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

California property owners are leaving significant tax money on the table. Seneca Cost Segregation's engineering-based studies reclassify your building assets into shorter depreciation schedules, turning 20–40% of your property's cost into immediate tax savings. With California's high property values, the ROI potential is exceptional—our average client saves $171,243 in their first year alone.

Cost segregation engineer reviewing California commercial property blueprints and depreciation schedules

Our Cost Segregation Services

Comprehensive cost segregation solutions for California property owners—from first-time studies to lookback analyses and rush delivery.

Cost Segregation Study

A full engineering-based analysis that reclassifies your California property's assets into 5, 7, or 15-year depreciation schedules, generating substantial first-year tax deductions and improving cash flow.

Lookback Study

Claim missed depreciation on California properties placed in service up to 15 years ago—without amending prior returns. We file IRS Form 3115 to unlock all accumulated savings in a single tax year.

IRS Audit Defense

Every study comes with our Seneca AuditDefense guarantee—we handle all IRS inquiries at no extra charge for as long as you own the property, including a potential full study-cost refund if a material issue arises.

Virtual Property Tours

A convenient 30–45 minute video call inspection that eliminates costly on-site travel across California's sprawling metros, delivering faster 2–3 week turnarounds without disrupting your schedule.

CPA Coordination & Support

Post-study support included at no charge—our team works directly with your California CPA or tax advisor to implement depreciation schedules and Form 3115 filings seamlessly into your tax returns.

Rush Service

Need your California cost segregation study completed before a tax deadline? Our expedited service delivers a complete, IRS-compliant engineering report in as little as one week.

Cost segregation engineer conducting a virtual property inspection for a California real estate investor

Our 3-Step Cost Segregation Process for California Owners

Step 1: Free Consultation & Savings Estimate

We assess your California property's eligibility, model your preliminary tax savings and ROI, and provide a transparent breakdown of study costs versus expected deductions—at no charge and with no obligation to proceed.

Step 2: Virtual or On-Site Property Inspection

Step 3: Engineering Analysis & Report Delivery

Trusted By Investors

Client Success Stories

See how California property owners are saving six figures in taxes with Seneca Cost Segregation.

"The tax savings achieved with Seneca Cost Segregation made a major impact on my bottom line. I wasn't aware it was a possibility until they brought the opportunity to me. Their insight and expertise are invaluable."

Robert Riskin

"We contacted Seneca for a Cost Seg Study and they went above and beyond. Their eagerness to help and province of info will blow you away."

Brayant Rivera

"Dylan and his team at Seneca Cost Segregation are extremely knowledgeable. When I explored their website, it was clear they knew their stuff. It offered a very professional approach to cost segregation, backed by years of experience."

Steven Schneider
Steven Schneider

"I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Their team was incredibly professional, prompt, and easy to work with. I achieved a highly favorable tax situation and recommend Seneca to anyone looking to maximize their tax benefits."

Trent H

"We contacted Dylan for a cost seg study and he went above and beyond Not only will their pricing be the best price you will find, his eagerness to help and province info will blow you away"

Jayce Parks
Jayce Parks

"I've referred multiple clients to Seneca, and each time they uncovered significant tax savings. Their team is fast, professional, and easy to work with. They've become a trusted extension of our tax strategy."

Eliot Varnum
Eliot Varnum

"Extremely professional and efficient in their cost set analysis. Great communication and transparency. Will be using them going forward on all my properties."

Jacob Basch
Jacob Basch

"Their team was incredibly professional, prompt, and easy to work with."

Trent Hanson

"Seamless experience with great results. Highly recommend!"

Kim Giardino
Kim Giardino

"The tax savings achieved with Seneca Cost Segregation made a major impact on my bottom line. I wasn't aware it was a possibility until they brought the opportunity to me. Their insight and expertise are invaluable."

Robert Riskin

"We contacted Seneca for a Cost Seg Study and they went above and beyond. Their eagerness to help and province of info will blow you away."

