COMPARE COST SEGREGATION COMPANIES

The sweet spot for residential cost segregation.

Visual guidance on your device. A study prepared for you and reviewed by engineers. Basis makes residential cost segregation approachable, with a published price.GET MY FREE ESTIMATE Explore the sample report

Published by Basis, one of the providers compared. Updated .

Provider offers reviewed .

Three lanes. One right fit for your rental.

$

Self-guided &
automated reports

Strength
A low price for getting a report generated quickly.
Tradeoff
A generated report is only part of the job. Preparation and personal review vary.
Best for
Owners shopping primarily for the cheapest path to a report.
SEE SOFTWARE OPTIONS
$$BASIS · $1,295$1,795 base study

A guided experience.
An engineered study.

Strength
Visual guidance, professional preparation, and engineer review.
Tradeoff
Residential scope; higher fee than budget report generators.
Best for
Rental owners who want an easy process and professional study work.
GET MY FREE ESTIMATE SEE WHY BASIS FITS
$$$

Traditional cost
segregation firms

Strength
Detailed investigation for complex property requirements.
Tradeoff
A broader engagement can add coordination and scope your rental may not need.
Best for
Commercial facilities, complex properties, and coordinated portfolio work.
SEE TRADITIONAL FIRMS

$–$$$ illustrates general price positioning. Individual offers and scopes vary.

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Scroll sideways to compare every column. Provider names link to full terms and sources below.

Seven residential cost segregation providers — published offers reviewed September 5, 2026
ProviderService modelAI & automationHuman reviewPublished pricePublished timingAudit support
Basis Cost SegregationPage publisherGuided visual experienceProfessionally prepared study No AI analysisEngineer review$1,295$1,7953–5 business days3 years includedLimited to the delivered report.
R.E. Cost SegRapid Report or Fully Engineered Study Not disclosedEngineering reviewFrom $950 / $2,3205–10 / 15–20 business daysWritten study support included; IRS representation excluded.
RentalWriteOffProvider-prepared residential report Not disclosedExpert review$899 flat2 business daysAudit protection advertised, subject to its terms.
Cost Seg SmartAutomated analysis and delivered report AutomatedReview of flagged outputsFrom $495Same day / under an hourCPA responses advertised at no charge; confirm scope.
KBKGCostSegregation.comAI-powered, self-guided software AI-poweredNot established$495 exampleMinutesAudit support and report corrections advertised.
CSSITraditional engineering service Not disclosedEngineering serviceRequest a quote3–6 weeksNo-cost study audit defense advertised; confirm terms.
Engineered Tax ServicesTraditional engineering service Not disclosedTax-expert reviewRequest a quote4–6 weeksAudit-defense support advertised at no extra charge.

Basis Cost Segregation

Price
$1,295$1,795
Service
Guided experience and professionally prepared study
Analysis
No AI in engineering analysis
Review
Engineer review
Timing
3–5 business days
Support
Included for 3 years; limited to the delivered report.

R.E. Cost Seg

Price
From $950 / $2,320
Service
Rapid Report or Fully Engineered Study
Analysis
AI use not publicly disclosed
Review
Engineering review
Timing
5–10 / 15–20 business days
Support
Written study support included; IRS representation excluded.

RentalWriteOff

Price
$899 flat
Service
Provider-prepared residential report
Analysis
AI use not publicly disclosed
Review
Expert review
Timing
2 business days
Support
Audit protection advertised, subject to its terms.

Cost Seg Smart

Price
From $495
Service
Automated analysis and delivered report
Analysis
Automated engineering analysis
Review
Review of flagged outputs
Timing
Same day / under an hour
Support
CPA responses advertised at no charge; confirm scope.

KBKG / CostSegregation.com

Price
$495 example
Service
AI-powered, self-guided software
Analysis
Explicitly marketed as AI-powered
Review
Not established
Timing
Minutes
Support
Audit support and report corrections advertised.

CSSI

Price
Request a quote
Service
Traditional engineering service
Analysis
AI use not publicly disclosed
Review
Engineering service
Timing
3–6 weeks
Support
No-cost study audit defense advertised; confirm terms.

Engineered Tax Services

Price
Request a quote
Service
Traditional engineering service
Analysis
AI use not publicly disclosed
Review
Tax-expert review
Timing
4–6 weeks
Support
Audit-defense support advertised at no extra charge.

