Acquisition Basis
Tenant Improvements
Projected Revenue
The "Vanilla" Approach
In a standard accounting scenario, the IRS views commercial real estate as a long-term asset. Both your building and your Tenant Improvements are typically depreciated over a grueling 39 years using the Straight-Line method.
This creates a "slow trickle" of tax deductions that barely makes a dent in your substantial NNN rental income, leaving you with a high taxable income liability in the early years.
Standard Straight-Line Depreciation over 39 Years
The Accelerator: Qualified Improvement Property (QIP)
Thanks to the CARES Act (correcting the TCJA), internal improvements to non-residential buildings are no longer trapped in the 39-year cycle.
Interior Build-Out?
Renovation must be interior to the building.
Non-Residential?
Must be commercial (Office, Retail, Industrial Flex).
Not Structural?
Excludes elevators, escalators, and internal structural framework.
QIP Status!
15-Year Life + Bonus Depreciation Eligible
Year 1 Deduction Power
Standard vs. QIP + Cost Segregation (Assuming 60% Bonus)
Deduction Stack (The Math)
Breaking down the components of the Advanced Strategy.
The "Paper Loss" Shield
Advanced depreciation doesn't change your actual cash in the bank (NOI); it changes what you report to the IRS.
With $170k in rental income, the massive Year 1 deduction can drive your Taxable Net Income negative, effectively eliminating federal income tax on this cash flow for the first few years.
on Year 1 Cash Flow
Financial Summary: 13101 Kathy Ln
| Metric | Standard Strategy | Advanced Strategy (QIP) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Eligible Basis | $1,517,760 | $1,517,760 |
| Year 1 Deduction | $45,946 | $388,420 |
| Taxable Income (Yr 1) | $116,264 | ($226,210) LOSS |
| Tax Savings (@35% Rate) | - | ~$119,866 in Deferred Tax |