Property-first provider comparisons
CSSI vs Madison SPECS: Cost Segregation Comparison
Feasibility, inspection and CPA handoff. 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
For a property-study specialist, the central comparison is the agreed work plan: feasibility, physical verification, final report and support to the tax preparer. Request those commitments using identical property facts.
This is an editorial comparison of proposal fit. It does not rank either provider or claim Stratum has tested their final reports.
| Decision | CSSI | Madison SPECS |
|---|---|---|
| Published model | CSSI describes an engineering-based property study and an on-site walkthrough. | Its public materials describe national cost segregation services with engineering and CPA involvement. |
| Scope question | What deliverables will my return preparer receive? | What information can change the preliminary benefit estimate? |
| Published fee research | General FAQ range $2,000–$15,000; commercial fees generally from $2,500. Official source (2026-10-19) | No numeric fee verified in this research. Request the current proposal. Official source (2026-10-08) |
| Broader alternatives | CSSI alternatives | Madison SPECS alternatives |
A property scenario to compare
Illustrative buyer situation, not a client case study: You acquired an apartment building with several renovation vintages. Before engagement, ask each team how it will verify unit differences and common areas and reconcile the result to acquisition and improvement costs.
Three answers to obtain in writing
- How are representative units selected and exceptions documented?
- Which reconciliation and asset schedules reach the CPA?
- Who handles an accounting-method or historical schedule question?
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
- CSSI official information — source research 2026-10-19; verify current scope directly.
- Madison SPECS official information — source research 2026-10-08; 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.