Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated 10 days ago, 11/13/2024

User Stats

46
Posts
40
Votes
Melanie Baldridge#5 Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation Contributor
  • -
40
Votes |
46
Posts

"Does the IRS require site visits for cost segregation studies?"

Posted

A question that we get:

"Does the IRS require site visits for cost segregation studies?"

While the IRS does not mandate a physical site visit, the IRS cost segregation audit technique guide (ATG) does suggest conducting “field inspections.”

It’s important to note that the ATG is not an official IRS document.

It serves as a guide and cannot be used, cited, or relied upon as an authoritative source.

However, the recommendations in the ATG are worth considering.

According to the guide:

“A field inspection is recommended to document the physical details of the building, type of construction, materials used for construction, the assets contained in the building, the size and types of building systems, and any land improvements that were included in the purchase of the property and the condition of that property at the time of purchase.”

So while the IRS does not require a site visit for cost segregation studies, following the guidance from the cost segregation audit technique guide can be beneficial.

User Stats

41,912
Posts
61,714
Votes
Jay Hinrichs
Professional Services
Pro Member
#4 All Forums Contributor
  • Lender
  • Lake Oswego OR Summerlin, NV
61,714
Votes |
41,912
Posts
Jay Hinrichs
Professional Services
Pro Member
#4 All Forums Contributor
  • Lender
  • Lake Oswego OR Summerlin, NV
Replied

to my knowledge no.. I did one on a doctors office I bought and my CPA did it.. I just had to provide list of equipment bathrooms parking  and hvac etc etc.. and pictures to back it up.

land to building ratio  So I helped her through it and it worked out great for us.

business profile image
JLH Capital Partners
0.0 star
0 Reviews

User Stats

10
Posts
6
Votes
Daniel Kazakos
Tax & Financial Services
  • Specialist
  • Arlington, TX
6
Votes |
10
Posts
Daniel Kazakos
Tax & Financial Services
  • Specialist
  • Arlington, TX
Replied
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:

to my knowledge no.. I did one on a doctors office I bought and my CPA did it.. I just had to provide list of equipment bathrooms parking  and hvac etc etc.. and pictures to back it up.

land to building ratio  So I helped her through it and it worked out great for us.


 I hope your CPA had an engineering study to go along with all the work they did. Otherwise, your cost segregation could be disallowed in an audit.

business profile image
Strategic Cost Segregation
0.0 star
0 Reviews
BiggerPockets logo
Join Our Private Community for Passive Investors
|
BiggerPockets
Get first-hand insights and real sponsor reviews from other investors

User Stats

1,022
Posts
651
Votes
Sean O'Keefe
Pro Member
#3 Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation Contributor
  • CPA | Accepting new clients | California
651
Votes |
1,022
Posts
Sean O'Keefe
Pro Member
#3 Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation Contributor
  • CPA | Accepting new clients | California
Replied
Quote from @Melanie Baldridge:

A question that we get:

"Does the IRS require site visits for cost segregation studies?"

While the IRS does not mandate a physical site visit, the IRS cost segregation audit technique guide (ATG) does suggest conducting “field inspections.”

It’s important to note that the ATG is not an official IRS document.

It serves as a guide and cannot be used, cited, or relied upon as an authoritative source.

However, the recommendations in the ATG are worth considering.

According to the guide:

“A field inspection is recommended to document the physical details of the building, type of construction, materials used for construction, the assets contained in the building, the size and types of building systems, and any land improvements that were included in the purchase of the property and the condition of that property at the time of purchase.”

So while the IRS does not require a site visit for cost segregation studies, following the guidance from the cost segregation audit technique guide can be beneficial.

There's this thing called Hierarchy of Tax Authority that CPAs and Tax Attorney's reference.


Let's not get too carried away with comments like, It serves as a guide and cannot be used, cited, or relied upon as an authoritative source.
.

.

.

*This post does not create a CPA-client relationship. The information contained in this post is not to be relied upon. Readers are advised to seek professional advice.

