Cost segregation companies, compared.

The established engineering firms include KBKG, CSSI, Engineered Tax Services, Capstan, Bedford, Madison SPECS, Maven, and Cost Segregation Guys. Automated providers include Cost Seg Smart. All use the same core methodology (construction-cost data and MACRS classification per Rev. Proc. 87-56); they differ on price, turnaround, and labor model.

By fit, not by ranking. Match the firm's model to your property: large engineering firms for $5M+ commercial and unusual properties where on-site judgment matters; automated providers for residential and small commercial where speed and study cost decide the ROI. Confirm the firm uses Rev. Proc. 87-56 classification documented to IRS Pub 5653, that the fee is proportionate to the Year-1 benefit, and that audit support is included.

Methodologically, reputable firms are similar: the same construction-cost data and MACRS framework. What differs is the labor model (on-site engineering vs. automated remote), turnaround (weeks vs. under an hour), and price (several thousand dollars vs. from $495). Those differences are what make one firm a better fit than another for a given property.

Automated providers are the lowest cost for residential and small commercial; Cost Seg Smart starts at $495 versus $2,000 to $10,000+ at traditional engineering firms. For very large or unusual commercial property, an engineering firm's higher fee can be justified by on-site judgment. Cheapest is not the goal; proportionate to the benefit is.

Read them for the firm descriptions, but treat the ordering with care, most rankings are published by firms that compete in the space (this page included, which is why we describe firms by best-fit segment rather than ranking them). The most reliable decision criterion is fit.