Best Cost Segregation Companies (2026)
No single cost segregation company suits every property; the best cost segregation company for yours is the one whose study passes five checks: its method, who reviews and who signs it, documentation that follows the IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide, the Opportunity Zone conditions for a property in a zone, and a fee that fits the property's size.
Which cost segregation company fits which scenario?
From what each provider's own page states, with the date it was read; no provider is scored or ranked.
1. The lowest published price for one small residential rental
Cost Seg Smart (residential and short-term rental) and KBKG's CostSegregation.com (residential, up to a $500,000 tax basis, rising to $675 at $750,000 and $1,195 from $1.2M) list the lowest published price in the table, $495 (read October 22, 2026); check each row's stated limits before you rely on it.
ClickDrag Finance's workpaper fits a property whose purchase price plus construction costs total under $2.0 million; the rows named here publish the lowest starting prices in the table.
2. Commercial, multifamily, self-storage or Opportunity Zone property whose purchase price plus construction costs total $2.0 million or more (up to $250 million)
ClickDrag Finance (our pick; we publish this page): a study for a property whose purchase price plus construction costs total up to $250 million, ordered by an owner whose property's purchase price plus construction costs total $2.0 million or more or by a CPA or tax advisor for a client, with a qualified human review of every component.
Cost segregation for properties from $5 million to $250 million
Prices below were read off each provider's own live pages; the date of each reading is on its row, and the price table links each row to the page it was read on. Where a company does not publish a price, the table says so rather than guessing.
Prices read from each provider's own page; date shown per row. Table last updated . Reviewed by Howard Krieger, MBA, former ASA, Managing Director, ClickDrag Finance, on . Added on October 23 and October 29, 2026 and not yet part of that review: the scenario list, the three narrow tables, the review table, the engineering-based section, the CSA Partners row, the rewritten FAQ answers, the opening answer, the five checks, the study-type comparison, the worth-it section and the price and signer section.
At a glance
- Seventeen providers compared; fifteen publish a price on their own website.
- The lowest published price is $495 for a residential rental, at Cost Seg Smart and KBKG's CostSegregation.com (read October 22, 2026).
- Providers whose own page states a site visit or inspection, virtual or in person: ClickDrag Finance, R.E. Cost Seg, Cost Seg Smart, SMF Cost Segregation Advisors, WeCostSeg, KBKG, Engineered Tax Services, CSSI, Madison SPECS, Capstan Tax Strategies, Maven Cost Segregation and CSA Partners (Cost Segregation Authority). ClickDrag Finance builds each workpaper and study from the documents and photographs you supply.
- Providers whose own page states audit support or audit defense: ClickDrag Finance, R.E. Cost Seg, Cost Seg Smart, KBKG, RentalWriteOff, Virtual Cost Segregation, SMF Cost Segregation Advisors, Modern CFO, Cost Seg EZ, WeCostSeg, Engineered Tax Services, CSSI, Capstan Tax Strategies, Maven Cost Segregation and CSA Partners (Cost Segregation Authority). What each one covers differs; the Audit support column quotes it.
What is the best cost segregation company for commercial real estate in 2026?
The best cost segregation company for commercial real estate in 2026 is the one whose stated limits cover the property and whose study passes five checks: method, review and signer, documentation, Opportunity Zone conditions, and fee against size. For commercial, multifamily or self-storage property whose purchase price plus construction costs total $2.0 million or more, or an Opportunity Zone deal, ClickDrag Finance is our pick (we publish this page). For one residential rental under about $500K of basis, the online services with published prices are the lowest-priced rows below (prices read October 22, 2026 to October 25, 2026).
Prices in the table were read October 22, 2026 to October 25, 2026.
Our pick — commercial, multifamily & Opportunity Zone
ClickDrag Finance
For commercial, multifamily and self-storage properties whose purchase price plus construction costs total $2.0 million or more, and for Opportunity Zone deals of that size, ClickDrag Finance is our pick, for the reasons in the Disclosure below: a study with a published price for a property whose purchase price plus construction costs total up to $250 million, with a qualified human review of every component and a documentation package built on the methodology in the IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide. The price and who signs are under What does ClickDrag Finance charge, and who signs each study?.
Below that line, see when another provider fits better.
Comparing providers for an apartment building or a short-term rental? See best cost segregation for multifamily and short-term rentals.
Choosing a provider for an Opportunity Zone project? See how to choose a cost segregation provider for an Opportunity Zone.
Disclosure: ClickDrag Finance publishes this page and is one of the providers listed. We have tried to be useful rather than flattering, which is why the table prints every provider's published price, the lowest included, and why a section below says when another provider fits better. Nobody paid for placement or was excluded.
How do you choose a cost segregation company?
A cost segregation company is chosen on the same five questions put to each provider and the answers it gives in writing, not on a ranking; the comparison tables on this page record what each provider's own page says, with the date it was read.
| Check | What to ask the provider | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Method | What to ask the providerDoes the study classify the costs component by component from the property's own cost records (the closing statement, pay applications and invoices), and keep the land separate? | Why it mattersIf the IRS examines the study, it tests where each cost came from and why each component sits in its recovery period, and land is not depreciable. |
| Who reviews and who signs | What to ask the providerWho reviews each component, and which firm signs the study, on whose letterhead? | Why it mattersThe owner's CPA, a lender or the IRS may ask who prepared the study, so it should name its preparers and the firm that signs it. |
| Documentation that follows the IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide | What to ask the providerDoes the study write down its method, its cost sources and the reason for each component's classification, so the IRS, working from its Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide (Publication 5653), can follow it? | Why it mattersIf the study is examined, its written documentation is what supports it. |
| Opportunity Zone conditions (for a property in a zone) | What to ask the providerWill the study name the taxpayer that owns the property (the Qualified Opportunity Fund or the qualified opportunity zone business beneath it), record the land, building and improvement costs by date through the 30-month substantial improvement period, and give the asset classes needed to model recapture before year 10 and after a 10-year hold? | Why it mattersA study that records these gives the fund's counsel the figures for the substantial improvement test and the investors' recapture model. |
| Fee against property size | What to ask the providerWhat is the published price or the written quote, and what property size and type does it cover? | Why it mattersA fee that is small against a large property can be large against a small one; the three-part test on this page decides whether a study is worth its fee. |
How do online, engineering-firm and CPA white-label cost segregation studies differ in who prepares and signs them?
