How it works
From first look to audit-ready report.
Realm Group is your single point of contact. Veritax Advisors performs the engineering. Here’s every step, and roughly how long each one takes.
Free estimate
Send us the property through the estimate form (or tell us on a call). Our partner runs a preliminary benefit analysis: how much of the building can move into 5- and 15-year property, and what that could mean in year-one tax savings.
Within 48 hours
Review call
We walk through your estimate together — the optimal, median and minimal scenarios, what the study costs, and whether it makes sense for this year's return.
15–45 minutes
Engagement letter & deposit
Veritax Advisors sends the engagement letter for e-signature and a 50% deposit invoice. You'll also tell us who should coordinate the site visit.
Day 1
Site survey & data collection
A qualified construction professional visits the property and documents its components. An in-person survey is what makes the study audit-ready.
About 2 weeks
Engineering
Engineers analyze the data and reclassify each component into the right recovery period.
About 6 weeks
Report delivery
You receive the final report for your CPA, and we review it with you. The remaining balance is due at delivery.
About 1 week
Questions
What kinds of properties qualify?
Most income-producing real estate: short-term and long-term rentals, multifamily, office, retail, industrial, self storage and hotels — plus renovations and tenant improvements on their own.
I've owned my property for years. Is it too late?
Usually not. A look-back study can catch up the depreciation you missed in the current year, without amending prior returns. Your CPA files it with the return.
What does a study cost?
It depends on the property's size and complexity. Your estimate comes with the study fee and site-survey cost, so you can see the price next to the potential savings before deciding anything.
Do I need to involve my CPA?
Yes — the report is built for your CPA to use on your return. We're happy to loop them in from the start.