AI use not disclosed does not mean no AI. Automated analysis does not by itself establish AI use. Prices and timing depend on scope; open a provider profile for the qualifications.

Basis vs. the alternatives

R.E. Cost Seg$$ / $$$ · Two service tiers to compare
Rapid Report or Fully Engineered Study

Primary focus. Owners who want a choice between a modeled report and a higher-touch engineering engagement.

Why choose Basis. Basis makes the experience part of the value. Visual guidance on phone, tablet, or desktop leads into a professionally prepared study with engineer review and three years of limited report support. Compare that Basis package with the specific R.E. tier you are considering.

AI and human review
The reviewed service page describes engineering review for Rapid Reports and detailed engineering for its fully engineered tier.
From $950 / $2,320
Rapid Report / engineered residential starting prices.
5–10 / 15–20 business days
Rapid / engineered. Its table lists 5 days for Rapid; its FAQ says 5–10.

The Rapid Report uses an owner questionnaire and a modeling approach backed by engineering review. Published eligibility includes properties up to four units, under 3,500 square feet per unit, with limits on depreciable basis and renovation costs.

The Fully Engineered Study adds virtual or in-person site review and detailed measurements. Its published residential starting price is $2,320. For a qualifying rental, Basis offers a residential study with a defined online process and engineering review. Start with the work your property needs and the package you want delivered.

Support scope. Published support covers written responses about the study’s methodology, classifications, and conclusions. It excludes IRS representation and tax-return preparation.

RentalWriteOff$$ · A lower-priced reviewed report
Provider-prepared residential report

Primary focus. Owners comparing lower-priced, provider-prepared residential studies.

Why choose Basis. A lower report price does not tell you what the experience will be like. With Basis, you can try the visual estimate before ordering and inspect a sample deliverable. Your Basis study includes professional preparation, engineer review, and three years of limited report support.

AI and human review
The reviewed pricing page advertises provider preparation and expert review before delivery.
$899 flat
Standard residential scope.
2 business days
Target after complete intake.

RentalWriteOff advertises a residential report prepared from property details, closing documents, and requested photos, with expert review before delivery. Its standard offer is $899 with a two-business-day target after complete intake.

The reason to choose Basis is the residential service you receive for the fee: preparation, engineering review, documented methodology, and support after delivery. Look inside our sample report and read the written scope to see that package before ordering.

Support scope. Audit protection is advertised subject to its terms. For prior-year work, the pricing article says the customer’s tax professional prepares and files Form 3115, while the homepage and article disclaimer advertise preparation for eligible look-back studies. Confirm the preparation and filing responsibilities in the written scope.

Cost Seg Smart$ · Budget-first automated delivery
Automated analysis and delivered report

Primary focus. Owners prioritizing automated delivery and a lower entry price.

Why choose Basis. Fast report generation is a narrow way to judge a study. Basis gives you visual guidance through your property and engineers who review the analysis before delivery. You get professional preparation and three years of limited report support, with people behind the document.

AI and human review
Software performs component costing and classification, with quality checks and technical review of flagged outputs. That disclosure alone does not establish AI use.
From $495
Lowest residential tier only; price rises with property value and type.
Same day / under an hour
Advertised for typical residential studies; confirm your property’s timing.

Cost Seg Smart describes its engineering analysis as automated end to end, with component costing, classification, quality checks, and technical review of flagged outputs. It delivers a report rather than asking the customer to operate a component-costing spreadsheet.

The $495 headline applies to the lowest residential tier; prices rise for other property values and types. Basis is the reviewed residential lane: a published base fee, engineering review before delivery, and documentation your CPA can examine.

Support scope. The pricing page advertises responses to CPA questions about the study at no charge. Request the written scope before assuming this includes representation.

KBKG / CostSegregation.com$ · AI-powered, self-guided software
AI-powered, self-guided software

Primary focus. Owners or tax professionals comfortable completing a self-guided study.

Why choose Basis. Buying self-guided software means taking on its workflow. Basis guides you through your property with clear visual steps, then takes on the study preparation and engineering review. You do not need to learn report-generation software to get a professionally prepared study.

