Madison SPECS vs AE Tax Advisors: Services and Fees
Compare Madison SPECS vs AE Tax Advisors on study method, pricing, CPA coordination and support. Separate the study from return implementation.
The practical difference
Compare Madison's engineering-and-CPA coordination workflow with an AE standalone study. Keep any separate advisory or tax-return work outside the study-price comparison until both proposals include the same tasks.
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 6, 2026; confirm current availability and fees directly.
Compare the engagement
| Decision | Madison SPECS | AE Tax Advisors |
|---|---|---|
| Public model | Madison SPECS describes a feasibility analysis, an engineer’s on-site property tour, and a cost segregation report developed in coordination with the client’s CPA. | A standalone cost segregation study, with advisory and return work separately scoped. |
| Implementation and filing | Madison describes delivering the report to the client's CPA. Identify who prepares any accounting-method change, applies the schedules to the return and handles follow-up questions. | 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 | Does the fixed quote include the on-site visit, engineering work and all report schedules? | What inspection, report schedules and CPA review support does the AE study include, and what return work is separate? |
Choose Madison SPECS when its proposal matches these needs
Madison's published process includes feasibility review, an on-site engineering tour and CPA coordination. Keep it on your shortlist when that workflow fits your building and you want your existing preparer to remain responsible for the return.
Consider AE for this situation
Suppose you own a multifamily building, have a long-standing CPA and want a study before the next return is prepared. You need the inspection arranged, existing depreciation records reconciled and a report your preparer can review in time.
Consider Madison when its on-site study and CPA-coordination proposal meets those needs. Consider AE when its standalone study scope, published rate and separately quoted implementation fit. Agree on report review and the preparer's responsibilities before engaging either firm.
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
- Does the fixed quote include the on-site visit, engineering work and all report schedules?
- Will our CPA review draft findings before the report is finalized?
- Who addresses prior depreciation, any Form 3115 work and the final return?
- What response period, audit support and additional charges are in the study agreement?
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 Madison SPECS or AE Tax Advisors a better fit?
Consider Madison when its on-site study and CPA-coordination proposal meets those needs. Consider AE when its standalone study scope, published rate and separately quoted implementation fit. Agree on report review and the preparer's responsibilities before engaging either firm.
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.
- Madison SPECS — published typical fees and CPA coordination
- Madison SPECS — study process
- Madison SPECS directory source
- AE fees and scope
- AE comparison methodology
Researched November 6, 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.
The decision to resolve before choosing Madison SPECS or AE
You want a feasibility review before deciding which properties deserve a full study.
What information can change the preliminary benefit estimate?
Ask how the preliminary estimate differs from the final report and what your CPA needs for implementation.
Ask both firms to put the answer, responsible professional, deliverables and deadline into the proposal. This checklist does not assert that either provider omits a service; the signed scope establishes who completes the work.
Madison SPECS fee evidence and quote questions · Other Madison SPECS alternatives