How it works in practice
A high-income client, a large tax bill, and cash that isn't working.
A CPA's client earns well, pays a lot in tax, and holds a large cash position earning very little. Her CPA brings me in.
- The CPA maps the tax side. What depreciation would do for this client, how the passive activity rules apply to her, and whether a cost segregation study makes sense.
- I find and underwrite the property. Income tested against trailing numbers, expenses at realistic levels, and the downside on the table before the upside.
- We compare the options, and I negotiate the purchase. The CPA stays in the loop through closing.
The result: idle cash repositioned into a real asset that can produce income and appreciate over time, with depreciation sheltering part of that income from tax. How far the benefit reaches into the client's other income is the CPA's call. It depends on the client.
