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Cost Segregation & Tax Planning in California — Save 20–40% on Taxes

California property owners face some of the highest tax burdens in the nation. Seneca Cost Segregation's engineering-based studies reclassify your assets for accelerated depreciation, turning 20–40% of your property costs into immediate tax savings. With over 10,200 studies completed and an average first-year deduction of $171,243, we help you reinvest faster and keep more of what you earn.

California real estate investor reviewing cost segregation tax savings report with an engineer

Our Cost Segregation & Tax Planning Services

Comprehensive engineering-based cost segregation and tax planning solutions designed to maximize depreciation deductions and boost your property cash flow.

Cost Segregation Study

A full engineering-based analysis that reclassifies your property assets into 5, 7, or 15-year depreciation schedules, delivering average first-year deductions of $171,243 with a typical ROI of 10–25:1.

Lookback Study

Claim missed depreciation on properties placed in service up to 15 years ago—without amending prior returns. Uses IRS Form 3115 to capture all missed deductions in a single tax year.

Virtual Property Tours

A convenient 30–45 minute video call inspection that delivers the same engineering-grade analysis as an on-site visit, with faster 2–3 week turnaround and lower overall study costs.

IRS Audit Defense

Every study includes Seneca's AuditDefense guarantee—covering you for as long as you own the property, with specialists handling all IRS inquiries and a potential study cost refund if a material issue arises.

CPA Coordination & Support

Post-study coordination with your CPA or tax professional to seamlessly implement depreciation schedules into current or prior-year returns, included at no additional charge.

Rush Service

Need results fast? Our expedited service delivers completed cost segregation studies in as little as one week to meet urgent California tax deadlines or year-end filing requirements.

Engineering-Based Precision

Turn California Property Costs Into Powerful Tax Savings

California's high property values and complex tax landscape make cost segregation one of the most powerful tools available to real estate investors. Seneca's engineering-based studies identify every qualifying asset in your property and reclassify them for accelerated depreciation, legally reducing your federal tax burden by 20–40% or more. From multifamily complexes in Los Angeles to commercial buildings in the Bay Area, our studies are completed in 2–4 weeks—far faster than the industry standard—so your savings are in hand before tax season closes.

Engineer conducting a detailed cost segregation analysis on a California commercial property
Trusted By Investors

Success Stories

See how California property owners are saving thousands with Seneca Cost Segregation's proven engineering approach.

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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?

Here's what sets Seneca apart for California real estate investors seeking maximum, compliant tax savings.

Proven Track Record

Over 10,200 studies completed nationwide, with California investors averaging $171,243 in first-year deductions.

Veteran-Owned Expertise

Founded by a Marine Corps veteran and seasoned real estate investors with over 12 years of cost segregation experience.

IRS-Compliant & Audit-Protected

Engineering-based methodology strictly follows IRS guidelines, backed by a lifetime AuditDefense guarantee for every California property we study.

Fast, Transparent Delivery

Studies delivered in 2–4 weeks with upfront pricing, free preliminary analysis, and a dedicated account manager for every California client.

Meet the Seneca Team

Real estate investors and engineers 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 an active investor in multi-family properties across the Pacific Northwest and a recognized Cost Segregation Expert. Before founding Seneca Cost Segregation, Dylan closed millions of dollars in business for both public and private companies along the West Coast, building deep expertise in real estate finance and tax strategy. As CEO, Dylan leads Seneca's mission to help California and nationwide real estate investors unlock the full depreciation potential of their portfolios. His firsthand investment experience means he understands exactly what's at stake for every client, from single-family rental owners to large commercial property investors, and he ensures every study delivers maximum, compliant tax savings with unmatched responsiveness.

Paul Spies, Co-Founder of Seneca Cost Segregation

Paul Spies

Co-Founder

Paul Spies is a Marine Corps Sergeant who brings over 8 years of hands-on expertise in real estate construction to Seneca Cost Segregation. As a Principal Broker and Licensed Contractor, Paul successfully flipped over 150 homes in just 4 years and led ground-up multi-family development projects across the region. Having personally leveraged cost segregation since 2018 to accelerate his own investment returns, Paul co-founded Seneca to democratize this powerful tax strategy for investors at every level. His operational rigor, engineering mindset, and commitment to on-time, affordable delivery are embedded in every study Seneca produces, ensuring California property owners receive the same competitive edge he has benefited from throughout his investing career.

Howard Hirsch, Chairman of Seneca Cost Segregation

Howard Hirsch

Chairman

Howard Hirsch serves as Chairman of Seneca Cost Segregation, providing strategic leadership and governance oversight to guide the company's growth and commitment to engineering excellence. With a background that spans real estate, finance, and business development, Howard brings a wealth of experience that strengthens Seneca's position as a trusted, nationwide cost segregation provider. His leadership ensures that Seneca maintains its high standards of compliance, client service, and technical accuracy across all studies—including the growing portfolio of California properties the firm serves. Howard's vision supports Seneca's mission to help every real estate investor maximize the financial benefits of property ownership through legitimate, IRS-compliant tax strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does cost segregation affect taxes?

Cost segregation accelerates depreciation by reclassifying building components from 27.5 or 39-year schedules into 5, 7, or 15-year categories. This front-loads large deductions into the early years of ownership, significantly reducing your taxable income. For California property owners, where property values are high, the impact is especially powerful—often eliminating federal tax liability in the first year and freeing up substantial cash for reinvestment.

What types of properties qualify for cost segregation in California?

How much does a cost segregation study cost in California?

Can I claim missed depreciation on a property I already own?

How long does a cost segregation study take?

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

Do I need to replace my CPA to use cost segregation?

What is the average tax savings for a Seneca cost segregation client?

Still Have Questions About Cost Segregation?

Speak with a certified cost segregation specialist for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Serving California & All 50 States

Seneca Cost Segregation serves property owners across California and every state, with virtual and on-site inspection options available.

All 50 States

Service Coverage

10,200+

Studies Completed

95%

Client Referral Rate

Do We Service Your Area in California?

We serve all California markets—contact us to confirm coverage and get your free estimate.

Certified & Trusted

Awards and Recognition

American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP) membership badge

ASCSP Member

Certified member of the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals.

Certified Cost Segregation Professional (CCSP) designation badge

CCSP Designation

Holds the Certified Cost Segregation Professional designation from ASCSP.

5.0 star client satisfaction rating badge for Seneca Cost Segregation

5.0 Client Rating

Perfect five-star rating from satisfied clients nationwide.

Get Your Free California Cost Segregation Estimate Today

Fill out the form below and a Seneca specialist will provide a no-obligation savings estimate and ROI 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