How to choose a web-based cost segregation tool

A free calculator gives you a preliminary view of the opportunity before you pay for a study.

A completed cost segregation study documents the property facts, cost allocations, classifications, and schedules behind the analysis. Inspect a sample and check the scope and price before committing.

With Basis, you can get a free estimate without creating an account to start. The standard residential study costs $1,795, with engineer review included.

Open a sample report before purchasing. It uses fictional property information.

You know your rental. A useful questionnaire helps you translate that knowledge into the details the study needs.

Look for clear questions, relevant examples, and a way to return when you need to check a record.

Basis organizes the questionnaire into sections and uses visual choices for property features. The roof question, for example, shows materials alongside their names so you can compare the choices with your property.

Try the sample questionnaire to see how the questions work. This demonstration does not save changes.

In your purchased study, progress saves as you go. You can leave and return while gathering your property information.

Keep purchase documents, an existing depreciation schedule, and renovation records handy. Our guide to determining depreciable basis explains the starting amount for the study.

Before sending records, check how the provider accepts documents, who can access them, and where your completed report will be stored.

Find out how you will track the study and respond if the provider needs more information.

Basis keeps your property, intake progress, and study status together in your dashboard.

If the team requests corrections, you can review the request and update the relevant details within the application. Your next step stays connected to your study.

An easy interface should come with a clear explanation of the work behind the report. Ask the provider to explain the following:

• Who reviews your property facts and completed study.

• How component costs are estimated and classifications are supported.

• How allocated costs reconcile to your property's depreciable basis.

The IRS Cost Segregation Audit Technique Guide explains what examiners look for when reviewing a study.

At Basis, purpose-built software prepares the analysis. Engineers review the property facts, modeled costs, classifications, and schedules, and can correct the study before approval.

Engineer review is included in every standard study.

The Basis report serves two readers. Owners need to understand the findings. CPAs need to follow the analysis and evaluate its use on a tax return.

Compare quotes for the same property and scope. Check whether professional review, revisions, and report questions are included, and ask what could require an additional charge.

For a qualifying residential property, the Basis standard study includes the following:

• A guided online property questionnaire with saved progress.

• Engineer review before the report is approved.

• The report package and schedules for your CPA to review.

• One reasonable customer-requested revision within 30 days of delivery.

• Three years of limited report-related audit support, including explanations of methodology and classifications.

The base price is $1,795 per property. Optional services cost extra.

Tax-return preparation, Form 3115 preparation, and IRS representation are excluded. Read the Customer Services Agreement for the full scope and support limits.

Basis serves eligible U.S. residential rentals with up to four units, remotely and without a physical site visit.

Commercial, mixed-use, and larger apartment properties fall outside the standard service. Properties needing an on-site inspection or custom engagement may require a different provider.

Our cost segregation company comparison covers named providers and their published offers if you want to compare the alternatives in more detail.

For an eligible residential rental, Basis combines a visual, saved online intake with professional engineering review and a defined report package for $1,795. You can try the questionnaire and inspect the sample report before paying.

Start with your property's numbers. Get your free estimate, review the preliminary opportunity alongside the study fee, and discuss whether the potential deductions would be useful to you with your CPA.

© 2026 Basis Cost Seg. For informational purposes only and not tax or legal advice. Estimates are preliminary, and actual deductions and tax benefits depend on the property and taxpayer. Professional review does not guarantee IRS acceptance. Consult your tax professional before filing.