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.

Question 6

Are these tax strategies audit-safe and legally compliant?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. All our studies are conducted by professionally licensed engineers and tax specialists following IRS guidelines and established case law. Cost segregation studies comply with the IRS Audit Techniques Guide for Cost Segregation, energy efficiency certifications follow Department of Energy standards, and R&D credit documentation meets the four-part test established by IRC Section 41. Every study includes detailed engineering reports, photographic evidence, and comprehensive supporting documentation designed to withstand IRS scrutiny. Engineered Tax Services maintains a track record of successful audit defense across thousands of studies.

Question 7

How do energy efficiency tax credits (179D and 45L) differ?

Accepted Answer

179D is designed for commercial buildings and provides deductions up to $5.00 per square foot for energy-efficient improvements to HVAC, lighting, and building envelope systems. It applies to both new construction and retrofits, and can be claimed by building owners or, in some cases, designers. 45L targets residential properties, offering credits up to $5,000 per dwelling unit for energy-efficient homes and apartment units that meet ENERGY STAR or Zero Energy Ready Home standards. 179D is a tax deduction that reduces taxable income, while 45L is a direct tax credit that reduces tax liability dollar-for-dollar.

Question 8

What types of businesses qualify for R&D tax credits?

Accepted Answer

R&D tax credits aren't limited to laboratories or tech companies. Manufacturing companies developing new products or improving processes qualify. Software companies creating applications, algorithms, or platforms are eligible. Architecture and engineering firms conducting technical design work qualify. Food and beverage companies developing new recipes or processing methods can claim credits. Even construction companies innovating building techniques may qualify. The key is conducting activities that involve technological uncertainty, experimentation, and systematic evaluation. If your business invests in developing new or improved products, processes, software, or formulas, you likely have qualifying R&D expenses.

Question 9

How long does a typical tax study take, and what information do you need?

Accepted Answer

Most studies complete within 3-6 weeks from engagement to final report delivery. For cost segregation, we need property purchase details, construction documents or invoices, and access for a site visit. For R&D credits, we require financial records showing research expenses, project descriptions, and employee time tracking for qualified activities. For energy efficiency credits, we need building specifications and certification of energy performance metrics. Our team handles the heavy lifting—clients typically spend just 2-4 hours providing information and answering clarifying questions. We coordinate with your CPA or tax preparer to ensure smooth integration with your tax returns.

Question 10

What is the investment for these tax services, and how does pricing work?

Accepted Answer

Fees are typically structured as a percentage of the tax benefit identified, ensuring our success is directly tied to your savings. Most cost segregation studies range from $3,500 to $15,000 depending on property value and complexity. R&D credit studies vary based on company size and claim amount. Energy efficiency certifications depend on building square footage. We provide transparent fee estimates during the initial consultation before any commitment. Given that typical returns are 10-50 times the study cost, the investment delivers exceptional ROI. Many clients find their first-year tax savings alone pay for the study multiple times over, with benefits continuing for years.

CHARINA
PADILLA

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

CHARINAPADILLA