  • Sean O'Keefe
  • [email protected]
  • txt 6282410888
  • User Stats

    1,392
    Posts
    651
    Votes
    Jason Malabute
    • Accountant
    • Los Angeles, CA
    651
    Votes |
    1,392
    Posts
    Jason Malabute
    • Accountant
    • Los Angeles, CA
    Replied

    I was talking to a cost segregation specialization vendor that does this nationwide. He said he does not physically visit the properties

    User Stats

    1,022
    Posts
    651
    Votes
    Sean O'Keefe
    Pro Member
    #3 Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation Contributor
    • CPA | Accepting new clients | California
    651
    Votes |
    1,022
    Posts
    Sean O'Keefe
    Pro Member
    #3 Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation Contributor
    • CPA | Accepting new clients | California
    Replied
    Quote from @Jason Malabute:

    I was talking to a cost segregation specialization vendor that does this nationwide. He said he does not physically visit the properties

    .
    This provides even less creditability than saying, you can ignore the IRS Audit Techniques Guide.  
  • Sean O'Keefe
  • [email protected]
  • txt 6282410888
  • User Stats

    166
    Posts
    73
    Votes
    Sean Graham
    Tax & Financial Services
    #2 Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation Contributor
    • Investor , CPA
    • Detroit, MI
    73
    Votes |
    166
    Posts
    Sean Graham
    Tax & Financial Services
    #2 Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation Contributor
    • Investor , CPA
    • Detroit, MI
    Replied
    Quote from @Melanie Baldridge:

    A question that we get:

    "Does the IRS require site visits for cost segregation studies?"

    While the IRS does not mandate a physical site visit, the IRS cost segregation audit technique guide (ATG) does suggest conducting “field inspections.”

    It’s important to note that the ATG is not an official IRS document.

    It serves as a guide and cannot be used, cited, or relied upon as an authoritative source.

    However, the recommendations in the ATG are worth considering.

    According to the guide:

    “A field inspection is recommended to document the physical details of the building, type of construction, materials used for construction, the assets contained in the building, the size and types of building systems, and any land improvements that were included in the purchase of the property and the condition of that property at the time of purchase.”

    So while the IRS does not require a site visit for cost segregation studies, following the guidance from the cost segregation audit technique guide can be beneficial.

    @Melanie Baldridge good post. When/how does your team decide on doing a physical site visit vs. a virtual site visit? 

    • Sean Graham
    business profile image
    Maven Cost Segregation
    0.0 star
    0 Reviews

    User Stats

    46
    Posts
    40
    Votes
    Melanie Baldridge#5 Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation Contributor
    • -
    40
    Votes |
    46
    Posts
    Replied
    Quote from @Sean Graham:
    Quote from @Melanie Baldridge:

    A question that we get:

    "Does the IRS require site visits for cost segregation studies?"

    While the IRS does not mandate a physical site visit, the IRS cost segregation audit technique guide (ATG) does suggest conducting “field inspections.”

    It’s important to note that the ATG is not an official IRS document.

    It serves as a guide and cannot be used, cited, or relied upon as an authoritative source.

    However, the recommendations in the ATG are worth considering.

    According to the guide:

    “A field inspection is recommended to document the physical details of the building, type of construction, materials used for construction, the assets contained in the building, the size and types of building systems, and any land improvements that were included in the purchase of the property and the condition of that property at the time of purchase.”

    So while the IRS does not require a site visit for cost segregation studies, following the guidance from the cost segregation audit technique guide can be beneficial.

    @Melanie Baldridge good post. When/how does your team decide on doing a physical site visit vs. a virtual site visit? 

    We offer physical site visits for properties above $2.5/3M or if it's required by the client.

    Around 95% of our studies are done virtually but if you need boots on the ground and it makes sense for your property or portfolio, we'd be happy to help.

    User Stats

    166
    Posts
    73
    Votes
    Sean Graham
    Tax & Financial Services
    #2 Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation Contributor
    • Investor , CPA
    • Detroit, MI
    73
    Votes |
    166
    Posts
    Sean Graham
    Tax & Financial Services
    #2 Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation Contributor
    • Investor , CPA
    • Detroit, MI
    Replied
    Quote from @Melanie Baldridge:
    Quote from @Sean Graham:
    Quote from @Melanie Baldridge:

    A question that we get:

    "Does the IRS require site visits for cost segregation studies?"

    While the IRS does not mandate a physical site visit, the IRS cost segregation audit technique guide (ATG) does suggest conducting “field inspections.”

    It’s important to note that the ATG is not an official IRS document.

    It serves as a guide and cannot be used, cited, or relied upon as an authoritative source.

    However, the recommendations in the ATG are worth considering.

