Cost Segregation Studies in Columbus — Save 20–40% on Taxes

A cost segregation study is an engineering-based tax strategy that analyzes your property and reclassifies building components into shorter depreciation periods (5, 7, or 15 years) instead of the standard 27.5 or 39 years. For Columbus investors, this means immediate tax deductions and increased cashflow. Properties ranging from Short North mixed-use buildings to Hilltop rental homes can qualify. The average first-year deduction is $171,243, with typical ROI of 10-25:1. The study includes detailed engineering analysis, IRS-compliant documentation, and lifetime audit defense.

Any income-producing property with a depreciable basis of $300,000+ qualifies. This includes single-family rentals, multi-family complexes, apartment buildings, commercial offices, retail spaces, medical facilities, industrial warehouses, hotels, self-storage units, mixed-use developments, and owner-occupied business properties. Popular Columbus property types like OSU-area student housing, Arena District apartments, German Village rental homes, and Polaris office buildings all benefit. Both newly purchased and previously owned properties (up to 15 years) qualify through lookback studies using IRS Form 3115.

Study costs vary by property size and complexity. Entry properties ($300K-$1M basis) typically cost $3,000-$12,000 with first-year savings of $30,000-$75,000. Medium properties ($1M-$3M) cost $10,000-$20,000 with savings of $75,000-$200,000. Large properties ($3M-$10M) cost $15,000-$30,000 with savings of $200,000-$400,000. Very large properties ($10M+) cost $30,000-$60,000+ with savings exceeding $400,000. We provide free preliminary analysis to ensure positive ROI before engagement. Virtual tours reduce costs compared to on-site visits, and multiple property discounts are available.

Most studies are completed within 2-4 weeks, significantly faster than the industry standard of 4-8 weeks. The process includes: (1) Free consultation and savings estimate (1-2 days), (2) Virtual or on-site property inspection (30-45 minutes for virtual tours), and (3) Engineering analysis and report delivery (2-4 weeks). Rush service is available for urgent tax deadlines, delivering studies in as little as one week. Virtual inspections typically result in faster turnaround (2-3 weeks) compared to on-site visits (4-6 weeks).

Yes, through a lookback cost segregation study. Columbus property owners can claim missed depreciation on properties purchased, constructed, or renovated up to 15 years ago without amending prior tax returns. Using IRS Form 3115, all missed depreciation is recaptured in one lump sum in the current year, providing immediate tax relief. Lookback studies cost about the same as current-year studies. Our team can reconstruct property information using industry databases and historical cost data if original records are unavailable.

Every Seneca study includes lifetime IRS Audit Defense at no additional charge. If the IRS audits your study, we provide full representation, answer all field inquiries, supply supporting documentation, and handle all audit-related communications for as long as you own the property. Our engineering-based methodology and strict IRS compliance guidelines result in low-risk audit profiles. We back this with an iron-clad guarantee: if an audit occurs and the study has a material issue, we can refund the study cost. Over 10,200 studies completed with exceptional audit defense record.

No, we offer convenient virtual property tours conducted via video call. The 30-45 minute virtual inspection allows complete engineering analysis without disrupting your schedule or requiring costly on-site visits. During the call, you provide a guided tour of all property areas while our engineers conduct real-time component identification, classification, and digital documentation. Virtual inspections typically result in lower study costs and faster turnaround (2-3 weeks vs. 4-6 weeks for on-site visits). On-site inspections remain available if preferred.

We provide comprehensive CPA coordination and implementation support at no extra charge. After study completion (typically 2-3 days), we review the report with your accountant, explain the depreciation schedules formatted for tax software integration, and prepare Form 3115 for lookback studies. The report includes detailed cost allocations, organized depreciation category schedules (5-year, 7-year, 15-year, 27.5/39-year), and reconciliation workpapers. Our team remains available post-study to answer questions and ensure seamless integration of tax benefits into current or amended returns.