The three study types differ in who prepares the study and who signs it: an online or software-based workpaper is prepared from the documents and answers the owner supplies, an engineering firm's study is prepared by an engineering team, usually after an inspection of the property, and a CPA firm's white-label study is reviewed, approved and signed by the CPA firm as its own, on its own letterhead, from a specialist's workpapers. For the provider types and what to check first with each, see how online cost segregation services compare with traditional engineering firms.
| Study type | Who prepares it | What it is built from | Who signs it | How it is priced | Audit support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online or software-based workpaper | Who prepares itThe provider, through its software, from the documents and answers the owner supplies. | What it is built fromThe owner's documents and answers; three of the ten online services in our comparison state a site visit or inspection on its own page. | Who signs itNot stated on seven of the ten online services' pages we read; ask before ordering. | How it is pricedAll ten publish a price, and six state a size or property-type limit. | Audit supportNine of the ten state audit support of some kind; what it covers differs by provider. |
| Engineering firm's study | Who prepares itAn engineering team. | What it is built fromThe property's documents and an inspection: all eight engineering-firm products in our comparison state a site visit or inspection, seven of them in person. | Who signs itNot stated on all eight engineering firms' pages we read; ask before ordering. | How it is pricedSix publish a price or a range, and two quote on request. | Audit supportSix of the eight state audit support of some kind; what it covers differs by provider. |
| CPA firm's white-label study | Who prepares itA specialist provider prepares the workpapers, and the CPA firm reviews and approves the study. | What it is built fromWhatever the specialist's method uses; ask what the study is built from and whether anyone inspects the property. | Who signs itThe CPA firm, as its own, on its own letterhead. | How it is pricedSet by the CPA firm for its client; ClickDrag Finance's white-label price is under "What does ClickDrag Finance charge, and who signs each study?". | Audit supportAsk whether the CPA firm or the specialist answers for the study if the IRS examines it. |
The online and engineering counts come from the ten online services and eight engineering-firm products in our comparison, each read on its own page (October 22, 2026 to October 23, 2026); ClickDrag Finance is not counted.
The online services in our comparison: R.E. Cost Seg — Rapid Report, Cost Seg Smart, KBKG's CostSegregation.com, RentalWriteOff, Virtual Cost Segregation, SMF Cost Segregation Advisors, Modern CFO, 24 Hour Cost Seg, Cost Seg EZ and WeCostSeg (read October 22, 2026). The engineering firms: CSA Partners (Cost Segregation Authority) (read October 23, 2026); R.E. Cost Seg — Fully Engineered, KBKG's engineered studies, Engineered Tax Services, CSSI, Madison SPECS, Capstan Tax Strategies and Maven Cost Segregation (read October 22, 2026). Each one's price, stated limits, site visit, signature and audit support are in the tables below.
ClickDrag Finance's report is an online workpaper, its study is document-based with a qualified human review of every component, and the study is sold black label or white label; what each costs and who signs each are under "What does ClickDrag Finance charge, and who signs each study?".
What does the IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide say a quality cost segregation study documents?
The IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide (Publication 5653, revised February 2025, Chapter 4) says that, whatever its length or method, a cost segregation study and report should always classify assets into property classes, explain the rationale, including legal citations, for classifying each asset as IRC §1245 or §1250 property, and substantiate the cost basis of each asset and reconcile total allocated costs to total actual costs; the Guide is written for IRS agents who review studies and says it is not an official pronouncement of the law.
Chapter 4 lists thirteen principal elements of a quality study:
- Preparation by an Individual with Expertise and Experience
- Detailed Description of the Methodology
- Use of Appropriate Documentation
- Interviews Conducted with Appropriate Parties
- Use of a Common Nomenclature
- Use of a Standard Numbering System
- Explanation of the Legal Analysis
- Determination of Unit Costs and Engineering “Take-Off”
- Organization of Assets into Lists or Groups
- Reconciliation of Total Allocated Costs to Total Actual Costs
- Explanation of the Treatment of Indirect Costs
- Identification and Listing of § 1245 Property
- Consideration of Related Aspects (e.g., § 263A, Change in Accounting Method, and Sampling Techniques)
Source: IRS Publication 5653, Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide, Chapter 4. What each provider states about audit support, and what a study documents for it, is on cost segregation audit support.
Which cost segregation companies handle high-value and large commercial properties?
For a high-value or large commercial property, the engineering-firm studies in ClickDrag Finance's comparison are CSA Partners (Cost Segregation Authority) (read October 23, 2026); R.E. Cost Seg — Fully Engineered, KBKG's engineered studies, Engineered Tax Services, CSSI, Madison SPECS, Capstan Tax Strategies and Maven Cost Segregation (read October 22, 2026); six publish a price or a range and two quote on request, and the Stated limits column shows any size limit each one's own page states. These online services state a size or eligibility limit on their own page, which may exclude a large property: R.E. Cost Seg — Rapid Report, KBKG's CostSegregation.com, RentalWriteOff, SMF Cost Segregation Advisors, Cost Seg EZ and WeCostSeg (read October 22, 2026). ClickDrag Finance's study covers a property whose purchase price plus construction costs total up to $250 million; above that, the study is scoped on a call with an advisor before any price is quoted. A provider fits a high-value property when its stated limits cover the property; who reviews and who signs each study, and what its audit support covers, then separate the rest.
More on cost segregation for properties from $5 million to $250 million.
Is a cost segregation study worth it?
A cost segregation study is worth it when three conditions hold together: the basis is large enough for the accelerated deductions to outweigh the fee (roughly $500K of basis for a study priced in the thousands of dollars, which is a pricing threshold rather than a tax rule, and lower for a lower-priced report), the deduction is usable this year given the owner's passive-activity position, and the hold is long enough to survive recapture. All three, or the honest answer is no.
The full answer, with worked examples, is in is cost segregation worth it?
What does ClickDrag Finance charge, and who signs each study?
ClickDrag Finance's $499* cost segregation report is a workpaper for the taxpayer's tax preparer, prepared from the information the buyer provides, reviewed before release. The cost segregation workpaper is for rental or business property: for an owner whose property's purchase price plus construction costs total under $2.0 million, and for a CPA or tax advisor ordering for a client whose property is under $2.0 million, from the client-order form.
*For a property whose purchase price plus construction costs total under $2.0 million.
ClickDrag Finance's cost segregation study, for a property whose purchase price plus construction costs total up to $250 million, comes in two labels, each priced per study:
| Study label | Price | Who signs | Letterhead | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ClickDrag Finance black label study | PriceStarting at $15,000 per study, before optional add-ons | Who signsClickDrag Finance prepares and signs the study. | LetterheadClickDrag Finance’s letterhead | Who it is forFor a property whose purchase price plus construction costs total up to $250 million: an owner whose property's purchase price plus construction costs total $2.0 million or more, or a CPA firm that wants ClickDrag Finance’s name on its client’s study. |
| ClickDrag Finance white label study | PriceStarting at $10,000* per study, before optional add-ons*$10,000 is the starting white-label study price, before optional add-ons, for a study the CPA firm reviews, approves and signs as its own on its own letterhead. | Who signsYour CPA firm reviews, approves and signs the study as its own. On a white-label study, ClickDrag Finance’s technology and know-how facilitate the work, and what ClickDrag Finance delivers is workpapers in the form of a study, which your CPA firm reviews, approves and signs as its own. | LetterheadYour firm’s own letterhead | Who it is forCPA firms with an account with ClickDrag Finance: two firms per metro area, confirmed by ClickDrag Finance, with no annual fee and no subscription. |
The cost segregation study is for a property whose purchase price plus construction costs total up to $250 million: for a CPA or tax advisor with a client's property at any total up to that limit, and for an owner when that total is $2.0 million or more.
Above $250 million in purchase price plus construction costs, the study is scoped on a call with an advisor before any price is quoted. These prices are as of October 25, 2026.
How do the cost segregation providers compare?
Three tables, one question each; the full table with every column is further down this page.
