The real question today isn’t “what’s new?” — it’s “what hasn’t changed?”

In a landscape defined by constant updates to how real estate improvements, building acquisitions, and property renovations are treated, the Tangible Property Regulations continue to reshape long-standing tax practices. The traditional component-based approach to buildings, phased out since 1986, has given way to modern IRS rules that set clearer — and stricter — standards for classifying expenses, improvements, and depreciation.

This webinar provides a practical, in-depth walkthrough of the regulations that govern whether costs must be capitalized or can be expensed. You’ll learn how the IRS defines Betterments, Restorations, Adaptations, and how these differ from routine Maintenance or Repairs. The session also breaks down critical concepts such as IRS-defined “Building Systems,” “Units of Property,” and the latest guidance influencing real estate tax treatment.

By the end of the session, attendees will be prepared to apply safe harbor rules, evaluate available elections, and make informed decisions that optimize tax outcomes while ensuring compliance.

Topics Covered

• Key definitions and real-world applications of:
  • Betterment
  • Restoration
  • Adaptation
  • Repairs vs. Maintenance
• IRS-defined Building Systems and how they differ from past component-based approaches
• Understanding and applying Units of Property
• Determining when costs must be capitalized versus when they may be expensed
• Elections available under the Tangible Property Regulations
• Safe Harbor provisions — uses, limitations, and strategic application

What You’ll Gain

• Clarity on allocating construction and renovation costs across IRS-defined Building Systems
• A framework for determining whether changes to Building Systems or Units of Property require capitalization
• Insight into the elections permitted under the final Tangible Property Regulations
• A solid understanding of the distinctions between betterments, restorations, adaptations, repairs, and maintenance
• Practical guidance on leveraging Safe Harbors and Elections to enhance your tax planning strategy

Who Should Attend?

Real estate professionals, accountants, tax preparers, and business owners involved in acquiring, renovating, or improving buildings. If you handle property-related expenditures, this session will equip you with actionable tools to stay compliant and take advantage of available tax benefits.