Cost Seg America vs AE Tax Advisors: Services and Fees
Compare Cost Seg America vs AE Tax Advisors on study method, pricing, CPA coordination and support. Separate the study from return implementation.
The practical difference
Cost Seg America describes component-level engineering, fixed-asset and depreciation schedules, methodology documentation and study-related audit support. Its look-back workflow assigns Form 3115 preparation and filing to the client’s CPA. Compare that public service model with AE’s written proposal for the same property and report deliverables.
AE offers standalone cost segregation studies at $1 per square foot, with a $2,000 minimum per study. AE Tax Advisors provides tax planning for business owners and real estate investors as a separate service. Advisory, return preparation, amendments and other implementation work are separately scoped and priced.
Published by AE Tax Advisors, a competing service provider. This is a commercial comparison of public service information, not an independent ranking or firsthand customer review. Sources checked November 7, 2026; confirm current availability and fees directly.
Compare the engagement
| Decision | Cost Seg America | AE Tax Advisors |
|---|---|---|
| Public model | Cost Seg America describes component-level engineering, fixed-asset and depreciation schedules, methodology documentation and study-related audit support. Its look-back workflow assigns Form 3115 preparation and filing to the client’s CPA. | A standalone cost segregation study, with advisory and return work separately scoped. |
| Implementation and filing | Cost Seg America’s look-back workflow says the CPA reviews the study and Section 481(a) calculation, then prepares and files Form 3115. Confirm that handoff with your preparer and identify any separate fees. | Agree on the professional responsible for each task. Returns, amendments, studies and additional work have separate scopes and prices. |
| Fees and support | See sourced fees and scope questions | $1 per square foot, $2,000 minimum per study. Confirm inspection, support and separately scoped tax work. |
| Key buying question | What investigation and component-detail schedules are included? | What investigation, schedules, CPA coordination and support does AE include for this property, and which tax implementation services require separate scope? |
Choose Cost Seg America when its proposal matches these needs
Keep Cost Seg America on your shortlist when you want to evaluate its component-level investigation and engineering documentation. Ask to review a redacted comparable report and the written terms for ongoing support.
Consider AE for this situation
Suppose you need a study for a self-storage property held for several years. Compare component evidence, reconciliation to existing depreciation records and the package your CPA needs for method-change work.
Choose the engagement with clear engineering documentation and responsibility for each implementation step. Price the professional study and CPA preparation as distinct workstreams.
AE can scope a standalone study and discuss separately contracted advisory or return work. Retain your existing preparer when that arrangement fits, and agree on the report handoff before work begins. Neither provider is the universal choice. A discovery call determines potential fit; detailed analysis follows an agreed engagement.
Ask for a proposal you can compare
- What investigation and component-detail schedules are included?
- Who reconciles the report with existing depreciation records?
- What does the CPA need to prepare and file Form 3115?
- What are the written audit-support terms and exclusions?
Give each firm the same property address, square footage, closing statement, placed-in-service date, improvement records and existing depreciation schedules. Identify the owner entity, return preparer and deadline. Request a written scope for inspection, engineering analysis, report schedules, support and separately billed implementation. Send sensitive records through the firm’s secure intake process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cost Seg America or AE Tax Advisors a better fit?
Choose the engagement with clear engineering documentation and responsibility for each implementation step. Price the professional study and CPA preparation as distinct workstreams.
Can I keep my existing tax preparer?
Ask how the study report and schedules will be delivered to your preparer. Identify who evaluates any accounting-method change, prepares required forms, signs the return and handles follow-up questions. AE’s responsibilities depend on the agreed scope.
Official sources and research date
Service descriptions are attributed to the linked provider websites. AE has not independently verified advertised savings, customer outcomes or service delivery. A public service menu does not establish the contents of your engagement.
- Cost Seg America directory source
- Cost Seg America — Cost Seg America look-back workflow
- AE fees and scope
- AE comparison methodology
Researched November 7, 2026 by AE Tax Advisors. No customer star rating or universal winner is assigned.
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Talk Through Your Situation
Discuss your priorities, upcoming decisions and whether a study or advisory engagement fits. Detailed analysis, implementation or filing work follows an agreed written scope.