Source Advisors vs AE Tax Advisors: Services and Fees

The practical difference

Source Advisors describes studies performed by engineering and tax professionals, CPA-tailored services, fixed-asset consulting and a separate form-preparation service menu. 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	Source Advisors	AE Tax Advisors
Public model	Source Advisors describes studies performed by engineering and tax professionals, CPA-tailored services, fixed-asset consulting and a separate form-preparation service menu.	A standalone cost segregation study, with advisory and return work separately scoped.
Implementation and filing	Source Advisors lists form-preparation services separately in its CPA menu. Confirm whether required Form 3115 preparation is included in your study proposal, separately priced, or handled by your preparer, and who files the completed 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	What investigation and documentation will each building receive?	What investigation, schedules, CPA coordination and support does AE include for this property, and which tax implementation services require separate scope?

Choose Source Advisors when its proposal matches these needs

Keep Source Advisors on the shortlist when the property needs engineering and tax analysis with CPA coordination, or when a separate fixed-asset or incentive project may be relevant. Request distinct deliverables for each service.

Consider AE for this situation

Suppose you own several commercial buildings and have inherited older fixed-asset schedules. Ask each firm to price the engineering study, asset reconciliation and accountant deliverables for the same property list.

Choose the proposal that addresses the buildings and records with a clear handoff to your CPA. Separate a study from related fixed-asset consulting so both bidders price equivalent work.

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 documentation will each building receive?
Does the quote include existing fixed-asset reconciliation or a separate project?
What accountant coordination and form-preparation services are included?
Who handles final filing and questions after report delivery?

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 Source Advisors or AE Tax Advisors a better fit?

Choose the proposal that addresses the buildings and records with a clear handoff to your CPA. Separate a study from related fixed-asset consulting so both bidders price equivalent work.

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.

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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.

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