Brayant Rivera

"Dylan and his team at Seneca Cost Segregation are extremely knowledgeable. When I explored their website, it was clear they knew their stuff. It offered a very professional approach to cost segregation, backed by years of experience."

Steven Schneider
Steven Schneider

"I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Their team was incredibly professional, prompt, and easy to work with. I achieved a highly favorable tax situation and recommend Seneca to anyone looking to maximize their tax benefits."

Trent H

"We contacted Dylan for a cost seg study and he went above and beyond Not only will their pricing be the best price you will find, his eagerness to help and province info will blow you away"

Jayce Parks
Jayce Parks

"I've referred multiple clients to Seneca, and each time they uncovered significant tax savings. Their team is fast, professional, and easy to work with. They've become a trusted extension of our tax strategy."

Eliot Varnum
Eliot Varnum

"Extremely professional and efficient in their cost set analysis. Great communication and transparency. Will be using them going forward on all my properties."

Jacob Basch
Jacob Basch

"Their team was incredibly professional, prompt, and easy to work with."

Trent Hanson

"Seamless experience with great results. Highly recommend!"

Kim Giardino
Kim Giardino

"The tax savings achieved with Seneca Cost Segregation made a major impact on my bottom line. I wasn't aware it was a possibility until they brought the opportunity to me. Their insight and expertise are invaluable."

Robert Riskin

"We contacted Seneca for a Cost Seg Study and they went above and beyond. Their eagerness to help and province of info will blow you away."

Brayant Rivera

"Dylan and his team at Seneca Cost Segregation are extremely knowledgeable. When I explored their website, it was clear they knew their stuff. It offered a very professional approach to cost segregation, backed by years of experience."

Steven Schneider
Steven Schneider

"I couldn't be more pleased with the results. Their team was incredibly professional, prompt, and easy to work with. I achieved a highly favorable tax situation and recommend Seneca to anyone looking to maximize their tax benefits."

Trent H

"We contacted Dylan for a cost seg study and he went above and beyond Not only will their pricing be the best price you will find, his eagerness to help and province info will blow you away"

Jayce Parks
Jayce Parks

"I've referred multiple clients to Seneca, and each time they uncovered significant tax savings. Their team is fast, professional, and easy to work with. They've become a trusted extension of our tax strategy."

Eliot Varnum
Eliot Varnum

"Extremely professional and efficient in their cost set analysis. Great communication and transparency. Will be using them going forward on all my properties."

Jacob Basch
Jacob Basch

"Their team was incredibly professional, prompt, and easy to work with."

Trent Hanson

"Seamless experience with great results. Highly recommend!"

Kim Giardino
Kim Giardino
The Seneca Difference

Why Choose Seneca Cost Segregation?

We combine engineering precision, veteran-founded integrity, and real real estate investor experience to deliver tax savings that are IRS-compliant and built to last.

Proven Track Record

Over 10,200 studies completed nationwide with a 95% client referral rate and an average first-year deduction of $171,243.

California-Ready Expertise

Serving investors across California's major markets—Los Angeles, the Bay Area, San Diego, and Sacramento—with full knowledge of California's high-value commercial and residential property landscape.

Audit Protection Included

Our AuditDefense guarantee covers you for the entire duration of property ownership at no extra charge—backed by a money-back refund promise.

Fast, Tech-Forward Delivery

Proprietary engineering technology enables studies completed in 2–4 weeks—half the industry standard—keeping your California tax strategy on schedule.

Meet the Seneca Team

Founded by real estate investors who have walked in your shoes.

Dylan Scandalios, Co-Founder and CEO of Seneca Cost Segregation

Dylan Scandalios

Co-Founder and CEO

Dylan Scandalios is a multi-family real estate investor in the Pacific Northwest and a nationally recognized cost segregation expert. Before founding Seneca Cost Segregation, Dylan closed millions of dollars in transactions for both public and private companies along the West Coast, giving him an intimate understanding of how high-value real estate markets—including California's competitive landscape—operate. As CEO, Dylan has led Seneca's growth to over 10,200 completed cost segregation studies, helping real estate investors across the country save millions in taxes. He brings a client-first philosophy rooted in transparency, engineering rigor, and practical tax strategy that delivers measurable results for property owners at every level of their portfolio.

