say

Don't take our word for it.

144

★★★★★

on Google

★★★★★

We worked with ETS for a cost segregation study on our latest rental property purchase. The entire process went very smooth, with good communication from start to finish. We were very happy with the results of the study and its implication on our tax liability. We’ll definitely be using ETS to run studies on our other properties.

Michelle Google review

★★★★★

I worked with engineered tax services on two different sets of cost segregations. One when I purchased some rental properties, and again when I did major improvements on a few of the rental properties. Both times I’ve used them, they were professional, and very easy to work with. The last rehab I had done took way longer than expected and they were there waiting patiently for it to be completed to do the cost segregation. I’m very happy with the results, and I will be using them again for any cost segregations I do in the future.

Brett W. Google review

★★★★★

I had cost segregation studies done on several of my rental properties. The entire process was transparent, easy for me and easy for the tenants. I highly recommend Engineered Tax services.

Ryan L.
Google review

★★★★★

I’m so happy I just learned about the advantages of cost segregation! With the help of an experienced advisor, I was able to determine which parts of my business property were eligible for accelerated depreciation, which led to considerable tax savings. The analysis was thorough and simple to comprehend, and the procedure was simple. I’m already excited to see how this strategy will work out in the long run.

Nadine A.
Google review

Why ETS

A partner, not a provider.

Our founder, Julio Gonzalez, believes every taxpayer should have access to the same strategies as the top 1%. We call it tax equality for all. For multifamily owners, it means big-firm expertise and detail at a price that makes sense, from a team that’s in it with you.

Since 2001

$2B+ in client tax savings

26 national offices

Former Big Four specialists

Licensed engineers on every study

         

How it works

Get an estimate.

Before you buy or build, if you want. Use it in your pro forma.

We do the study.

Our engineers break out every system in the building.

Your CPA gets the report.

We stay available for questions from you, your CPA, or your partners.

We keep looking.

Energy incentives, insurance, renovations, and your next deal.

FAQ

Aren't all cost seg studies basically the same?

No. More detail means more reclassification and a bigger deduction. It also sets you up to write off components when you replace them later.

Why not just have my CPA firm do it?

You can, but it usually costs more and comes with less detail. An independent third-party study also gives you a stronger position if the IRS ever asks questions.

Can you give me numbers before I close?

Yes. We give upfront estimates you can use in your pro forma and investor materials.

Can you help with properties I've owned for a few years?

Yes. You may be able to catch up missed depreciation this year without amending past returns.

Do you work with our CPA and partners?

Yes. We work directly with your CPA and help your partners understand the benefits.

Let's look at your next deal together.

Get a free estimate and see what we’d find.
Engineered TAX SERVICES
This page is for general information and isn’t tax or insurance advice. Talk to your advisors about your situation. Insurance services are provided by Engineered Insurance Services.

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