SmartHelping / Real Estate & Accounting / Google Sheets
Cost Segregation Study Template
Estimate how reallocating a building's cost basis across shorter recovery periods may accelerate depreciation and change the timing of tax benefits. Compare the baseline schedule with a cost-segregation case and review both near-term savings and present-value results.
Google Sheets template / Immediate access
Cost Segregation Study
Compare depreciation timing, estimated tax savings and present-value benefits. The purchase includes the original template plus both modified versions.
Three versions included: Get the original template, a version that separates assets across three depreciation schedules, and a mapping version that can automatically populate annual depreciation percentages by property type.
By purchasing, you agree to the Terms of Service.
See the template in action
Review the inputs, schedules and savings outputs.
Start with the main walkthrough, then open the screenshot presentation for a closer look at how property components flow into depreciation, estimated tax savings and present-value benefits.
All included in one purchase
Choose the input structure that fits the study.
The $75 purchase includes the original template and two modified versions, giving you several ways to organize property types and depreciation schedules.
Build the study by asset category
Define up to six categories and as many as 129 individual items, then manually set the annual depreciation percentages used in the comparison.
Separate three depreciation schedules
Place assets into as many as three depreciation schedules and summarize the total cost segregated into each cost-recovery convention.
Populate percentages by property type
Use the added mapping feature to select property types and automatically fill the corresponding annual depreciation percentages.
Walk through the two modified versions
See how the schedule-summary and property-mapping approaches extend the original template.
What the template helps you evaluate
See the value of receiving depreciation benefits sooner.
Organize the property components, define the recovery pattern and compare the timing and present value of deductions under the baseline and cost-segregation cases.
Define the components being studied
Organize up to 129 unique items across as many as six asset categories so the cost basis can be evaluated in a structured way.
Control the annual recovery pattern
Set depreciation percentages by year and category or use the mapped version to populate percentages from selected property types.
Compare baseline and accelerated cases
Evaluate estimated depreciation and tax effects under a conventional straight-line approach and a cost-segregation allocation.
Focus on the immediate timing benefit
Review the modeled first-year difference in depreciation and the resulting estimate of near-term tax savings.
Measure benefits over an intermediate horizon
See the net present value of estimated tax benefits over the first ten years rather than looking only at undiscounted deductions.
Compare the timing across the full schedule
Review the present value of the modeled tax benefit across the full depreciation life to understand the timing effect.
See what is accelerated
Summarize the initial cost basis moved into accelerated categories and, in the modified version, the amount assigned to each schedule.
Communicate the new mix
Use the allocation pie chart and benefit outputs to explain how the modeled property basis has been redistributed.
How the analysis works
Separate the property, shift the timing and compare the value.
The template is designed to estimate the financial effect of a cost-segregation study. It does not replace a formal engineering study or professional tax advice.
Allocate the property basis
Enter the building components and assign each item to the applicable category or cost-recovery schedule used in the analysis.
Build both depreciation cases
Compare the baseline depreciation schedule with the accelerated pattern created by the cost-segregation allocation.
Estimate the tax effect
Apply the applicable tax-rate assumptions to estimate how differences in annual depreciation may affect the timing of tax savings.
Discount future benefits
Use the 10-year and full-life NPV outputs to account for the fact that receiving a financial benefit sooner is generally more valuable than receiving the same amount later.
Model current or later studies
Use the framework whether the analysis is being considered in the acquisition year or after the property has already been owned, then confirm final eligibility and treatment with qualified professionals.
How to use it
From property components to an estimated cash-flow benefit.
Choose the version and enter the property basis
Use the original, schedule-summary or property-mapping version, then define the depreciable basis being analyzed.
Classify the property components
Enter the individual items, assign categories or recovery schedules and confirm the total allocation reconciles to the modeled basis.
Set depreciation and financial assumptions
Define or map the annual depreciation percentages, then enter the tax and discount-rate assumptions used to estimate benefits.
Review savings, NPV and allocations
Compare Year 1, 10-year and full-life outputs and use the summaries and visual allocation to support the decision.
Who gets value from it
Built for preliminary property-depreciation analysis.
Real estate owners
Estimate the timing and present-value benefit of accelerating depreciation before deciding whether to commission a formal study.
Investors and acquisition teams
Include a preliminary cost-segregation scenario when evaluating after-tax cash flow and the financial plan for a property.
Accountants and advisors
Use a transparent spreadsheet framework to organize assumptions and illustrate timing differences for further professional review.
Cost-segregation firms
Build an initial benefit estimate and communicate how different property allocations may affect depreciation timing.
Also available in these bundles
Need a broader real estate or accounting toolkit?
The cost segregation study template is included in both SmartHelping collections below.
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A few useful details.
What is a cost segregation study?
A cost segregation study separates qualifying building components into different property classes and recovery periods. This template estimates how changing the timing of depreciation may affect tax benefits and cash flow.
What is included in the $75 purchase?
The purchase includes three versions: the original asset-category template, a modified version that separates assets across up to three depreciation schedules, and a mapping version that automatically fills annual percentages from selected property types.
How many items and categories can I enter?
The original framework supports up to six asset categories and as many as 129 unique items across those categories.
What results does the template show?
Outputs include estimated Year 1 savings, the NPV of 10-year and full-life tax benefits, accelerated initial cost basis, depreciation comparisons and a visual allocation summary.
Can the template be used after the property was purchased?
The framework can be used to estimate a cost-segregation scenario in the acquisition year or later. Confirm eligibility, timing and final tax treatment with a qualified professional.
Does this replace a formal cost segregation study?
No. It is a planning and estimation tool. It does not replace an engineering-based study, a tax return analysis or advice from a qualified tax professional.
Why does the model calculate NPV?
NPV accounts for the timing of the estimated benefits. A deduction received sooner can be more valuable than the same deduction received in a later year, even when total lifetime depreciation is similar.
Is the template limited to one property type?
No. Replace the example inputs with the property components and assumptions relevant to the asset being analyzed. The mapping version is designed to make property-type selection and percentage entry easier.
Put the timing value of depreciation in view
Estimate the potential benefit before commissioning the study.
Get all three cost segregation template versions for $75.