What does each cost segregation provider charge, and for which properties?
| Provider | Published price | Stated limits | Turnaround | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ClickDrag FinanceUsclickdragfinance.com/pricing | Published priceSee "What does ClickDrag Finance charge, and who signs each study?" on this page. | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundStated on ClickDrag Finance's pricing page | TypeReport and study |
| R.E. Cost Seg — Fully Engineeredrecostseg.com/services/fully-engineered-study | Published priceFrom $2,320 (residential), from $2,730 (commercial) | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundAbout 15–20 business days (roughly 3–4 weeks) | TypeEngineered study |
| R.E. Cost Seg — Rapid Reportrecostseg.com/services/rapid-report | Published priceFrom $950 | Stated limitsResidential properties under 3,500 sq ft and up to 4 units, depreciable basis of $1.2M or less, renovation costs of $80K or less; not for multifamily properties with different layouts, mixed uses or varying placed-in-service dates | TurnaroundAs little as 5 business days | TypeOnline service |
| Cost Seg Smartcostsegsmart.com | Published priceFrom $495 (residential and short-term rental), from $995 (commercial); the same page also shows multifamily of 5+ units from $1,995 | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | Turnaround1–2 business days for most residential and small-commercial studies | TypeOnline service |
| KBKG — CostSegregation.comcostsegregation.com | Published price$495 (residential, up to a $500,000 tax basis, rising to $675 at $750,000 and $1,195 from $1.2M) · $1,295 (commercial, up to a $1,000,000 tax basis, rising to $1,795 at $1.5M); priced by tax basis | Stated limitsProperties up to $1.5M of building basis, less land; above that, a custom quote | TurnaroundNot stated | TypeOnline service |
| RentalWriteOffrentalwriteoff.com/pricing | Published price$899 flat fee per property | Stated limitsResidential rentals up to four units | TurnaroundTwo business days after complete intake and payment | TypeOnline service |
| Virtual Cost Segregationvirtualcostsegregation.com | Published price$2,200 per study, or $1,980 per property for three or more properties | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | Turnaround3 to 5 business days | TypeOnline service |
| SMF Cost Segregation Advisorssmfcostseg.com/services | Published price$1,750 per study (1 unit) · $2,750 (2–4 units) · $3,250 (5–10 units) | Stated limitsResidential properties of 1–10 units with a cost basis of at least $200,000 | Turnaround1–3 business days after the virtual site visit is completed and all documents are submitted | TypeOnline service |
| Modern CFOfreecostseg.com/resources/cost-seg-study-cost | Published price$1,200–$2,500 (residential and small) · $2,500–$6,000 (standard commercial) · $6,000–$12,000 (large and complex); set by the engineering scope, and above the highest band quoted individually | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundNot stated | TypeOnline service |
| 24 Hour Cost Seg24hourcostseg.com | Published priceFrom $499 per property; its home page also calls $499 a flat rate | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundCompleted in 24 hours or less | TypeOnline service |
| Cost Seg EZcostsegez.com | Published price$595 (DIY) · $895 (engineer reviewed) · from $2,500 (fully engineered, based on property complexity) | Stated limitsFor the DIY study, residential excluding condos, purchase price under $1 million and renovations under $10,000; for the engineer-reviewed study, residential, purchase price under $1 million and renovations under $100,000 | TurnaroundDIY instant; engineer reviewed 3–5 business days; fully engineered 3–4 weeks | TypeOnline service |
| WeCostSegwecostseg.com/pricing | Published price$795 (Rapid Report) · $2,495 (Fully Engineered Residential) · from $2,995 (Fully Engineered Commercial) | Stated limitsFor the Rapid Report, residential under $800K basis; for Fully Engineered Residential, residential and small multifamily up to $2M basis | Turnaround5–10 business days (Rapid Report); 2–3 weeks (Fully Engineered Residential); 3–4 weeks (Fully Engineered Commercial) | TypeOnline service |
| KBKG — engineered studieskbkg.com/costsegregation/faq | Published priceTypically $5,000–$15,000, depending on building size, building type, number of tenants and other physical characteristics | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundTypically 45–60 days, depending on how quickly the information arrives | TypeEngineered study |
| Engineered Tax Servicesengineeredtaxservices.com/services/cost-segregation | Published priceNot published as its own fee; its cost segregation page says most professionally prepared studies range from $3,000 to $12,000, depending on property size and complexity | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundTypically 4–6 weeks from start to finish | TypeEngineered study |
| CSSIcssiservices.com/services/cost-segregation | Published priceFrom $2,500 for most commercial properties, with larger or more complex buildings possibly costing more; the same page says a study typically ranges from $2,000 to $15,000, depending on the size, complexity and location of the property, with fees based on project scope and potential tax savings | Stated limitsProperties with a cost basis of at least $200,000 | TurnaroundAbout three to six weeks from receipt of all documentation | TypeEngineered study |
| Madison SPECSmadisonspecs.com/faq | Published priceTypically $4,000–$11,000; a fixed fee per study, priced individually by the size and complexity of the property | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundSet by the property's complexity and how quickly the information arrives (no figure published) | TypeEngineered study |
| Capstan Tax Strategiescapstantax.com/cost-segregation-study | Published priceNot published — quote on request | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | Turnaround30 days from the site visit to report delivery | TypeEngineered study |
| Maven Cost Segregationmavencostseg.com/our-services/detailed-engineering-cost-segregation-studies | Published price$2,500–$4,000 (smaller properties) · $5,000–$10,000+ (large or complex properties and portfolios); general ranges, not fixed quotes | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundA few weeks after property records are received and the site inspection is complete | TypeEngineered study |
| CSA Partners (Cost Segregation Authority)csap.com/cost-segregation | Published priceFrom $3,000, varying with the size, complexity and scope of the property; the fee is given in a no-cost benefit analysis before engagement | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundTypically 3–4 weeks from engagement to final report; other pages on its site say 2–3 weeks after the site visit | TypeEngineered study |
Which cost segregation providers inspect the property, and who signs the study?
