A comparison of 6 providers, what each does best, at what price, with what turnaround.
Different providers fit different buyer profiles. Here's the short version:
| Provider | Price range | Turnaround | Site visit | Audit support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Seg Smart (this site's operator) | $495–$2,995 | Under 1 hour | Remote (photos + assessor data + plan documents) | Written audit defense included with every study |
| KBKG | $3,000–$25,000+ | 4–8 weeks | On-site required for most engagements | Add-on retainer |
| CSSI (Cost Segregation Services, Inc.) | $5,000–$30,000 | 6–10 weeks | On-site | Included; expert testimony available |
| Engineered Tax Services (ETS) | $5,000–$50,000 | 6–12 weeks | On-site | Included |
| Capstan Tax | $4,000–$20,000 | 4–8 weeks | On-site | Included |
| Local CPA + engineering review | Varies, typically $2,500–$10,000 | Varies | Depends | Depends, verify in engagement letter |
Seattle tech-W-2 professional buyers benefit from a provider whose workflow explicitly addresses the §469 passive-loss problem and documents which workarounds are realistic. Cost Seg Smart's study output includes notes on STR-loophole feasibility, ADU LTR treatment, and real-estate-professional status considerations for the buyer's specific property profile.
Three questions to answer before contacting any provider:
Price ranges are based on publicly stated tiers and industry sources as of 2026. Turnaround times reflect typical engagement lengths and may vary. We do not receive compensation from any other provider listed; this is not affiliate content.
The "best for" framing reflects each provider's actual public sweet spot, not paid placement. We don't claim to be #1 for every customer profile. We're the best fit for the segment described in our row (fast, affordable, remote-first, residential + STR + small commercial under $5M). For larger commercial portfolios (office, retail, industrial, multifamily 5+), engineer-led firms with on-site capacity are the right choice, see commercialcostseg.com for our institutional commercial coverage and provider patterns.
Cross-firm review data and provider scorecards live at costsegregationreviews.com for buyers comparing across the industry. For deeper cross-provider pricing breakdowns by study type and basis range, costsegregationpricing.com tracks the wider pricing market.
See the Seattle engine benchmarks Start a Cost Seg Smart study