Property-first provider comparisons
CostSeg Express vs RE Cost Seg: Cost Segregation Comparison
Pre-closing planning versus the contracted study product. Compare published services and the property-specific proposal before selecting a study.
Published by Stratum Cost Segregation, a provider discussed here. This is a commercial comparison, not an independent ranking or customer review. Provider names belong to their respective owners; no competitor affiliation is implied.
$1 per square foot$2,000 minimum per property
The decision this comparison helps you make
A planning output can help frame an acquisition decision, while a contracted study needs an agreed evidence and review scope. Identify the intended use before comparing an instant planning price with a professional study quote.
This is an editorial comparison of proposal fit. It does not rank either provider or claim Stratum has tested their final reports.
| Decision | CostSeg Express | RE Cost Seg |
|---|---|---|
| Published model | Technology-assisted planning output; final facts and professional review require clarification. | Rapid uses an owner questionnaire; Fully Engineered adds virtual or in-person inspection. |
| Scope question | Who evaluates participation and deduction usability before I rely on the estimate? | Which records are needed beyond square footage and purchase price? |
| Published fee research | $99 per property for the published planning-study offer. Official source (2026-10-13) | Rapid from $950; engineered from $2,320 residential / $2,730 commercial. Official source (2026-10-19) |
| Broader alternatives | CostSeg Express alternatives | RE Cost Seg alternatives |
A property scenario to compare
Illustrative buyer situation, not a client case study: You have signed a purchase contract but the final closing costs and renovation scope are not settled. Ask what the preliminary output assumes and which records must be reconciled after closing before your preparer can use it.
Three answers to obtain in writing
- Which acquisition and cost facts are still estimated?
- Who updates the output after closing and documents the changes?
- Which professional reviews the final component analysis and answers the preparer?
Record each answer beside the relevant proposal clause. If a provider needs new information before answering, identify the missing record and the person responsible. Do not treat an unanswered question as a negative fact about the firm.
How to normalize the two proposals
Use the same closing records, cost history and intended filing year. Identify included buildings, later work, furnishings and any excluded assets. Keep the preliminary benefit estimate separate from the fee and from the deductions your preparer expects you can use.
A shorter delivery target can be valuable near a filing deadline, but only after the scope and intake dependencies are clear. Ask when the delivery clock starts, what happens if records change, and who answers the CPA after delivery.
Where Stratum belongs in the comparison
Stratum is the publisher of this guide and offers another proposal path. Review the relevant property study questions and discuss the actual building, assigned team and written deliverables during discovery. AE Tax Advisors coordinates the broader strategy discussion; your filing professional confirms implementation.
Use one quote checklist for all three proposals. Choose the engagement that addresses the documented requirements, including any existing work that should be reused.
Continue researching these firms
Stratum + AE Tax Advisors
One coordinated path from property study to tax strategy
Stratum prepares the property-level cost segregation study. AE Tax Advisors hosts discovery and discusses how the study fits your broader tax position. Your return preparer confirms filing treatment and implementation responsibilities.
- Discuss the property, timing and goals with AE Tax Advisors.
- Confirm Stratum’s study scope, records, fee and delivery assumptions.
- Coordinate the completed study with AE or your existing CPA under the agreed engagement.
Understand the Stratum and AE connection · Explore AE’s cost segregation tax planning
Compare a written Stratum proposal for your property
Bring your purchase records, existing depreciation schedule and questions. AE Tax Advisors will help you discuss the study and wider tax strategy; confirm all services in writing.
Book a Cost Seg Discovery CallSources and scope
- CostSeg Express official information — source research 2026-10-13; verify current scope directly.
- RE Cost Seg official information — source research 2026-10-19; verify current scope directly.
- Stratum services and published pricing
- IRS Cost Segregation Audit Technique Guide
Updated October 19, 2026. Provider research dates are shown beside the sources. Numeric fees are attributed where verified; no savings guarantees or quality rankings are inferred. Availability, deliverables and fees depend on the actual proposal.