| Provider | Site visit | Signed? | Property types |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClickDrag FinanceUsclickdragfinance.com/pricing | Site visitSite visit by appointment (preferred); when a visit is not feasible because of cost or timing, documents and photographs, with each photograph’s date and location data read | Signed?See "What does ClickDrag Finance charge, and who signs each study?" on this page. | Property typesCommercial, multifamily, self-storage, industrial, retail, medical office, hospitality and rental property, up to $250 million |
| R.E. Cost Seg — Fully Engineeredrecostseg.com/services/fully-engineered-study | Site visitA 30–60 minute virtual inspection; in person for an additional fee | Signed?Not stated | Property typesAll commercial and residential properties |
| R.E. Cost Seg — Rapid Reportrecostseg.com/services/rapid-report | Site visitNo site visit or inspection | Signed?Not stated | Property typesResidential properties within the stated limits |
| Cost Seg Smartcostsegsmart.com | Site visitA video walkthrough when it would improve the study, or in person where needed | Signed?For commercial studies of $3 million or more, an engineering partner is named on the cover when your CPA requires it | Property typesResidential, commercial and specialty types, including short-term rentals and data centers |
| KBKG — CostSegregation.comcostsegregation.com | Site visitNot stated | Signed?Not stated | Property typesResidential (condos, townhomes, single-family, multifamily, ADUs) and listed commercial types (warehouse, storage, office, hotel and motel, restaurant), up to $1.5M of basis excluding land |
| RentalWriteOffrentalwriteoff.com/pricing | Site visitNone; fully remote, from the appraisal or rental listing, with more photos if needed | Signed?Not stated | Property typesResidential rentals up to four units |
| Virtual Cost Segregationvirtualcostsegregation.com | Site visitNone; completely virtual | Signed?Not stated | Property typesResidential investment property and short-term rentals, including single-family, multifamily, condos and townhomes |
| SMF Cost Segregation Advisorssmfcostseg.com/services | Site visitA virtual site visit; in-person inspection on request, for a surcharge and a 3–4 week turnaround | Signed?Not stated | Property typesResidential properties of 1–10 units |
| Modern CFOfreecostseg.com/resources/cost-seg-study-cost | Site visitNot stated | Signed?Signed by a licensed engineer, as its page states | Property typesSingle-family, condo, short-term rental and 2–4 unit multifamily; office, retail, restaurant, self-storage, warehouse and 5–20 unit multifamily; hotels, 20+ unit apartment complexes, large industrial and properties of $10 million or more |
| 24 Hour Cost Seg24hourcostseg.com | Site visitNone; built from property records and the owner's documentation | Signed?Not stated | Property typesIncome-producing residential property: short-term rentals, long-term rentals and multifamily |
| Cost Seg EZcostsegez.com | Site visitNot stated | Signed?Not stated | Property typesResidential for the DIY and engineer-reviewed studies; any property for the fully engineered study |
| WeCostSegwecostseg.com/pricing | Site visitA virtual or in-person inspection in the Fully Engineered tiers | Signed?In the Fully Engineered tiers, a detailed report signed by an engineer, as its page states | Property typesResidential, small multifamily and all commercial property types, including self-storage |
| KBKG — engineered studieskbkg.com/costsegregation/faq | Site visitA physical inspection of the property | Signed?Not stated | Property typesNot stated |
| Engineered Tax Servicesengineeredtaxservices.com/services/cost-segregation | Site visitOn-site inspection described as part of its approach | Signed?Not stated | Property typesOffice, retail, industrial, apartments, hotels, medical, self-storage and warehouses |
| CSSIcssiservices.com/services/cost-segregation | Site visitAn on-site inspection by its engineers | Signed?Not stated | Property typesNot stated |
| Madison SPECSmadisonspecs.com/faq | Site visitAn engineer visits the property for measurements and pictures | Signed?Not stated | Property typesNot stated |
| Capstan Tax Strategiescapstantax.com/cost-segregation-study | Site visitIn-person site visits for its standard study; its desk review has none | Signed?Not stated | Property typesNot stated |
| Maven Cost Segregationmavencostseg.com/our-services/detailed-engineering-cost-segregation-studies | Site visitAn on-site inspection by its in-house engineering team | Signed?Not stated | Property typesCommercial property, multifamily and self-storage; its price ranges name office buildings, multifamily rentals, light industrial, hotels, apartment communities and industrial properties |
| CSA Partners (Cost Segregation Authority)csap.com/cost-segregation | Site visitAn on-site inspection when applicable, as part of its process | Signed?Not stated | Property typesMultifamily, office, hospitality, retail, restaurants, industrial, self-storage and healthcare |
What audit support and Form 3115 help does each cost segregation provider state?
| Provider | Audit support | Form 3115 |
|---|---|---|
| ClickDrag FinanceUsclickdragfinance.com/pricing | Audit supportThe written documentation of the method, the cost sources and the classification of each component | Form 3115The study's Form 4562 tie-out flags a look-back for Form 3115; your CPA prepares and files it |
| R.E. Cost Seg — Fully Engineeredrecostseg.com/services/fully-engineered-study | Audit supportWritten responses to IRS inquiries about its methodology; no representation before the IRS | Form 3115Optional add-on, $600 per study |
| R.E. Cost Seg — Rapid Reportrecostseg.com/services/rapid-report | Audit supportWritten responses to IRS inquiries; no representation before the IRS | Form 3115Optional CPA support package, $600 per property |
| Cost Seg Smartcostsegsmart.com | Audit supportWritten answers to your CPA's questions about its methodology; no IRS representation | Form 3115A Form 3115 §481(a) schedule when a look-back applies; Form 3115 preparation available separately |
| KBKG — CostSegregation.comcostsegregation.com | Audit supportLists audit support and audit defense as included | Form 3115A §481(a) calculation schedule is included |
| RentalWriteOffrentalwriteoff.com/pricing | Audit supportUp to two hours of audit protection included for five years, then $300 an hour; no legal or tax representation | Form 3115Included for eligible look-back studies |
| Virtual Cost Segregationvirtualcostsegregation.com | Audit supportResponds to IRS questions about its study at no additional cost | Form 3115Provides Form 3115 on request; your CPA files it |
| SMF Cost Segregation Advisorssmfcostseg.com/services | Audit supportLists audit defense as included | Form 3115Not stated |
| Modern CFOfreecostseg.com/resources/cost-seg-study-cost | Audit supportLifetime audit support | Form 3115Not stated |
| 24 Hour Cost Seg24hourcostseg.com | Audit supportNot stated | Form 3115Not stated |
| Cost Seg EZcostsegez.com | Audit supportAudit protection a $195 add-on for the DIY and engineer-reviewed studies | Form 3115Not stated |
| WeCostSegwecostseg.com/pricing | Audit supportFive years of written audit defense in every tier, at no additional charge | Form 3115Included for a look-back in the Fully Engineered Residential tier; an extra charge on the Rapid Report |
| KBKG — engineered studieskbkg.com/costsegregation/faq | Audit supportNot stated | Form 3115Not stated |
| Engineered Tax Servicesengineeredtaxservices.com/services/cost-segregation | Audit supportFull audit defense support at no additional charge | Form 3115Schedules and Form 3115 support delivered to your CPA or tax preparer |
| CSSIcssiservices.com/services/cost-segregation | Audit supportDefends the audit at no cost if the study is questioned | Form 3115Prepares Form 3115 on request |
| Madison SPECSmadisonspecs.com/faq | Audit supportNot stated | Form 3115Not stated |
| Capstan Tax Strategiescapstantax.com/cost-segregation-study | Audit supportNo-cost audit defense | Form 3115An add-on, prepared by its tax director at your CPA's request |
| Maven Cost Segregationmavencostseg.com/our-services/detailed-engineering-cost-segregation-studies | Audit supportFull audit protection | Form 3115Prepared at a flat $995 |
| CSA Partners (Cost Segregation Authority)csap.com/cost-segregation | Audit supportNo-cost audit defense for as long as the client owns the property | Form 3115Not stated |
Each price was read off the provider's own website on the date shown in its row (the oldest row is October 22, 2026). "Not published" means the provider has no listed rate. Quote-based pricing means the price is given after a request. "Not stated" means the provider's own page we read did not say. The site visit, signature, audit support, Form 3115 and property type columns describe what each page says, in our words; they are not a test of the work.
Which cost segregation provider fits which buyer?
Each fit below is built only from what the provider's own page states (the row above), not from a test of its work.
ClickDrag Finance
Best fit: An owner of a property from $2.0 million, or a CPA ordering for a client, who wants a published price and a qualified human review of every component.
R.E. Cost Seg — Fully Engineered
Best fit: A buyer who wants a low published price for an engineered study with a virtual inspection, and Form 3115 preparation as a priced add-on.
R.E. Cost Seg — Rapid Report
Best fit: An owner of a small residential rental inside its stated limits who wants a fast, low-priced report.
Cost Seg Smart
Best fit: A residential or small-commercial owner who wants a low published price and a study in 1–2 business days.
KBKG — CostSegregation.com
Best fit: An owner of a property under $1.5M of basis excluding land who wants to run the study in software.
