Cost Segregation Proposal Comparison Template for Owners and CPAs

Define one common assignment

Write the properties, cost periods and asset pools at the top of the comparison. Identify acquisition, later renovations and separately scheduled personal property. Ask each provider to quote this assignment. A cheaper price for a questionnaire product is not automatically a cheaper price for the same engineering and inspection scope.

Compare evidence and report contents

Record inspection method, access requirements, basis reconciliation, actual versus estimated costs, component schedules, methodology explanation, reviewer responsibility and correction process. Ask for a redacted example relevant to the property type. A longer report is not by itself stronger evidence.

Put exclusions beside the price

Make rows for the study, additional visits, rush work, record reconstruction, accounting-method work, return implementation, state schedules and examination representation. Use quoted amounts or mark not quoted. Do not assume a phrase such as audit support includes every form of representation or every tax position.

Evaluate the written answers

Keep each proposal version and its source date. Ask providers to clarify ambiguous inclusions in writing. Stratum publishes $1 per square foot with a $2,000 minimum per property; request confirmation of measurements and scope. Compare that result with the competitor’s actual engagement price, rather than an unsourced industry average.

Download the working template

Blank CSV template for your own records. Open it in your spreadsheet application, add source references, and keep it with the engagement file.

Template columns: Scope item; Stratum proposal reference; Other provider proposal reference; Included or excluded; Open question.

Continue with your property decision