Cost Segregation Study
Cost Segregation Studies in California
Maximize your income tax savings on California commercial properties with a cost segregation study Signed & Certified by a Cost Segregation Professional. 100% bonus depreciation is back for property acquired after January 19, 2025 — see your estimated savings in 30 seconds.
California Bonus Depreciation Rules
Does not conform to federal bonus depreciation. Uses pre-TCJA depreciation rules. No bonus depreciation allowed for state purposes.
Important for California property owners: While you still get the full federal benefit of cost segregation (100% bonus depreciation on your federal return), California does not conform to federal bonus depreciation for state tax purposes. A cost segregation study is still highly valuable — most of the savings come from the federal deduction.
Top 5 Property Types We Analyze in California
These are the property categories most common among California investors. Caliber Cost Segregation covers every major investment property type — if yours isn't listed here, it's still covered.
Typical California Property Values
Typical basis range: $1.2M–$4M+
Properties here command premium basis, which typically produces higher absolute reclassification dollars — and larger first-year tax savings — than lower-cost markets.
How Cost Segregation Works for California Properties
A cost segregation study identifies building components that can be depreciated over 5, 7, or 15 years instead of the standard 27.5 years (residential) or 39 years (commercial). Common reclassifiable components include flooring, cabinetry, electrical wiring, plumbing fixtures, HVAC distribution, parking lots, landscaping, and site improvements.
With 100% bonus depreciation permanently restored by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for property acquired after January 19, 2025, California property owners can deduct the entire reclassified amount in the first year.
$200,000–$400,000
in accelerated deductions
$70,000–$150,000
in estimated income tax savings
Illustrative example: a $1M commercial property at a 37% marginal rate. Your results depend on the property and your tax situation.
Who Prepares Your California Study
The IRS standard
The IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide lists “Preparation by an Individual with Expertise and Experience” as the first element of a quality study: knowledge of the construction process, experience in cost estimating and allocation, and command of the tax law that governs property classification.
Every Caliber Cost Segregation Professional is CCSS-certified by the National Board of Cost Segregation Specialist (NBCSS). When you compare providers, look past the lowest quote and the quickest turnaround — ask who prepares the study, what credential they hold, and who signs it.
California Cost Segregation FAQ
Does California allow bonus depreciation on cost segregation studies?
California does not conform to federal bonus depreciation. You still receive the full federal benefit (typically the majority of total savings), but must compute state depreciation under California's rules. Your CPA handles this; our report provides the data they need.
How long does a California cost segregation study take?
Standard delivery is 1–2 weeks from the time you complete your intake questionnaire and uploads, which includes the virtual site visit and the professional review. Rush 48-hour delivery is available for an additional $995. Virtual site visit in most cases; an on-site visit when the property requires it — your uploaded photos and documents are what the virtual visit is built on.
What does a cost segregation study cost for my California property?
Fixed pricing: $3,995 for properties under $1.5M (Essential), $5,995 for $1.5M–$3M (Professional), $7,995 for $3M–$7M (Premier). Hotels and properties over $7M route to our custom-quoted Elite tier. No hourly billing. No proposals. No sales calls.
I bought my California property years ago — can I still benefit?
Yes. A Lookback Study ($1,495 add-on) with IRS Form 3115 lets you claim all missed accelerated depreciation from prior years as a single catch-up deduction in the current tax year. Generally no amended returns.
Cost Segregation Studies by City
Start your California cost segregation study today
Free estimate in 30 seconds. Fixed pricing. Your report is Signed & Certified by a Cost Segregation Professional and delivered in 1–2 weeks from complete intake. Virtual site visit in most cases, no proposals, no sales calls.