RentalWriteOff
Best fit: An owner of a residential rental of up to four units who wants a flat fee and delivery two business days after intake.
Virtual Cost Segregation
Best fit: An owner of residential investment property or a short-term rental who wants a fully virtual study at a published price.
SMF Cost Segregation Advisors
Best fit: An owner of a 1–10 unit residential property who wants a virtual site visit and what its page calls audit defense, at a published price.
Modern CFO
Best fit: An owner who wants a study signed by an engineer, as its page states, at a published fee band set by engineering scope.
24 Hour Cost Seg
Best fit: An owner of a residential or short-term rental who wants a published price and delivery within 24 hours.
Cost Seg EZ
Best fit: An owner of a residential property under $1 million who wants a study generated online, with engineer review as an option.
WeCostSeg
Best fit: An owner who wants published tiers from a rapid report to a study signed by an engineer, with five years of what its page calls written audit defense included.
KBKG — engineered studies
Best fit: An owner who wants a physical inspection, with a typical fee range published by building size, type and tenants.
Engineered Tax Services
Best fit: An owner who wants an on-site inspection and what its page calls audit defense support included, and accepts a quote and a 4–6 week timeline.
CSSI
Best fit: An owner of a property with a cost basis of at least $200,000 who wants an on-site inspection and, as its page puts it, the audit defended at no cost.
Madison SPECS
Best fit: An owner who wants an engineer at the property and a fixed fee set by the property's size and complexity.
Capstan Tax Strategies
Best fit: An owner who wants an in-person site visit and what its page calls no-cost audit defense, and is comfortable with quote-based pricing.
Maven Cost Segregation
Best fit: An owner who wants an on-site inspection by an in-house engineering team, with a published price range by property size.
CSA Partners (Cost Segregation Authority)
Best fit: An owner who wants an engineering-based study with an on-site inspection when applicable and what its site calls audit defense for as long as the property is owned, at a starting price with the fee given before engagement.
How do you choose a cost segregation provider by property type?
- Commercial and office buildings: nonresidential real property recovers over 39 years, so what a study moves into 5-, 7- and 15-year property is what accelerates the deduction.
- Multifamily: residential rental property recovers over 27.5 years; apartment interiors and site work are where reclassification comes from.
- Self-storage: the asset table lists each common line with its recovery period, its asset class and the authority for it, including the contested roll-up door question.
- Industrial and warehouse: paving, site work and equipment-related electrical are the usual lines to look at.
- Retail: the IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide (Publication 5653) has a retail industry chapter (7.B) that classifies common retail assets.
- Medical office: tenant-specific medical systems are the lines that need documentation.
- Restaurant: the IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide (Publication 5653) has a restaurant industry chapter (7.C) that classifies common restaurant assets.
- Short-term rental: whether the deduction offsets other income depends on how the rental is used and on the passive-activity rules.
- Residential rental: for a smaller rental, compare the published prices in the table above against the size of the deduction.
- Opportunity Zone: after a 10-year hold with the IRC §1400Z-2(c) basis election, a sale of the Qualified Opportunity Fund interest carries no depreciation recapture; before year 10, recapture applies as on any taxable sale.
How do cost segregation study prices compare, provider by provider?
Among the cost segregation providers ClickDrag Finance compared, published prices start at $495 for a residential rental (Cost Seg Smart and KBKG's CostSegregation.com, read October 22, 2026), a starting price rather than a quote for a particular property. Engineering firms that publish a figure state a starting price or a range, such as KBKG's engineered studies, typically $5,000–$15,000 (read October 22, 2026), depending on building size, building type, number of tenants and other physical characteristics; that figure is not a quote for a particular property. ClickDrag Finance's own prices, and who signs each study, are on its pricing page and stated once in this comparison, under "What does ClickDrag Finance charge, and who signs each study?". R.E. Cost Seg lists its Fully Engineered study from $2,320 (residential) and from $2,730 (commercial) (read October 22, 2026). Other engineering firms that publish a price or a price range: CSA Partners (Cost Segregation Authority) (read October 23, 2026); CSSI, Madison SPECS and Maven Cost Segregation (read October 22, 2026); each row in the table gives the figure and its basis. No published price of its own for an engineered study: Engineered Tax Services and Capstan Tax Strategies (read October 22, 2026).
Engineering-based or document-based cost segregation: which do you need?
An engineering-based cost segregation study is prepared by an engineering team and usually includes a site inspection; a document-based study is built from the property's own documents and photographs. Every engineering firm's row in our comparison states a site visit or inspection on its own page: CSA Partners (Cost Segregation Authority) (read October 23, 2026); R.E. Cost Seg — Fully Engineered, KBKG's engineered studies, Engineered Tax Services, CSSI, Madison SPECS, Capstan Tax Strategies and Maven Cost Segregation (read October 22, 2026).
ClickDrag Finance's study is document-driven and human-reviewed, built on the methodology in the IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide (Publication 5653): a qualified human reviews every component. The study can include a site visit, by appointment, and a visit is preferred; when a site visit is not feasible because of cost or timing, the property is documented from its own records and from photographs linked to the components they support, and each photograph’s embedded date and location data are read and recorded.
Some online services sell tiers they call engineered or engineer reviewed, at the prices in their rows: Cost Seg EZ and WeCostSeg (read October 22, 2026); the Site visit and Signed? columns say what each page states about them.
How does ClickDrag Finance compare with KBKG and Cost Seg Smart?
ClickDrag Finance, Cost Seg Smart and KBKG each publish at least one price. ClickDrag Finance's own prices, and who signs each study, are on its pricing page and stated once in this comparison, under "What does ClickDrag Finance charge, and who signs each study?". Cost Seg Smart lists from $495 (residential and short-term rental) and from $995 (commercial), with a turnaround of 1–2 business days for most residential and small-commercial studies; the same page also shows multifamily of 5+ units from $1,995 (read October 22, 2026). KBKG's CostSegregation.com lists $495 (residential, up to a $500,000 tax basis, rising to $675 at $750,000 and $1,195 from $1.2M) and $1,295 (commercial, up to a $1,000,000 tax basis, rising to $1,795 at $1.5M); priced by tax basis; its page states properties up to $1.5M of building basis, less land; above that, a custom quote (read October 22, 2026). KBKG lists for its engineered studies typically $5,000–$15,000, depending on building size, building type, number of tenants and other physical characteristics, with a turnaround of typically 45–60 days, depending on how quickly the information arrives (read October 22, 2026). The table compares published fields only; it says nothing about a provider beyond its own page.
Head-to-head comparisons, including R.E. Cost Seg:
- ClickDrag Finance vs KBKG (CostSegregation.com), compared
- ClickDrag Finance vs Cost Seg Smart, compared
- ClickDrag Finance vs R.E. Cost Seg, compared
Which companies publish their prices?
Fifteen of the seventeen providers listed: ClickDrag Finance, R.E. Cost Seg, Cost Seg Smart, KBKG (through its CostSegregation.com software product), RentalWriteOff, Virtual Cost Segregation, SMF Cost Segregation Advisors, Modern CFO, 24 Hour Cost Seg, Cost Seg EZ, WeCostSeg, CSSI, Madison SPECS, Maven Cost Segregation and CSA Partners (Cost Segregation Authority). Their prices were read October 22, 2026 to October 25, 2026.