Paul Spies, Co-Founder of Seneca Cost Segregation

Paul Spies

Co-Founder

Paul Spies is a Marine Corps Sergeant turned real estate powerhouse with over 8 years of hands-on expertise in real estate construction. As a Principal Broker and Licensed Contractor, Paul successfully flipped over 150 homes in just four years and led ground-up multi-family development projects from conception to completion. Having personally used cost segregation strategies since 2018 to accelerate his own portfolio's tax efficiency, Paul co-founded Seneca Cost Segregation with a clear mission: to make the same powerful depreciation tools available to every real estate investor at an affordable price, delivered on time. His construction and engineering background directly informs Seneca's precise, IRS-compliant methodology and ensures every study reflects real-world building costs with accuracy.

Howard Hirsch, Chairman of Seneca Cost Segregation

Howard Hirsch

Chairman

Howard Hirsch serves as Chairman of Seneca Cost Segregation, providing executive leadership and strategic oversight to the firm's continued national expansion. With deep experience in financial services and real estate advisory, Howard helps guide Seneca's direction as it scales its engineering-based cost segregation services to property owners across all 50 states, including California's dynamic real estate market. His leadership ensures the company maintains its commitment to technical excellence, client satisfaction, and IRS-compliant study delivery that protects clients through every phase of property ownership.

Harry Papp, President and Treasurer of Seneca Cost Segregation

Harry Papp

President/Treasurer

Harry Papp serves as President and Treasurer of Seneca Cost Segregation, overseeing the company's operational and financial integrity. His dual role ensures that client investments in cost segregation studies generate maximum ROI through rigorous financial management and disciplined operational processes. Harry's leadership directly supports Seneca's ability to deliver studies on time and within budget—a standard that has helped the firm achieve a 95% client referral rate and an average first-year deduction of $171,243 for property owners across California and the rest of the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a cost segregation study cost in California?

Study costs for California properties range from $3,000–$12,000 for entry-level properties ($300K–$1M) up to $30,000–$60,000+ for properties valued over $10M. Given California's high property values, ROI ratios typically range from 10:1 to 25:1. Seneca provides a free preliminary savings estimate so you can verify the study is financially worthwhile before committing.

Does California allow cost segregation?

What types of California properties qualify for a cost segregation study?

How long does a cost segregation study take for a California property?

Can I claim cost segregation on a California property I purchased years ago?

What is included in a Seneca cost segregation study?

What is the average tax savings from a cost segregation study?

Is the cost segregation study IRS-compliant and audit-safe?

Still Have Questions About Cost Segregation in California?

Speak with a cost segregation expert for a free, no-obligation consultation and savings estimate.

Serving California Property Owners Statewide

Seneca Cost Segregation serves real estate investors across every California market, from Los Angeles to San Francisco and beyond.

All 50 States

Service Coverage

10,200+

Studies Completed

95%

Client Referral Rate

Do We Service Your California Market?

We serve property owners across all California cities and counties—contact us to confirm coverage for your area.

Certified & Trusted

Awards and Recognition

American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP) membership badge

ASCSP Member

American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals member in good standing.

Certified Cost Segregation Professional (CCSP) designation badge

CCSP Designation

Certified Cost Segregation Professional designation from ASCSP.

5.0 star client rating badge for Seneca Cost Segregation

5.0 Star Rating

Perfect five-star rating from satisfied clients across the nation.

Get Your Free California Cost Segregation Savings Estimate

Fill out the form below and a Seneca cost segregation specialist will prepare a no-obligation preliminary savings analysis for your California property—typically within one business day.

Contact Us Today

For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at +1 530-797-6539 You can also send us a quick email at info@senecacostseg.com