Referral Partnership Program

Our Simple, Turnkey Referral Process

1. You identify and refer eligible clients, or just make a quick introduction. Your client can also fill out our benefit analysis form and put your name in the “Who Referred You?” field.
2. We provide a complimentary benefit analysis, at no cost or obligation.
3. Our engineers perform a detailed review of the property, on site or virtually, and prepare the study.
4. Your client receives a comprehensive, audit-defensible report with depreciation schedules, photos and supporting documentation.
5. The client pays the final balance, and your 25% fee is paid in our next regular payment cycle.

Your 25% Referral Fee

How it’s figured. You earn a 25% referral fee on the cost segregation study fee your referred client pays. It doesn’t include travel, other expenses or Form 3115 preparation, even when those are built into the client’s fee. Referral fees are paid in our next regular payment cycle after the client has paid in full.

Residual referral fees. Every time a client you referred comes back for another study, you automatically earn the same 25% referral fee, with no end date.

A fair, independent fee. Our study fee is set independently of any referral. It’s fair, not leveraged, and agreed between HVCSS and the client. Beyond the introduction, the person who refers the client has no say in the fee or in whether the client goes ahead with a study.

Referral fees are paid in line with your professional and firm rules. If you’d prefer not to receive one, just let us know and we’ll treat the referral the same way.

Zero Extra Work

• No added workload, no liability, no expertise required. Our team handles everything.
• Stronger client relationships. Offer clients a valuable tax planning tool and keep them coming back.
• A proactive, full-service image. Position your firm as the advisor who brings ideas to the table.
• Help with the pitch. Client presentations and educational webinars are available.
• An ethical, transparent partnership. Receipts and proposals are always available.

Why Walter O’Connell Tax Services?

• An experienced team. Studies are led by Walter O’Connell and Anson Worrell, cost segregation professionals.
• Engineer- and appraiser-led studies built for IRS compliance, with audit-ready reports.
• An accredited appraiser. Walter O’Connell holds the ASA (Accredited Senior Appraiser) designation from the American Society of Appraisers.
• Valuation and cost segregation under one roof. We also do FF&E valuations, purchase price allocations and machinery and equipment valuations.
• A proven track record with sales executives, CPAs and their real estate clients.
• A win-win focus. We want you and your clients to come out ahead.

Ideal Properties

• Multifamily, office, retail, industrial, medical, hospitality, self-storage and warehouses
• Generally $500K or more in depreciable basis
• New purchases, new construction, renovations, and even prior-year “catch-up” depreciation

Smaller properties can still be worth a look, and the benefit analysis will tell you. See all the property types we serve.

What Is Cost Segregation?

Cost segregation is an IRS-approved, engineer-led tax strategy. It reclassifies parts of commercial and investment real estate, such as lighting, plumbing, flooring, HVAC, landscaping and specialized equipment, into shorter depreciation lives of 5, 7 or 15 years instead of the standard 27.5 or 39 years.

Combined with current bonus depreciation rules, that moves large deductions into the early years and frees up cash your clients can use for reinvestment, paying down debt, acquisitions or distributions. Total depreciation over the life of the property doesn’t change, only the timing.

Want a refresher to share? Read our beginner’s guide.