AI and human review
AI-assisted property-data gathering and self-guided report generation. Per-study human review is not established in the reviewed sources.
$495 example
Published example at $750,000 tax basis, not a flat fee for every property.
Minutes
Advertised report-generation timing; owner input still takes time.

KBKG markets CostSegregation.com as AI-powered, self-guided software with AI-assisted property-data gathering. Customers supply or verify information before generating the report. The public product page supports properties up to $1.5 million in building basis, with larger properties referred for a custom service quote.

The published $495 residential example uses a $750,000 tax basis. The self-guided product puts report completion in the software workflow. Basis gives residential owners a provider-prepared study with engineering review and no AI engineering analysis. KBKG also offers separate professional services.

Support scope. KBKG advertises audit support, report corrections, and a Section 481(a) adjustment schedule. A calculation schedule should not be confused with preparation and filing of Form 3115.

CSSI$$$ · Traditional engineering scope
Traditional engineering service

Primary focus. Owners seeking a traditional engagement across residential and commercial property types.

Why choose Basis. Your rental should not need a process sized for a commercial facility. Basis offers visual guidance on your device, a published base fee, and professional preparation with engineer review. Its standard delivery target is 3–5 business days after payment and accepted complete intake.

AI and human review
The reviewed service page describes engineering-based analysis of construction costs, plans, and asset details.
Request a quote
No fixed residential fee established in the reviewed source.
3–6 weeks
After receipt of the appropriate documentation.

CSSI describes an engineering-based service that evaluates construction costs, building plans, and asset details. It serves residential rentals as well as a broad range of commercial properties.

CSSI publishes a 3–6 week timeline after receipt of the appropriate documentation. For a qualifying residential rental, Basis provides a defined online intake and engineering review with a standard 3–5 business-day target after payment and accepted complete intake.

Support scope. CSSI advertises defense at no cost if its study is questioned in an audit. Confirm the engagement terms and representation scope directly.

Engineered Tax Services$$$ · Commercial and complex-property scope
Traditional engineering service

Primary focus. Owners with large, unusual, or mixed commercial property requirements.

Why choose Basis. Broad engineering capability can come with project coordination your rental does not need. Basis keeps the experience focused on residential owners, with visual steps on your device and a team handling the study preparation and review. Start with the service that fits your property and your time.

AI and human review
The reviewed service page describes engineering analysis, component classification, and review by tax experts.
Request a quote
Scope and property complexity determine the engagement.
4–6 weeks
Typical published timeline; complex properties may take longer.

Engineered Tax Services describes a process using construction documents, site inspection, component measurements, cost allocation, and tax review. Its service spans residential properties and commercial facilities, including hotels, warehouses, and medical properties.

That broader investigation serves properties with complex requirements. Basis is designed for qualifying residential rentals, with online intake, a published base fee, and a standard 3–5 business-day delivery target after payment and accepted complete intake. Our residential focus is the reason to start here.

Support scope. ETS advertises audit-defense support at no additional charge. Confirm what that includes in the proposed engagement.

Own a vacation rental? Read our short-term rental cost segregation guide for property fit and the tax questions to discuss with your CPA.

Detailed workflows, scope, and comparison sources

An approachable experience with engineers behind it.

Why engineering review belongs in your study

Your property has its own facts, costs, and components. With Basis, engineers review the analysis and can correct assumptions and classifications before delivery. That review is part of the service you purchase.

The clear screens are the front door to a professional service. Basis does not use AI for engineering analysis, component classification, or recovery-period determinations. You receive a study with a documented methodology and people available to answer report questions.

That is the difference to focus on when comparing software-led options. Cost Seg Smart describes automated analysis with technical review of flagged outputs; KBKG markets AI-powered, self-guided software. Basis makes engineering review part of every delivered study.

See how Basis takes the study off your plate
PROVIDERYOUR RESPONSIBILITYSTUDY REVIEWDELIVERY
BasisPrepared for you
Supply property facts and records
Engineer reviewNo AI engineering analysis
3–5 business daysAfter payment and accepted complete intake
KBKGSelf-guided · AI-powered
Supply facts and complete the report in software
Not establishedPer-study human review
MinutesReport generation; your input takes additional time
Cost Seg SmartAutomated delivery
Supply property information
Flagged outputsQuality checks and technical review
Same day / under an hourAdvertised for typical residential studies
Supply records and coordinate the agreed investigation*
Professional reviewBroader engineering scope
3–6 / 4–6 weeksCSSI / ETS published timelines

Your job is the property information. Our job is the study.
Basis combines visual guidance on your device with professional preparation, engineering review, and report support. *Site access depends on the agreed traditional-firm scope.

