Modern CFO vs AE Tax Advisors: Services and Fees

The practical difference

Modern CFO at FreeCostSeg.com describes technology-assisted data gathering with engineer review, signed engineering reports and audit support. Its pricing uses engineering scope and building size rather than property value alone. 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	Modern CFO	AE Tax Advisors
Public model	Modern CFO at FreeCostSeg.com describes technology-assisted data gathering with engineer review, signed engineering reports and audit support. Its pricing uses engineering scope and building size rather than property value alone.	A standalone cost segregation study, with advisory and return work separately scoped.
Implementation and filing	Ask whether required Form 3115 preparation, Section 481(a) work and return integration are included or separately available. A signed engineering report is not by itself an engagement to prepare or file tax forms.	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 fee band fits the property type and building size?	What investigation, schedules, CPA coordination and support does AE include for this property, and which tax implementation services require separate scope?

Choose Modern CFO when its proposal matches these needs

Keep Modern CFO on your shortlist when its engineering workflow and scope-based quote fit the building. Ask how records are gathered, which inspection is required and what the engineer signs.

Consider AE for this situation

Suppose you own a 16-unit building and are comparing a scope-based commercial fee with a property-value-based quote. Require both proposals to identify investigation, asset schedules and CPA support.

Choose based on the engineering and preparer deliverables for the same property. A public fee band helps budgeting but does not replace a written scope.

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 fee band fits the property type and building size?
What investigation and engineer sign-off are included?
What schedules, data sources and support reach the CPA?
Are method-change preparation and return work separately scoped?

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 Modern CFO or AE Tax Advisors a better fit?

Choose based on the engineering and preparer deliverables for the same property. A public fee band helps budgeting but does not replace a written scope.

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.

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.

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