These require a quote request: Engineered Tax Services and Capstan Tax Strategies (read October 22, 2026). Quote-based pricing means the price is given after a request.
Which cost segregation companies have the best reviews?
No cost segregation company can be named best by reviews from what we read: of the seventeen providers in ClickDrag Finance's comparison, eight showed a rating when read on October 23, 2026 (R.E. Cost Seg, Cost Seg Smart, KBKG, RentalWriteOff, SMF Cost Segregation Advisors, Cost Seg EZ, Engineered Tax Services and Maven Cost Segregation), on different sources and different numbers of reviews, and two of those figures are self-reported on the provider's own site; nine showed none on the sources checked. The table below prints each rating and count exactly as shown, with its source; the reviews themselves, and how many sit behind any average, matter more than the average.
Where can you read each cost segregation provider's reviews and ratings?
This table is not a score and nothing on this page is ranked by it. It lists where each provider's reviews were found, the rating and the number of reviews exactly as that page printed them, and the date we read it; "not found" means the source we checked showed none on that date. We checked Trustpilot and BBB for every provider; where a figure came from elsewhere, such as Google reviews, its row names the source, and a figure a provider prints on its own site with no review platform named is labelled self-reported. ClickDrag Finance has no reviews on Trustpilot and BBB (checked October 23, 2026). Read the reviews themselves, and look at how many sit behind any average.
| Provider | Where reviews were read | Rating, as printed | Number of reviews, as printed | Read on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ClickDrag Finance | Where reviews were readTrustpilot and BBB | Rating, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | Number of reviews, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | |
| R.E. Cost Seg | Where reviews were readGoogle reviews, as shown on its BiggerPockets business pagewww.biggerpockets.com/business/page/9432 | Rating, as printed4.8 stars | Number of reviews, as printed68 Reviews | |
| Cost Seg Smart | Where reviews were readTrustpilotwww.trustpilot.com/review/costsegsmart.com | Rating, as printed4.3 | Number of reviews, as printed8 reviews | |
| KBKG | Where reviews were readIts own CostSegregation.com home page (self-reported; no review platform named)www.costsegregation.com/ | Rating, as printed4.9/5 | Number of reviews, as printed100+ Reviews | |
| RentalWriteOff | Where reviews were readTrustpilotwww.trustpilot.com/review/rentalwriteoff.com | Rating, as printed3.2 | Number of reviews, as printed1 review | |
| Virtual Cost Segregation | Where reviews were readTrustpilot and BBB | Rating, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | Number of reviews, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | |
| SMF Cost Segregation Advisors | Where reviews were readBBB customer reviewswww.bbb.org/us/il/chicago/profile/real-estate-consultant/smf-cost-segregation-advisors-0654-1000136129/customer-reviews | Rating, as printed4.81/5 stars | Number of reviews, as printed21 | |
| Modern CFO | Where reviews were readTrustpilot and BBB | Rating, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | Number of reviews, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | |
| 24 Hour Cost Seg | Where reviews were readTrustpilot and BBB | Rating, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | Number of reviews, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | |
| Cost Seg EZ | Where reviews were readIts own home page (self-reported; no review platform named)www.costsegez.com/ | Rating, as printed4.9/5 | Number of reviews, as printed55 reviews | |
| WeCostSeg | Where reviews were readTrustpilot and BBB | Rating, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | Number of reviews, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | |
| Engineered Tax Services | Where reviews were readTrustpilot (an unclaimed profile)www.trustpilot.com/review/engineeredtaxservices.com | Rating, as printed3.2 | Number of reviews, as printed8 reviews | |
| CSSI | Where reviews were readTrustpilot and BBB | Rating, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | Number of reviews, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | |
| Madison SPECS | Where reviews were readTrustpilot and BBB | Rating, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | Number of reviews, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | |
| Capstan Tax Strategies | Where reviews were readTrustpilot and BBB | Rating, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | Number of reviews, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | |
| Maven Cost Segregation | Where reviews were readTrustpilotwww.trustpilot.com/review/mavencostseg.com | Rating, as printed4.0 | Number of reviews, as printed3 reviews | |
| CSA Partners (Cost Segregation Authority) | Where reviews were readTrustpilot and BBB | Rating, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 | Number of reviews, as printedNot found on Trustpilot and BBB, October 23, 2026 |
When does another cost segregation provider fit better?
You own one residential rental under about $500K of basis. The lowest published prices in the provider table are $495, at Cost Seg Smart and KBKG's CostSegregation.com (read October 22, 2026). R.E. Cost Seg lists its Fully Engineered study from $2,320 (residential), from $2,730 (commercial) (read October 22, 2026).
The three conditions for a study do not all hold. They are the three-part worth-it test.
What ClickDrag Finance publishes that some firms do not
A study price. ClickDrag Finance publishes a single starting price for its black-label cost segregation study of a property whose purchase price plus construction costs total up to $250 million, with a qualified human review of every component (it is under What does ClickDrag Finance charge, and who signs each study?). In the table, these have no published price for an engineered study: Engineered Tax Services and Capstan Tax Strategies (read October 22, 2026).
Self-storage. A self-storage page that gives each component its recovery period, Rev. Proc. 87-56 asset class and authority, and both sides of the roll-up door question; self-storage typically reclassifies 40–55% of the depreciable basis (a planning band, not a promise). Self-storage cost segregation.
Opportunity Zone deals. ClickDrag Finance publishes articles on zero outside basis, the 30-month substantial improvement test, and what happens on an exit before year 10. Opportunity Zone cost segregation.
What does the full cost segregation provider comparison table show?
Every row and every column in one table, for reference; each row carries the date its page was read.
