Question 1

What tax services does Charina Padilla specialize in?

Accepted Answer

Charina specializes in three primary areas: Cost Segregation studies that accelerate depreciation deductions on commercial properties, Energy Efficiency tax credits (179D and 45L) for sustainable building improvements, and R&D tax credits for businesses conducting qualified research activities. As Client Development Director at Engineered Tax Services, she brings expertise from a firm that has completed over 10,000 tax credit and incentive studies, helping businesses maximize their tax benefits across all major federal and state incentive programs.

Question 2

How much can businesses typically save through these tax strategies?

Accepted Answer

Savings vary significantly based on property type, business activities, and project scope. Cost segregation studies typically accelerate 20-40% of a building's purchase price into shorter depreciation schedules, with gas stations often seeing 50-100% of improvement costs reclassified. Energy efficiency credits can provide up to $5.00 per square foot for commercial buildings (179D) or $5,000 per residential unit (45L). R&D tax credits can recover 6-14% of qualified research expenses. Many clients see six-figure to seven-figure tax benefits, with immediate cash flow improvements in the first year.

Question 3

Who benefits most from cost segregation and tax credit services?

Accepted Answer

Property owners and developers with commercial real estate investments of $500,000 or more benefit significantly from cost segregation. Businesses conducting product development, software creation, process improvements, or experimental research qualify for R&D credits. Building owners implementing energy-efficient HVAC, lighting, or envelope improvements can claim 179D deductions, while residential developers building energy-efficient homes or multifamily units qualify for 45L credits. Even businesses that purchased or renovated properties years ago can benefit retroactively through look-back studies.

Question 4

What is the process for getting started with a tax study?

Accepted Answer

The process begins with a complimentary consultation to assess your property or business activities and estimate potential tax benefits. If beneficial, we proceed with a detailed engineering-based analysis: for cost segregation, this includes site visits and component-level asset classification; for R&D credits, we document qualified research activities and expenses; for energy credits, we verify compliance with efficiency standards. Studies typically complete within 3-6 weeks, providing comprehensive documentation that integrates seamlessly with your tax filing. Our reports are IRS-audit-ready and backed by professional engineering credentials.

Question 5

Can I claim tax benefits on properties I purchased several years ago?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through a look-back or retroactive cost segregation study. The IRS allows property owners to "catch up" on missed depreciation deductions from prior years by filing Form 3115 (Change in Accounting Method). This means you can claim all the accelerated depreciation you should have taken since acquiring the property, resulting in a substantial one-time deduction in the current tax year. There's no statute of limitations on how far back you can go, making this valuable even for properties owned for 10+ years. The retroactive benefit often exceeds the current-year savings.

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Industry Expertise

Industries We Serve

Apartment Owners

Restaurant Owners

Manufacturing

Hotels & Resorts

Self-Storage

Software Companies

Our Services

Cost Segregation

R&D Tax Credits

Energy Efficiency Credits

Underutilized Incentives

Tax Strategy Consulting - Frequently Asked Questions

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