Cost Segregation. Studies in Tax Savings.
At MSC, we partner with a wide range of professionals and industries to uncover hidden tax-saving opportunities through expert cost segregation and specialty tax studies. Whether you’re a CPA, hotel owner, commercial real estate developer, or lessee, our team delivers strategic insights that translate into real financial benefits.
Who We Serve
Ready to explore real estate cost/tax saving options? Let’s get started.
Cost Segregation Studies
for CPA Firms
At MSC, we recognize the vital role CPA firms play in tax strategy. That’s why over 300 firms nationwide—from local to national—trust us to deliver accurate, IRS-compliant Cost Segregation Studies.
We work seamlessly with your team to uncover accelerated depreciation opportunities, helping your real estate clients reduce tax liability and improve cash flow.
Cost Segregation Studies
for Hotels
In hospitality, every dollar counts. Cost segregation helps hotel owners unlock immediate tax savings by accelerating depreciation on assets like paving, lighting, HVAC, and interior finishes.
At MSC, we specialize in identifying these opportunities—helping you reduce short-term tax liability, boost cash flow, and reinvest in your property or operations.
Unlock Industry-Specific Tax Savings
We provide specialized expertise in various industries.
Explore the industries below or view all industries to see how MSC can assist your organization.
Agriculture, Mining & Farming
The agriculture, mining, and farming industries are constantly presented with new opportunities and ways of conducting standard practices key to the industry. As a result, tax savings are available to help companies within this industry continue to grow and retain employees as the industry evolves. The evolving Agriculture, Mining & Farming industry presents tax-saving opportunities.
Use the questions below to find credits that may apply.
Is Your Agriculture, Mining, & Farming Business Doing Any of the Following?
- Experimentation with New Methodology to Improve Yields
- Development of Pest, Disease & Climate Resistant Strains
- Implementation of Lighting & Irrigation Systems
- Genetic Research & Modification
- Design & Development of New Equipment or Processes
Employment in Agriculture, Mining, and Farming has grown over the past decade—and it’s expected to continue as demand for food, energy, and raw materials rises. With this growth and the need for innovation, businesses of all sizes may qualify for the R&D Tax Credit.
Do You Have a Physical Building?
- Is Your Building a New Construction, a Purchased Property, a Ground-Up Remodel or Expansion, or a Leasehold Improvement?
As of 2023, qualifying energy-efficient commercial buildings are eligible to receive a deduction up to $5.00 per square foot, depending on the level of energy savings and prevailing wage requirements with the Section 179D Tax Deduction.
Architecture & Engineering
The architecture and engineering industry encompasses a lot of work that can be considered for tax savings. This includes employees working on projects, techniques developed to mitigate issues within the field, and modeling done before a project is started. All of these activities and more can help your company save money on taxes year after year. There are a few key questions to ask when determining what benefit is best for your company.
Is Your Architecture or Engineering Company Doing Any of the Following?
- Modeling New Structural Designs & Re-Evaluating Models for Constructability
- Evaluating LEED and Green Design Alternatives
- Designing All Types of Buildings & Infrastructure, From Wastewater Systems to Roads, Bridges & Tunnels
- Design to Mitigate Environmental Challenges, Including Brownfield Remediation or Demolition of Structures Containing Hazardous Materials
- Design of Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Systems for New and Existing Structures
Since recovering from the 2008 downturn, the architecture and engineering industry has seen steady growth, driven largely by investments in skilled personnel. While these employees boost profitability—and taxes—they may also qualify your company for the R&D tax credit, helping offset rising costs like turnover and recruitment.
Do You Have a Physical Building?
- Is Your Building a New Construction, a Purchased Property, a Ground-Up Remodel or Expansion, or a Leasehold Improvement?
As of 2023, qualifying energy-efficient commercial buildings are eligible to receive a deduction up to $5.00 per square foot, depending on the level of energy savings and prevailing wage requirements with the Section 179D Tax Deduction.
Food & Pharmaceuticals
The food and pharmaceutical industries go through multiple rounds of testing and formulation iterations before reaching the desired outcome. These activities, along with others your company may perform, could qualify you for tax savings that support business growth and employee retention.
Is Your Food or Pharmaceuticals Business Doing Any of the Following?
- Experimenting With New Methodology to Improve Production Yields
- Conducting Genetic Research & Modification
- Inclusion of Novel Ingredients
- Conducting Shelf Life Testing or Sensory Testing
- Developing Pilot or Test Batches
- Integrating Wastewater Management & Recycling Systems
The food and pharmaceutical industries have evolved rapidly due to advances in technology, from food processing and automation to pharmaceutical breakthroughs. While increased regulation adds time and cost, the good news is that many innovation-related expenses may qualify for tax savings.
