Who is the Cost Segregation Authority in New York?
- Greg Pacioli
- Mar 26
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 2
Top Firms in The Empire State
Cost segregation allows property owners to accelerate their depreciation deductions, potentially resulting in significant tax savings. With New York home to some of the most valuable real estate in the country, it is crucial for real estate investors to work with the right cost segregation experts to maximize tax benefits while ensuring compliance with IRS regulations.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at five top cost segregation firms in the New York area, diving into their expertise, services, and what makes each one unique.
Top Cost Segregation Firms in New York
CohnReznick
CohnReznick really shines as one of the top cost segregation providers in New York, and they’ve got a solid national footprint too. Their team is packed with a wealth of experience in both tax and engineering, which is essential for conducting effective cost segregation studies. Being an accredited cost seg firm, CohnReznick sticks to the highest industry standards in their methods.
Their all-encompassing approach features detailed site inspections, careful documentation reviews, and specialized know-how across a variety of property types, from commercial office spaces to manufacturing plants. By blending cost segregation with broader tax planning strategies, CohnReznick helps clients unlock greater tax benefits that go beyond just accelerated depreciation.
CohnReznick Services Include:
Tax Advisory
Affiliated Companies
Accounting & Assurance
Managed Services and Outsourced Accounting (MSOA)
Deloitte
Deloitte provides cost segregation services as a key part of their extensive tax advisory offerings for property owners worldwide, all while being based in New York City. Their ASCSP accreditation highlights their dedication to quality and compliance in conducting cost segregation studies. With access to global resources and a diverse range of expertise, Deloitte is well-equipped to handle intricate cost segregation projects.
What sets Deloitte apart is their knack for integrating cost segregation with other tax incentives and strategies, crafting comprehensive tax solutions for property owners. Their team is made up of specialists in engineering, construction, and valuation, working alongside tax professionals to ensure that their studies are thorough and IRS defensible.
Deloitte Services Include:
Tax
Consulting
Audit & Assurance
Private Company Services
M&A and Restructuring
Risk & Financial Advisory
MS Consultants
MS Consultants (MSC) is a top-notch provider of cost segregation studies in the U.S., focusing on uncovering tax-saving strategies for property owners and real estate developers. With more than 25 years under their belt, MSC has successfully completed over 24,500 studies, helping clients save more than $5.1 billion. Their expertise spans a wide range of property types, including apartments, nursing homes, office buildings, medical facilities, golf courses, marinas, franchise operations, fitness centers, hotels, and mobile home parks.
Clients frequently praise MSC for their professionalism and the real benefits they gain from their services. MSC's dedication to accuracy and thoroughness shines through, especially when they correct oversights made by national competitors. Their engineering-based approach follows IRS-preferred methods, ensuring that their studies can stand up to audits.
MSC truly distinguishes itself with its vast experience, client-focused approach, and commitment to delivering significant tax savings through detailed cost segregation studies.
Mariner Wealth Advisors
Mariner Wealth Advisors offers specialized cost segregation services as part of their comprehensive wealth management approach. Their ASCSP accreditation demonstrates their commitment to quality in cost segregation studies. What sets Mariner apart is their integration of cost segregation into broader financial planning strategies.
The firm takes a client-centered approach, focusing on how cost segregation can advance overall financial goals rather than viewing it as an isolated tax strategy. Their team includes both tax specialists and engineers who work collaboratively to identify depreciation opportunities while maintaining compliance with IRS requirements.
Freed Maxick
Freed Maxick has really honed its skills in cost segregation services specifically for the New York market. Their ASCSP accreditation is a testament to their commitment to industry standards and best practices. The firm excels in catering to mid-sized commercial properties and multi-family residential buildings.
What sets Freed Maxick apart is their deep understanding of local construction practices and property values in New York. Their cost segregation process takes a thorough approach, blending construction engineering know-how with tax expertise to pinpoint and speed up depreciation deductions for real estate assets.
Unlike some firms that lean heavily on estimation methods, Freed Maxick prioritizes meticulous documentation and cost analysis, ensuring everything aligns with IRS guidelines. Plus, they provide robust post-study support, including audit defense and help with putting their findings into action.
The Importance of ASCSP Accreditation
Choosing firms that are accredited by the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals (ASCSP) is a smart move. When a firm has ASCSP accreditation, it means they follow recognized industry standards and best practices when conducting cost segregation studies. This accreditation is crucial because it helps guarantee that the studies are done with precision, thoroughness, and in line with IRS guidelines.
For property owners and investors looking for reliable and qualified cost segregation specialists, resources like FindCostSeg.com offer a handy directory. Here, you can easily filter and confirm a firm's ASCSP certification status. This online tool makes it simple to find qualified professionals, allowing you to quickly check a firm's credentials and make a well-informed choice about potential cost segregation partners.
By using these directories, you can efficiently narrow down your options to ASCSP-certified firms. This ensures that you're collaborating with experts who have proven their dedication to industry excellence and high professional standards. Having this extra layer of verification can give you peace of mind and help simplify the often complicated task of selecting the right cost segregation specialist for your unique needs.
Choosing the Right Cost Segregation Firm in New York
When selecting a cost segregation authority in New York, real estate owners should consider several factors:
Experience with similar properties in the New York market
Qualifications of the team (engineers, CPAs, tax specialists)
Methodology and approach to studies
Audit support and defense capabilities
Fee structure and ROI expectations
Each of the firms mentioned above brings unique strengths to the table. The best choice will depend on your specific property type, project scope, and personal preferences regarding communication style and service approach.
New York: "If I can make it there, I'm gonna make it anywhere"
Cost segregation remains a powerful tax strategy for New York property owners who want to boost their cash flow and get the most out of their investments. Partnering with an ASCSP-accredited firm means your study will be detailed, compliant, and tailored to fit your property perfectly.
But remember, bigger isn’t always better. While the New York firms mentioned in this list are leaders in the industry, it’s crucial for property owners to think about their own unique real estate portfolios and strategic goals. Large national firms bring a wealth of resources and expertise, but smaller boutique firms often offer a more personalized touch, potentially better pricing, and a deep understanding of the concrete jungle where dreams are made of.
The right cost segregation partner should be more than just a service provider in the five boroughs; they should be a strategic ally in tax planning. Look for a firm that not only conducts the initial study but also provides ongoing support, can break down complex findings into simple terms, and truly understands your investment goals. Whether you go with a big-name firm or a nimble local expert, choosing the right cost segregation firm can enhance your overall real estate investment strategy.
Make sure to take the time to meet with several firms, ask insightful questions about their methods, request case studies that relate to your property type, and carefully assess how their approach aligns with your financial objectives. The effort you put in today can lead to substantial tax efficiencies and increased profitability down the line.
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