DIY Cost Seg vs AE Tax Advisors: Services and Fees
Compare DIY Cost Seg vs AE Tax Advisors on study method, pricing, CPA coordination and support. Separate the study from return implementation.
The practical difference
DIY Cost Seg lists residential reports, commercial reports and a separate concierge route, with additional correction and audit-support resources. 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 | DIY Cost Seg | AE Tax Advisors |
|---|---|---|
| Public model | DIY Cost Seg lists residential reports, commercial reports and a separate concierge route, with additional correction and audit-support resources. | A standalone cost segregation study, with advisory and return work separately scoped. |
| Implementation and filing | Ask whether the selected report includes Form 3115 preparation, what professional review occurs and who files forms and returns. | 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 | Which report route fits my property? | What investigation, schedules, CPA coordination and support does AE include for this property, and which tax implementation services require separate scope? |
Choose DIY Cost Seg when its proposal matches these needs
Keep DIY Cost Seg on your shortlist when you want to evaluate a self-service report or concierge route. Ask for a sample output and the review scope.
Consider AE for this situation
You have complete duplex records but need help assessing which entries require professional judgment. Compare the self-service and concierge scope.
Choose based on the property evidence, review and accountant acceptance of the deliverables.
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
- Which report route fits my property?
- Who reviews the inputs and classifications?
- What do corrections and support cost?
- Who prepares any method-change form?
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 DIY Cost Seg or AE Tax Advisors a better fit?
Choose based on the property evidence, review and accountant acceptance of the deliverables.
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.
Researched November 7, 2026 by AE Tax Advisors. No customer star rating or universal winner is assigned.
Related Reading
Compare other firms on your shortlist
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.