GET MY FREE ESTIMATE
See the work behind each service model

Basis

A study prepared for you

We manage the analysis and review

  1. YouFollow the visual stepsUse your phone, tablet, or desktop to provide property facts and supporting records.
  2. BasisPrepare and review the studyOur team prepares your study. Engineers review the facts, costs, and classifications and can correct the analysis.
  3. BasisDeliver your CPA-ready reportReceive the study with three years of limited report support.

Clear guidance for your part. Professional preparation and engineering review for ours.

Basis process

Self-guided software

KBKG / CostSegregation.com

You manage report completion

  1. YouStart the property in the softwareEnter the address to begin the self-guided workflow.
  2. AI + youComplete the property informationAI gathers public information; you supply the remaining details.
  3. You + CPACoordinate in the softwareInvite your CPA into the platform if needed. This step is optional.
  4. YouDownload the completed reportPer-study human review is not established in the reviewed sources.

You operate the study workflow. Basis prepares and reviews the study for you.

Published software workflow

Automated delivery

Cost Seg Smart

A different review model

  1. YouSubmit property informationOrder a delivered study rather than operate a self-service tool.
  2. SoftwareRun automated analysisThe engine performs component costing and classifications.
  3. Quality checksReview flagged outputsAutomated checks and internal technical review of flagged outputs precede delivery.

Basis adds engineer review of your study and an explicit no-AI engineering process.

Published analysis and review

Traditional engineering

Custom engagements, such as ETS

More project coordination

  1. You + firmDefine the property-specific scopeRequest a proposal for the property and the investigation it needs.
  2. You + firmCoordinate records and accessSupply available plans and records; arrange inspection access where included.
  3. Engineering teamInspect, measure, and analyzeCustom work can include site investigation and detailed component measurements.
  4. Firm + CPAReview findings and implementationETS describes a review of the results with you and your CPA.

Useful for complex properties. Basis gives residential owners an approachable experience and a professionally prepared study.

ETS published methodology

A process sized for your property

Basis guides you through the facts and supporting records for your rental. You can use a phone, tablet, or desktop without having to build a spreadsheet or operate a report generator. Commercial facilities, specialized systems, and unusual construction can call for site investigations and detailed measurements. Our residential focus keeps your experience suited to the property you own.

Know what you are buying.

The Basis package, before you commit

You can inspect the deliverable, understand the process, and see the scope before placing an order.

  1. A visible starting point. Get a free estimate of potential accelerated depreciation for your rental.
  2. A report you can inspect. The sample report guide shows the format, schedules, and methodology using fictional inputs.
  3. A defined price. Review the base study price, eligibility, and optional services.
  4. Engineering review. Read who leads the methodology and how the analysis is reviewed.
  5. Support after delivery. Three years of limited report support covers explanations of the study and reasonable report questions. Read the written support scope.

Your CPA remains part of the filing decision. Our report review guide helps you make that handoff.

How this comparison was prepared

We built this comparison around the decision a residential owner faces: what preparation, engineering review, documentation, and report support does the fee buy? Those are the reasons we recommend Basis for qualifying residential rentals.

Provider prices, delivery targets, and service descriptions come from the linked public offers reviewed on September 5, 2026. Basis’s recommendations reflect our view of residential fit. Final quotes and engagement terms depend on the property and service selected.

The IRS Cost Segregation Audit Technique Guide discusses preparer expertise, methodology, cost documentation, asset classification, and reconciliation. It also describes site visits and photographic evidence among the elements of a quality study. The guide is examination guidance, not IRS approval of any provider.

For more on choosing a service for your rental, read how to choose a web-based cost segregation tool.

You own a rental. You shouldn't need to learn cost segregation software.

No spreadsheet to build. No LLM prompts to get right. No wall of form fields to work through. Follow the visual steps on your device. Basis handles the study and engineering review.