| Provider | Published price | Stated limits | Turnaround | Type | Site visit | Signed? | Audit support | Form 3115 | Property types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ClickDrag FinanceUsclickdragfinance.com/pricing | Published priceSee "What does ClickDrag Finance charge, and who signs each study?" on this page. | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundStated on ClickDrag Finance's pricing page | TypeReport and study | Site visitSite visit by appointment (preferred); when a visit is not feasible because of cost or timing, documents and photographs, with each photograph’s date and location data read | Signed?See "What does ClickDrag Finance charge, and who signs each study?" on this page. | Audit supportThe written documentation of the method, the cost sources and the classification of each component | Form 3115The study's Form 4562 tie-out flags a look-back for Form 3115; your CPA prepares and files it | Property typesCommercial, multifamily, self-storage, industrial, retail, medical office, hospitality and rental property, up to $250 million |
| R.E. Cost Seg — Fully Engineeredrecostseg.com/services/fully-engineered-study | Published priceFrom $2,320 (residential), from $2,730 (commercial) | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundAbout 15–20 business days (roughly 3–4 weeks) | TypeEngineered study | Site visitA 30–60 minute virtual inspection; in person for an additional fee | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportWritten responses to IRS inquiries about its methodology; no representation before the IRS | Form 3115Optional add-on, $600 per study | Property typesAll commercial and residential properties |
| R.E. Cost Seg — Rapid Reportrecostseg.com/services/rapid-report | Published priceFrom $950 | Stated limitsResidential properties under 3,500 sq ft and up to 4 units, depreciable basis of $1.2M or less, renovation costs of $80K or less; not for multifamily properties with different layouts, mixed uses or varying placed-in-service dates | TurnaroundAs little as 5 business days | TypeOnline service | Site visitNo site visit or inspection | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportWritten responses to IRS inquiries; no representation before the IRS | Form 3115Optional CPA support package, $600 per property | Property typesResidential properties within the stated limits |
| Cost Seg Smartcostsegsmart.com | Published priceFrom $495 (residential and short-term rental), from $995 (commercial); the same page also shows multifamily of 5+ units from $1,995 | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | Turnaround1–2 business days for most residential and small-commercial studies | TypeOnline service | Site visitA video walkthrough when it would improve the study, or in person where needed | Signed?For commercial studies of $3 million or more, an engineering partner is named on the cover when your CPA requires it | Audit supportWritten answers to your CPA's questions about its methodology; no IRS representation | Form 3115A Form 3115 §481(a) schedule when a look-back applies; Form 3115 preparation available separately | Property typesResidential, commercial and specialty types, including short-term rentals and data centers |
| KBKG — CostSegregation.comcostsegregation.com | Published price$495 (residential, up to a $500,000 tax basis, rising to $675 at $750,000 and $1,195 from $1.2M) · $1,295 (commercial, up to a $1,000,000 tax basis, rising to $1,795 at $1.5M); priced by tax basis | Stated limitsProperties up to $1.5M of building basis, less land; above that, a custom quote | TurnaroundNot stated | TypeOnline service | Site visitNot stated | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportLists audit support and audit defense as included | Form 3115A §481(a) calculation schedule is included | Property typesResidential (condos, townhomes, single-family, multifamily, ADUs) and listed commercial types (warehouse, storage, office, hotel and motel, restaurant), up to $1.5M of basis excluding land |
| RentalWriteOffrentalwriteoff.com/pricing | Published price$899 flat fee per property | Stated limitsResidential rentals up to four units | TurnaroundTwo business days after complete intake and payment | TypeOnline service | Site visitNone; fully remote, from the appraisal or rental listing, with more photos if needed | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportUp to two hours of audit protection included for five years, then $300 an hour; no legal or tax representation | Form 3115Included for eligible look-back studies | Property typesResidential rentals up to four units |
| Virtual Cost Segregationvirtualcostsegregation.com | Published price$2,200 per study, or $1,980 per property for three or more properties | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | Turnaround3 to 5 business days | TypeOnline service | Site visitNone; completely virtual | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportResponds to IRS questions about its study at no additional cost | Form 3115Provides Form 3115 on request; your CPA files it | Property typesResidential investment property and short-term rentals, including single-family, multifamily, condos and townhomes |
| SMF Cost Segregation Advisorssmfcostseg.com/services | Published price$1,750 per study (1 unit) · $2,750 (2–4 units) · $3,250 (5–10 units) | Stated limitsResidential properties of 1–10 units with a cost basis of at least $200,000 | Turnaround1–3 business days after the virtual site visit is completed and all documents are submitted | TypeOnline service | Site visitA virtual site visit; in-person inspection on request, for a surcharge and a 3–4 week turnaround | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportLists audit defense as included | Form 3115Not stated | Property typesResidential properties of 1–10 units |
| Modern CFOfreecostseg.com/resources/cost-seg-study-cost | Published price$1,200–$2,500 (residential and small) · $2,500–$6,000 (standard commercial) · $6,000–$12,000 (large and complex); set by the engineering scope, and above the highest band quoted individually | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundNot stated | TypeOnline service | Site visitNot stated | Signed?Signed by a licensed engineer, as its page states | Audit supportLifetime audit support | Form 3115Not stated | Property typesSingle-family, condo, short-term rental and 2–4 unit multifamily; office, retail, restaurant, self-storage, warehouse and 5–20 unit multifamily; hotels, 20+ unit apartment complexes, large industrial and properties of $10 million or more |
| 24 Hour Cost Seg24hourcostseg.com | Published priceFrom $499 per property; its home page also calls $499 a flat rate | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundCompleted in 24 hours or less | TypeOnline service | Site visitNone; built from property records and the owner's documentation | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportNot stated | Form 3115Not stated | Property typesIncome-producing residential property: short-term rentals, long-term rentals and multifamily |
| Cost Seg EZcostsegez.com | Published price$595 (DIY) · $895 (engineer reviewed) · from $2,500 (fully engineered, based on property complexity) | Stated limitsFor the DIY study, residential excluding condos, purchase price under $1 million and renovations under $10,000; for the engineer-reviewed study, residential, purchase price under $1 million and renovations under $100,000 | TurnaroundDIY instant; engineer reviewed 3–5 business days; fully engineered 3–4 weeks | TypeOnline service | Site visitNot stated | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportAudit protection a $195 add-on for the DIY and engineer-reviewed studies | Form 3115Not stated | Property typesResidential for the DIY and engineer-reviewed studies; any property for the fully engineered study |
| WeCostSegwecostseg.com/pricing | Published price$795 (Rapid Report) · $2,495 (Fully Engineered Residential) · from $2,995 (Fully Engineered Commercial) | Stated limitsFor the Rapid Report, residential under $800K basis; for Fully Engineered Residential, residential and small multifamily up to $2M basis | Turnaround5–10 business days (Rapid Report); 2–3 weeks (Fully Engineered Residential); 3–4 weeks (Fully Engineered Commercial) | TypeOnline service | Site visitA virtual or in-person inspection in the Fully Engineered tiers | Signed?In the Fully Engineered tiers, a detailed report signed by an engineer, as its page states | Audit supportFive years of written audit defense in every tier, at no additional charge | Form 3115Included for a look-back in the Fully Engineered Residential tier; an extra charge on the Rapid Report | Property typesResidential, small multifamily and all commercial property types, including self-storage |
| KBKG — engineered studieskbkg.com/costsegregation/faq | Published priceTypically $5,000–$15,000, depending on building size, building type, number of tenants and other physical characteristics | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundTypically 45–60 days, depending on how quickly the information arrives | TypeEngineered study | Site visitA physical inspection of the property | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportNot stated | Form 3115Not stated | Property typesNot stated |
| Engineered Tax Servicesengineeredtaxservices.com/services/cost-segregation | Published priceNot published as its own fee; its cost segregation page says most professionally prepared studies range from $3,000 to $12,000, depending on property size and complexity | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundTypically 4–6 weeks from start to finish | TypeEngineered study | Site visitOn-site inspection described as part of its approach | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportFull audit defense support at no additional charge | Form 3115Schedules and Form 3115 support delivered to your CPA or tax preparer | Property typesOffice, retail, industrial, apartments, hotels, medical, self-storage and warehouses |
| CSSIcssiservices.com/services/cost-segregation | Published priceFrom $2,500 for most commercial properties, with larger or more complex buildings possibly costing more; the same page says a study typically ranges from $2,000 to $15,000, depending on the size, complexity and location of the property, with fees based on project scope and potential tax savings | Stated limitsProperties with a cost basis of at least $200,000 | TurnaroundAbout three to six weeks from receipt of all documentation | TypeEngineered study | Site visitAn on-site inspection by its engineers | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportDefends the audit at no cost if the study is questioned | Form 3115Prepares Form 3115 on request | Property typesNot stated |
| Madison SPECSmadisonspecs.com/faq | Published priceTypically $4,000–$11,000; a fixed fee per study, priced individually by the size and complexity of the property | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundSet by the property's complexity and how quickly the information arrives (no figure published) | TypeEngineered study | Site visitAn engineer visits the property for measurements and pictures | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportNot stated | Form 3115Not stated | Property typesNot stated |
| Capstan Tax Strategiescapstantax.com/cost-segregation-study | Published priceNot published — quote on request | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | Turnaround30 days from the site visit to report delivery | TypeEngineered study | Site visitIn-person site visits for its standard study; its desk review has none | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportNo-cost audit defense | Form 3115An add-on, prepared by its tax director at your CPA's request | Property typesNot stated |
| Maven Cost Segregationmavencostseg.com/our-services/detailed-engineering-cost-segregation-studies | Published price$2,500–$4,000 (smaller properties) · $5,000–$10,000+ (large or complex properties and portfolios); general ranges, not fixed quotes | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundA few weeks after property records are received and the site inspection is complete | TypeEngineered study | Site visitAn on-site inspection by its in-house engineering team | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportFull audit protection | Form 3115Prepared at a flat $995 | Property typesCommercial property, multifamily and self-storage; its price ranges name office buildings, multifamily rentals, light industrial, hotels, apartment communities and industrial properties |
| CSA Partners (Cost Segregation Authority)csap.com/cost-segregation | Published priceFrom $3,000, varying with the size, complexity and scope of the property; the fee is given in a no-cost benefit analysis before engagement | Stated limitsNone stated on the page read | TurnaroundTypically 3–4 weeks from engagement to final report; other pages on its site say 2–3 weeks after the site visit | TypeEngineered study | Site visitAn on-site inspection when applicable, as part of its process | Signed?Not stated | Audit supportNo-cost audit defense for as long as the client owns the property | Form 3115Not stated | Property typesMultifamily, office, hospitality, retail, restaurants, industrial, self-storage and healthcare |
The site visit, signature, audit support, Form 3115 and property type columns describe what each page says, in our words; they are not a test of the work.
