Property address and property type
JUST BOUGHT COMMERCIAL PROPERTY?
Reviewed August 17, 2026 · Updated for current federal bonus-depreciation guidance
The best time to screen it is right after purchase.
A recent buyer usually has clean access to the closing statement, appraisal, inspection photos, lease files and renovation plans. That makes it easier to establish basis, land allocation, property condition and the correct placed-in-service date.
- ✓ No study work before payment
- ✓ CPA-ready final report
- ✓ California statewide
WHY IT MATTERS
Move eligible basis into faster recovery periods.
The free screen should happen before any engineering work is ordered. If the estimated opportunity is meaningful, the owner signs and pays for the professional study. Only then should document review, takeoffs, site documentation and technical review begin. The CPA decides how the final schedules are used.
Plain English: you are not creating a new deduction. You are identifying when supported pieces of the property may be depreciated.
WHAT WE REVIEW
Five items to send first
Purchase price and estimated land value
Closing and placed-in-service dates
Building size, units and improvement history
Appraisal, closing statement and available photos
CPA question: can I use added depreciation now?
SHOW ME THE NUMBERS
Illustrative recent-purchase screen
Illustrative only. This assumes a 37% federal marginal rate where shown and that the owner can currently use the deduction.
- Property value
- $5,000,000
- Estimated depreciable basis
- $4,000,000
- Potential faster basis
- $600,000 to $1,200,000
- Potential upfront federal effect
- $222,000 to $444,000
- Study or comparison benchmark
- $5,000 to $15,000+
This is a timing illustration, not guaranteed permanent tax savings. California commonly requires a separate depreciation schedule because it generally does not conform to federal bonus depreciation.
DOES IT FIT?
Strong candidates usually have four things.
✓
Purchased within the last tax year
✓
Planning renovations or value-add work
✓
Expecting a long-term hold
✓
Purchase basis supports the study fee
PORTFOLIO PRICING
More properties. Lower cost per study.
Order and pay for the properties together to receive a simple portfolio discount.
2 properties5% off3 to 4 properties10% off5+ properties15% off
STRAIGHT ANSWERS
Frequently asked questions.
Should I order the study before asking my CPA?+
You can obtain a free preliminary screen first. Before paying for the full study, it is sensible to ask whether you can currently use additional depreciation.
Do I pay an engineer during the free screen?+
No. The free screen is automated and illustrative. Professional review begins only after the engagement is signed and paid.
Is the free estimate a completed study?+
No. It is an illustrative screen using the facts you provide. No engineering takeoff, professional certification or tax opinion is included. Technical work begins only after a signed and paid engagement.
Does my CPA need to approve the study first?+
No. It is smart to ask whether you can currently use additional depreciation, but the paid study does not require advance CPA approval. Your CPA makes the final filing decision.
Do you guarantee tax savings?+
No. A study accelerates the timing of eligible depreciation. Results depend on basis, property facts, placed-in-service dates, passive-loss rules, tax rates and the owner's filing position.
AUTHORITATIVE SOURCES
Reviewed against current IRS and California guidance.
Last reviewed August 17, 2026. Tax rules and procedures can change. Your CPA should confirm the law that applies to your acquisition date, placed-in-service date and return.
FREE PRELIMINARY PROPERTY SCREEN