Basis estimate on a phone, with a property illustration and one address field
Basis estimate on a tablet, showing visual rental-type choices and progress
Basis estimate results on a desktop, showing an illustrative benefit range and schedule breakdown

Basis estimate screens with fictional inputs. Results are illustrative.

Try the free estimate

Buy the expertise. Enjoy the experience.

$1,295$1,795 base fee per property

Save $500October Filing Special · Ends Oct 5 · 11:59 p.m. CST
  • Visual guidance on phone, tablet, or desktop.
  • Professional preparation and engineering review.
  • Three years of limited report support for you and your CPA.

3–5 business days after payment and completed intake accepted for review.

GET MY FREE ESTIMATE See eligibility, optional services, and pricing

Easy for you. Thorough for your CPA.

Your CPA receives component allocations, depreciation schedules, and the methodology behind the study.

Basis residential study cover from the existing report template, using a fictional property and owner
Fictional sample using the Basis report template. Illustrative amounts; proprietary formulas and detailed component values are omitted.
Explore the sample report

Roel A. Vicerra, MBA, leads Basis’s methodology, with 15 years of specialized cost segregation experience and a decade at KPMG. Read his qualifications →

Included support excludes IRS representation and Form 3115 preparation. Read the support scope.

What your Basis study includes
AI and review
Engineers review property facts, modeled costs, classifications, and schedules before delivery. Calculation tools support the work; AI does not perform component classification or recovery-period determinations.
Price
Standard residential study; optional services cost extra.
Timing
After payment and completed intake accepted for review.

Basis takes responsibility for preparing your study. Engineers review the property facts, modeled costs, classifications, and schedules and can correct the study before delivery. Our calculation tools support that work. AI does not perform engineering analysis, component classification, or recovery-period determinations.

Your report includes component detail, depreciation schedules, and methodology information for your tax professional. Included support covers reasonable report questions and explanations; IRS representation and Form 3115 preparation are outside that scope.

Built for residential rentals.

  • Single-family rentals
  • 2–4 unit properties
  • Condos & townhomes
  • Qualifying short-term rentals

Commercial facilities and complex portfolio assignments may need a broader engagement. See eligibility and scope.

Questions before you start.

What does the Basis fee include beyond a budget report?

The lowest report price is only one part of the decision. Your time, the work you take on, and who reviews the study matter too. Basis includes a guided visual experience, professional preparation, engineering review, a documented report package, and three years of limited report support. You are buying the service behind the study as well as the document. See the full base-study scope.

Is this another spreadsheet or AI report generator?

No. You work through clear property questions and visual choices on your phone, tablet, or desktop. Basis handles study preparation, and engineers review the analysis before delivery. You do not need to write prompts, build a spreadsheet, or learn component-costing software. Try the free estimate to experience the first steps yourself.

Why choose Basis instead of a traditional cost segregation firm?

Our service is designed around residential rentals. You get a defined base fee and a standard 3–5 business-day delivery target after payment and completed intake accepted for review. Traditional firms have a place for commercial facilities, complex properties, and coordinated portfolio work. Basis gives qualifying residential owners a focused path to an engineer-reviewed study.

How do I know whether the study makes financial sense?

Start with the free estimate, then review the potential accelerated depreciation with your tax professional alongside the current base study fee. The estimate lets you explore the opportunity before ordering. Your actual tax benefit depends on your situation and how the deductions can be used.

Can my CPA review the report and ask questions?

Yes. The report includes component allocations, depreciation schedules, and methodology information. Three years of limited report support includes reasonable questions from you or your CPA about the delivered study. Explore the sample report to see the handoff.

What happens if questions come up during an audit?

Your base study includes three years of limited report-related audit support, including explanations of methodology and classifications and reasonable questions about the delivered report. IRS representation, tax-return preparation, and Form 3115 preparation are separate from that included support. Read the support terms.

What do I need to do to get started?

Try the free estimate on the device you are using now. Follow the visual steps to explore your property's potential. When you are ready to order, provide your property details and supporting records. Basis handles study preparation and engineering review. Standard delivery is 3–5 business days after payment and completed intake accepted for review.

The easiest way to understand Basis is to try it.

Open the free estimate on your phone, tablet, or desktop. See the visual guidance and explore your rental's potential before ordering your study.

GET MY FREE ESTIMATE Explore the sample report
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