How we compared
We visited each provider's own website, on the date shown in its row, and recorded the price they publish, or recorded that they publish none. We did not use third-party rankings. Nothing here is scored or weighted, because a score would smuggle our opinion into what should be a factual table. Providers were selected by whether they appear in the searches buyers actually run for this category, or are listed with a price on other comparison pages; a provider was added only after its price was read on its own website. On the same visit we recorded what each page says about a site visit, a signature, audit support, Form 3115 and the property types it covers; where a page did not say, the cell says "Not stated".
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide say a quality cost segregation study documents?
The IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide (Publication 5653, revised February 2025, Chapter 4) says that, whatever its length or method, a cost segregation study and report should always classify assets into property classes, explain the rationale, including legal citations, for classifying each asset as IRC §1245 or §1250 property, and substantiate the cost basis of each asset and reconcile total allocated costs to total actual costs; the Guide is written for IRS agents who review studies and says it is not an official pronouncement of the law.
Is an engineering-based cost segregation study required by the IRS?
No: the IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide (Publication 5653, revised February 2025, Chapter 3) says the IRS has not established any requirements or standards for the preparation of cost segregation studies, though taxpayers still must substantiate their depreciation deductions and classifications of property. It describes six common approaches: the detailed engineering approach from actual cost records, which it calls in general the most methodical and accurate and generally applicable only to new construction, where detailed cost records such as contracts, payment requests and invoices are available; the detailed engineering cost estimate approach; the survey or letter approach; the residual estimation approach; the sampling or modeling approach; and the "rule of thumb" approach.
What are the best cost segregation companies for commercial property owners?
No single cost segregation company suits every commercial property; the right one is the one whose study passes five checks: its method, who reviews and who signs it, documentation that follows the IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide, the Opportunity Zone conditions for a property in a zone, and a fee that fits the property's size. For a commercial property whose purchase price plus construction costs total $2.0 million or more, ClickDrag Finance is our pick (we publish this page and are one of the providers in it). Every provider's published price, with the date it was read, is in the price list on ClickDrag Finance's cost segregation provider comparison.
How much does a cost segregation study cost?
Among the cost segregation providers ClickDrag Finance compared, published prices start at $495 for a residential rental (Cost Seg Smart and KBKG's CostSegregation.com, read October 22, 2026), a starting price rather than a quote for a particular property. Engineering firms that publish a figure state a starting price or a range, such as KBKG's engineered studies, typically $5,000–$15,000 (read October 22, 2026), depending on building size, building type, number of tenants and other physical characteristics; that figure is not a quote for a particular property. ClickDrag Finance publishes the price of its workpaper and its study on ClickDrag Finance's pricing page. R.E. Cost Seg lists its Fully Engineered study from $2,320 (residential) and from $2,730 (commercial) (read October 22, 2026); engineering firms in the comparison publish a starting price, a range or a quote on request (Madison SPECS (read October 22, 2026) also describes its fee as fixed per study, priced individually by the property). Every provider's published price, with the date it was read, is in the price list on ClickDrag Finance's cost segregation provider comparison.
Which commercial cost segregation firms have the best reviews?
ClickDrag Finance's cost segregation provider comparison does not rank or score firms by their reviews. Its review table lists, for each provider, where its reviews were found, the rating and review count as printed there, and the date they were read; read the reviews themselves, check how many sit behind any average, and look for owners of a property like yours.
What's the best cost segregation firm for a $10 million apartment building?
Choose a provider whose stated limits cover a building that size. ClickDrag Finance's study covers a property whose purchase price plus construction costs total up to $250 million. These online services state a size or eligibility limit on their own page, so check it before ordering: R.E. Cost Seg — Rapid Report, KBKG's CostSegregation.com, RentalWriteOff, SMF Cost Segregation Advisors, Cost Seg EZ and WeCostSeg (read October 22, 2026). More on cost segregation for properties from $5 million to $250 million.
Who offers fixed-price cost segregation studies for large commercial properties?
ClickDrag Finance publishes a single starting price for its black-label cost segregation study of a property whose purchase price plus construction costs total up to $250 million, before optional add-ons, on ClickDrag Finance's pricing page; above $250 million the study is scoped with an advisor before any price is quoted. The engineering firms in the comparison publish a starting price, a range or a quote on request (Madison SPECS (read October 22, 2026) also describes its fee as fixed per study, priced individually by the property), and a range or a starting price is not a quote for your property. Every provider's published price, with the date it was read, is in the price list on ClickDrag Finance's cost segregation provider comparison. More on cost segregation for properties from $5 million to $250 million.
When does another cost segregation provider fit better than ClickDrag Finance?
In two cases. You own one residential rental under about $500K of basis. The lowest published prices in the provider table are $495, at Cost Seg Smart and KBKG's CostSegregation.com (read October 22, 2026). R.E. Cost Seg lists its Fully Engineered study from $2,320 (residential), from $2,730 (commercial) (read October 22, 2026). The three conditions for a study do not all hold. A cost segregation study is worth it when three conditions hold together: the basis is large enough for the accelerated deductions to outweigh the fee (roughly $500K of basis for a study priced in the thousands of dollars, which is a pricing threshold rather than a tax rule, and lower for a lower-priced report), the deduction is usable this year given the owner's passive-activity position, and the hold is long enough to survive recapture. All three, or the honest answer is no. What each provider includes for audit support is on the cost segregation audit support page.
Educational content, not tax advice. Whether a cost segregation study benefits you depends on your depreciable basis, hold period and passive-activity position. Confirm with your CPA. Competitor pricing is reproduced as published on the dates noted and may change without notice — verify before relying on it.