Tax planning is one of the most powerful tools real estate investors and accountants can use to maximize profits and protect wealth. In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht sits down with Eric Gordon, Vice President of Professional Services at B10 Energy, to explore advanced tax strategies that every investor should know. From cost segregation to 1031 exchanges and renewable energy tax credits, Eric provides a practical guide to smarter tax planning in real estate.
Meet the Guest: Eric Gordon
Eric Gordon’s career path is anything but ordinary. Originally aiming to become a dentist, a college accounting course inspired him to switch directions. “Somehow to 700 students, Norm made accounting seem cool… I just sat in there and soaked it up,” Eric recalls, referring to his influential professor.
Eric went on to work at Deloitte, specializing in real estate and construction clients, before moving into commercial real estate. Today, as VP of Professional Services at B10 Energy, he combines his accounting background with expertise in real estate and tax strategies. His journey gives him a unique perspective on how accountants and investors can work together to maximize opportunities.
The Power of Cost Segregation
Cost segregation is one of the most impactful tax strategies for real estate investors. Eric describes it as “the eighth wonder of the world” because of its ability to accelerate depreciation. By identifying and reclassifying assets within a property—such as electrical systems, flooring, or landscaping—investors can shorten depreciation timelines and reduce tax liability.
As Eric explains, many building owners are still unaware of its benefits. “I’ve had very successful building owners come to me that own a portfolio and haven’t done a cost segregation study… and don’t even really know how depreciation’s benefiting them right now.”
For accountants, this represents a major opportunity to add value. Guiding clients through cost segregation can unlock immediate cash flow advantages and improve long-term returns.
1031 Exchanges: Deferring Capital Gains
Another cornerstone strategy is the 1031 exchange, which allows investors to defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting proceeds from a property sale into another property of equal or greater value. Eric emphasizes the importance of timing and planning:
“I had a good friend come to me… ‘Eric, I sold an investment property, I heard about this thing called 1031, can you help me?’ I asked when he sold it. He said last week, and the money was already in his bank account. At that point, it was too late.”
The key takeaway is that investors must set up a qualified intermediary before the sale closes. Done properly, a 1031 exchange enables portfolio growth while avoiding immediate tax liabilities, making it a critical tool for both wealth building and estate planning.
Renewable Energy Tax Credits
Renewable energy tax credits have existed for decades, but recent changes make them more accessible than ever. For the first time, these credits are transferable, meaning they can be bought and sold.
As Eric explains, “You can buy a million dollars of tax credits for $900,000 and save that 10 percent.” For C-corporations with at least $500,000 in annual tax liability, these credits provide significant opportunities.
However, Eric cautions that due diligence is essential: “Who are you dealing with? What’s the underlying project? Is it valid technology?” Understanding risks such as recapture and verifying the project’s credibility are crucial steps before investing.
Advanced Capital Gains Strategies
For investors facing sizable capital gains, advanced planning can make a major difference. Eric outlines options such as entity structuring (LLCs vs. S-Corps) and reinvestment strategies that can minimize taxes while positioning for future growth.
In many cases, the strategy depends on investor goals. Some may prioritize immediate consumption after a business exit, while others may want to reinvest in new ventures. Accountants play a vital role in tailoring solutions to individual circumstances.
Why CPAs Should Move Beyond Tax Preparation
Throughout the conversation, Eric underscores the need for accountants to expand beyond compliance and preparation into advisory services. Clients benefit most when CPAs bring in experts for specialized strategies.
“Nothing makes a client feel more valued than when their tax professional brings in an expert and says, ‘I’ve been thinking about your situation, let’s talk about a few of these things,’” Eric explains. This approach not only enhances client retention but also positions CPAs as trusted advisors rather than transactional service providers.
Key Takeaways
This episode highlights several high-impact tax planning strategies for real estate investors and the accountants who serve them:
-
Cost Segregation: Accelerates depreciation and improves cash flow.
-
1031 Exchanges: Defer capital gains and grow real estate portfolios.
-
Renewable Energy Tax Credits: Now transferable, offering new savings opportunities.
-
Capital Gains Strategies: Tailored solutions for high-income earners and business owners.
-
CPA Advisory Role: Moving from preparation to strategic advisory ensures deeper client value.
By leveraging these strategies, investors can build wealth more effectively while accountants strengthen their role as trusted advisors.
To dive deeper into these insights and hear Eric Gordon’s full perspective, listen to the complete episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm.
Offers:
Free exclusive consultation with Eric to see what option best suits your needs. Simply visit www.b10cap.com and fill out the Contact Us form, or call 833.210.2278.
Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. These are a must-have addition to every accountant’s library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today:
- “Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant’s guide to QUICK turnarounds” – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process – from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses.
- “in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles.
- “Your Strategic Accountant” – Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services you should offer as you run your business. help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions.
- “Your Profit & Growth Expert” – Your business is an asset. You should know its value and understand how to maximize it. Beginning with the end in mind helps you work ON your business to build a company you can leave so that it can continue to exist in your absence or build wealth as you retire and enjoy the time, freedom, and life you want and deserve.
Learn what it is you can do to become an author, leveraging your expertise to market your services effectively and get the clients you deserve. This is a webinar you don’t want to miss. Learn from Mike Capuzzi what a Shook is and how you can use it to position yourself as the Premier Accounting Firm in your area. This is a must-see presentation so get ready to take some great notes.
In addition to becoming an author, see what you can do to follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. After more than 40 years we’ve identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share. Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center. It’s here you can become a:
Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business.
- The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group
- The Universal Accounting Fanpage
- Topical Newsletters:
Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company’s Value.
For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE!
Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss.
Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal.
Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe.
Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback
For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777
