The practical difference

Seneca describes engineering-based studies, virtual or on-site options, fixed-asset schedules, CPA coordination and study-related audit support. 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

DecisionSeneca Cost SegregationAE Tax Advisors
Public modelSeneca describes engineering-based studies, virtual or on-site options, fixed-asset schedules, CPA coordination and study-related audit support.A standalone cost segregation study, with advisory and return work separately scoped.
Implementation and filingSeneca describes CPA coordination and assistance with applying schedules and Form 3115 for look-back work. Confirm who prepares, reviews and files the form and income-tax return; implementation assistance and signing responsibility need explicit assignment.Agree on the professional responsible for each task. Returns, amendments, studies and additional work have separate scopes and prices.
Fees and supportSee sourced fees and scope questions$1 per square foot, $2,000 minimum per study. Confirm inspection, support and separately scoped tax work.
Key buying questionWhich virtual or on-site inspection fits this property?What investigation, schedules, CPA coordination and support does AE include for this property, and which tax implementation services require separate scope?

Choose Seneca Cost Segregation when its proposal matches these needs

Keep Seneca on your shortlist when you want a study with accountant coordination and a choice of inspection workflow. Ask which method suits the actual building, cost records and deadline.

Consider AE for this situation

Suppose you own a rental in one state and a mixed-use building in another. Ask for a written fee and inspection method for each rather than applying a regional starting range to both properties.

Choose the study proposal that fits each property and documents the CPA handoff. Verify the actual support terms and complete fee instead of selecting from a regional marketing range.

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 virtual or on-site inspection fits this property?
  • What is the current written fee rather than a regional example?
  • Which schedules, CPA coordination and method-change assistance are included?
  • Who signs and files any tax forms and what are the support limits?

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 Seneca Cost Segregation or AE Tax Advisors a better fit?

Choose the study proposal that fits each property and documents the CPA handoff. Verify the actual support terms and complete fee instead of selecting from a regional marketing range.

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.

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.

Business Owners: Are You Overpaying on Taxes?

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