    According to the guide:

    “A field inspection is recommended to document the physical details of the building, type of construction, materials used for construction, the assets contained in the building, the size and types of building systems, and any land improvements that were included in the purchase of the property and the condition of that property at the time of purchase.”

    So while the IRS does not require a site visit for cost segregation studies, following the guidance from the cost segregation audit technique guide can be beneficial.

    @Melanie Baldridge good post. When/how does your team decide on doing a physical site visit vs. a virtual site visit? 

    We offer physical site visits for properties above $2.5/3M or if it's required by the client.

    Around 95% of our studies are done virtually but if you need boots on the ground and it makes sense for your property or portfolio, we'd be happy to help.

    Makes sense 

    • Sean Graham
    business profile image
    Maven Cost Segregation
    0.0 star
    0 Reviews

    User Stats

    1,022
    Posts
    651
    Votes
    Sean O'Keefe
    Pro Member
    #3 Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation Contributor
    • CPA | Accepting new clients | California
    651
    Votes |
    1,022
    Posts
    Sean O'Keefe
    Pro Member
    #3 Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation Contributor
    • CPA | Accepting new clients | California
    Replied
    Quote from @Sean Graham:
    Quote from @Melanie Baldridge:
    Quote from @Sean Graham:
    Quote from @Melanie Baldridge:

    A question that we get:

    "Does the IRS require site visits for cost segregation studies?"

    While the IRS does not mandate a physical site visit, the IRS cost segregation audit technique guide (ATG) does suggest conducting “field inspections.”

    It’s important to note that the ATG is not an official IRS document.

    It serves as a guide and cannot be used, cited, or relied upon as an authoritative source.

    However, the recommendations in the ATG are worth considering.

    According to the guide:

    “A field inspection is recommended to document the physical details of the building, type of construction, materials used for construction, the assets contained in the building, the size and types of building systems, and any land improvements that were included in the purchase of the property and the condition of that property at the time of purchase.”

    So while the IRS does not require a site visit for cost segregation studies, following the guidance from the cost segregation audit technique guide can be beneficial.

    @Melanie Baldridge good post. When/how does your team decide on doing a physical site visit vs. a virtual site visit? 

    We offer physical site visits for properties above $2.5/3M or if it's required by the client.

    Around 95% of our studies are done virtually but if you need boots on the ground and it makes sense for your property or portfolio, we'd be happy to help.

    Makes sense 

    Does your company do onsite visits? 
  • Sean O'Keefe
  • [email protected]
  • txt 6282410888
  • User Stats

    166
    Posts
    73
    Votes
    Sean Graham
    Tax & Financial Services
    #2 Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation Contributor
    • Investor , CPA
    • Detroit, MI
    73
    Votes |
    166
    Posts
    Sean Graham
    Tax & Financial Services
    #2 Tax, SDIRAs & Cost Segregation Contributor
    • Investor , CPA
    • Detroit, MI
    Replied
    Quote from @Sean O'Keefe:
    Quote from @Sean Graham:
    Quote from @Melanie Baldridge:
    Quote from @Sean Graham:
    Quote from @Melanie Baldridge:

    A question that we get:

    "Does the IRS require site visits for cost segregation studies?"

    While the IRS does not mandate a physical site visit, the IRS cost segregation audit technique guide (ATG) does suggest conducting “field inspections.”

    It’s important to note that the ATG is not an official IRS document.

    It serves as a guide and cannot be used, cited, or relied upon as an authoritative source.

    However, the recommendations in the ATG are worth considering.

    According to the guide:

    “A field inspection is recommended to document the physical details of the building, type of construction, materials used for construction, the assets contained in the building, the size and types of building systems, and any land improvements that were included in the purchase of the property and the condition of that property at the time of purchase.”

    So while the IRS does not require a site visit for cost segregation studies, following the guidance from the cost segregation audit technique guide can be beneficial.

    @Melanie Baldridge good post. When/how does your team decide on doing a physical site visit vs. a virtual site visit? 

    We offer physical site visits for properties above $2.5/3M or if it's required by the client.

    Around 95% of our studies are done virtually but if you need boots on the ground and it makes sense for your property or portfolio, we'd be happy to help.

    Makes sense 

    Does your company do onsite visits? 

    Yes, we do both. We will mostly do on-site visits, but we do virtual for smaller projects as well. 

    • Sean Graham
    business profile image
    Maven Cost Segregation
    0.0 star
    0 Reviews