Do You Have a Physical Building?
- Is Your Building a New Construction, a Purchased Property, a Ground-Up Remodel or Expansion, or a Leasehold Improvement?
As of 2023, qualifying energy-efficient commercial buildings are eligible to receive a deduction up to $5.00 per square foot, depending on the level of energy savings and prevailing wage requirements with the Section 179D Tax Deduction.
Manufacturing & Machinery
As a manufacturing company, there are several tax-saving opportunities available to take advantage of based on the day-to-day activities conducted. These activities can include the type of work that is being done, where the work is taking place, and who is involved. Furthermore, the building you operate out of or the machinery you use can also be considered for tax savings.
Is Your Manufacturing Business Doing Any of the Following?
- Developing New Products
- Constantly Looking to Lower Its Manufacturing Costs
- Working to Improve the Quality of Its Products
- Are You Looking to Enhance Your Quality Control Processes
- Finding Ways to Reduce Scrap
- Automating Processes for Efficiency and/or Safety
- Using Software in Manufacturing
Although fewer than 4% of U.S. businesses identify as manufacturers, the manufacturing sector consistently claims the largest share of R&D Tax Credits—most recently about 60% of total corporate claims, according to the IRS. This broad industry, ranging from large-scale fabrication to small job shops, often engages in activities like prototyping, CNC programming, CAD modeling, molding, and custom fabrication that may qualify for valuable tax credit savings.
Has Your Company Purchased or Leased Machinery, Equipment & Replacement Parts?
- Are These Used for Manufacturing or Fabrication?
- Do They Have a Useful Life Over Six Months?
Sales tax is paid on most goods but there are exceptions for purchased or leased machinery, equipment, and replacement parts with a useful life of over six months that are used for manufacturing or fabrication process. If you answered yes to the above questions, MSC can help you identify overpayments and ensure compliance. Schedule a no-cost consultation to learn more.
Software & Technology
The software and technology industry encompasses a wide range of innovative and technical activities and processes. Specific ways your company interacts with the projects conducted and the employees who carry out the work can all be considered for tax credits. Learn more about these tax savings by clicking on the ones that apply to your company.
Is Your Software Company Doing Any of the Following?
- Developing and Improving Software Applications for Sale, Lease, or License
- Building and Enhancing Interactive Software-as-a-Service Platforms & Web Apps
- Creating Algorithms to Automate Tasks Resulting in Increased Performance
- Writing Code to Add Functionality & Capabilities to Improve Existing Applications
- Programming Mobile Apps for iOS & Android Platforms
- Developing Code for New Technologies Such as Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain & Machine Learning
Software and technology are fast-growing areas of U.S. R&D, leading all industries in utility patent applications—a sign of common qualifying activities, even without patents. Tasks like coding, building infrastructure, beta testing, and improving features may mean you qualify for the R&D Tax Credit.
Do You Have a Physical Building?
- Is Your Building a New Construction, a Purchased Property, a Ground-Up Remodel or Expansion, or a Leasehold Improvement?
As of 2023, qualifying energy-efficient commercial buildings are eligible to receive a deduction up to $5.00 per square foot, depending on the level of energy savings and prevailing wage requirements with the Section 179D Tax Deduction.
Other Professional Services
“Professional Services” is a term encompassing the multitude of specialties in the service industry sector that have potentially qualifying R&D projects but do not necessarily fit neatly into the categories outlined previously. For example, companies that provide software as a service, regional banks that develop new technologies to serve their customers better or improve their bottom line, and home automation consultants designing unique systems for new or remodeled homes. All of these types of companies undertake Qualified Research Activities and, therefore, qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. If you are in the professional services industry sector and have evaluated ways to improve your business, you may also be eligible.
Our Promise:
Over 600 national and regional CPA firms trust MSC’s expertise to help navigate the complexities of cost segregation studies. We are fully committed to our clients’ success—providing partner-level guidance, in-depth audit support, and exceptional service throughout every phase of a project.
- Experience and Credentials: MSC has a proven 30-year track record, with engineering and tax expertise, and experience across various property types and industries.
- Audit Support: MSC stands behind their work and takes great pride in the quality they deliver. All MSC engagements include complimentary lifetime audit support.
- Comprehensive Analysis: MSC performs site visits and deliver thorough reports that go beyond just software-generated results.
- Integration with Tax Strategy: MSC collaborates with your CPA or tax advisor to align the study with your broader tax planning goals, including step-ups, 1031 exchanges, and repairs vs. capitalization considerations.
Let’s Get Started.
Contact us today to find out how we capture extraordinary tax benefits for all types of entities.