Engineering-Based Cost Segregation
for Real Estate Investors

Cost Seg Smart delivers cost segregation studies for residential and commercial properties across all 50 states. Our reports follow the IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide and include all 13 principal elements required for IRS compliance.

Who We Are

Cost Seg Smart was built by data scientists and real estate investors who reviewed dozens of traditional cost segregation reports and kept finding the same problems: crude land modeling, construction costs disconnected from market data, and generic templates applied identically regardless of property type or location.

We built a calibrated engineering engine grounded in RSMeans cost databases, county assessor records, and IRS-recognized classification methodology. Every component is modeled individually and passes automated quality control before delivery — the same rigor as a traditional firm, delivered in under an hour at a fraction of the cost.

Our Approach

Every study is built on an engineering-based methodology. We use RSMeans 2024 cost databases to estimate component-level construction costs, then classify each component under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) per Rev. Proc. 87-56 asset class lives.

Remote Observation Methodology

Our analysis draws from the same data sources as traditional engineering firms: county assessor records, satellite and street-level imagery, verified cost databases, and building permit data. Every data point is cross-referenced against public records.

No Site Visit Required

Traditional firms charge $5,000–$15,000 in part because of on-site inspections. Our remote methodology uses the same underlying data—county assessor records, construction cost databases, and property characteristics—validated against publicly available records.

Component-Level Analysis

Every report includes a line-item breakdown of building components: structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior finishes, site improvements, and personal property. Each component is assigned to a MACRS recovery period (5, 7, 15, 27.5, or 39 years).

CPA-Ready Deliverables

Reports are designed for direct use by tax professionals. Depreciation schedules, MACRS class allocations, and supporting methodology documentation are included—ready for Form 4562 and, if applicable, Form 3115 (change of accounting method for lookback studies).

What Makes Us Different

Cost segregation has been available for decades, but traditional firms price most investors out. We built a different delivery model.

Cost Seg Smart Traditional Firms
Delivery time Under 1 hour 4–8 weeks
Cost (residential) Starting at $795 $5,000–$15,000
Cost databases RSMeans 2024 RSMeans or Marshall & Swift
Methodology Engineering-based Engineering-based
IRS ATG compliance All 13 principal elements All 13 principal elements
CPA filing support Depreciation schedules included Depreciation schedules included

This is not a DIY tool or calculator. We deliver a finished, professional cost segregation study—a 30–40 page PDF with full supporting documentation. You receive the same deliverable a traditional firm produces, at a fraction of the cost and turnaround time.

What You Receive

Every study is a professionally formatted PDF report, typically 30–40 pages, ready to hand to your CPA or attach to your tax filing.

  • Executive summary with key findings and total accelerated depreciation
  • Component-level cost allocation (every building system itemized)
  • MACRS class breakdown: 5-year, 7-year, 15-year, and 27.5/39-year property
  • Year-by-year depreciation schedules for CPA filing
  • Methodology documentation for audit support
  • Data sources and observation methodology section
  • Property description, construction type, and quality assessment
View a sample report (PDF) →

Property Types We Cover

We produce studies for residential, multifamily, and commercial properties. Each property type uses a tailored component library and classification methodology.

Mixed-use properties are also supported. If you are unsure whether your property qualifies, contact us at [email protected].

IRS Compliance

Our studies are structured around the IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide (ATG), which outlines the 13 principal elements the IRS looks for when evaluating a cost segregation study. Every report addresses each element.

Asset classification follows Rev. Proc. 87-56, which defines the MACRS recovery periods for tangible personal property, land improvements, and building structural components. Our methodology documentation is designed to support your position in the event of an IRS examination.

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