A cost segregation study can accelerate hundreds of thousands of dollars in deductions, but only if it’s executed with technical precision and documented for compliance. Too often, providers rely on outsourced or desktop-only methods that skip site inspections, miss reclassification opportunities, or fail under audit.
The best providers use licensed engineers, conduct site-level analysis, and deliver reports that integrate cleanly into CPA workflows. They not only produce depreciation schedules but also help property owners protect deductions, stay compliant, and reinvest capital with confidence.
At R.E. Cost Seg, we know that getting cost segregation right starts with finding a great partner. With that said, below are eight leading cost segregation companies we recommend considering in 2025 (and beyond).
- R.E. Cost Seg
- Engineered Tax Services
- KBKG
- McGuire Sponsel
- CSSI
- Duffy + Duffy
- ELB Cost Seg
- Capstan Tax Strategies
The 8 Top Cost Segregation Companies
1. R.E. Cost Seg: Best Overall Cost Segregation Company
- Founded: 2022
- Headquarters: Houston, TX
Why R.E. Cost Seg is the best cost segregation company:
R.E. Cost Seg delivers more than just compliance-grade depreciation studies; we operate as a strategic tax partner. Our model combines detailed engineering analysis with high-level tax planning, ensuring each study aligns not just with IRS requirements but with the broader financial goals of the property owner. For clients, this means every asset reclassification is tied to a measurable cash flow or reinvestment opportunity. R.E. Cost Seg is known for its national coverage, localized market insight, and ability to scale efficiently across single-asset or multi-property portfolios.
What sets R.E. Cost Seg apart is the clarity and usability of our deliverables. Reports are built for seamless integration into CPA workflows, with asset schedules, workpapers, and summaries designed for both technical precision and strategic decision-making. We also maintain a consistent focus on audit-readiness, with engineering documentation and tax support included from day one.
This combination of rigor and real-world tax insight positions R.E. Cost Seg as the go-to option for property owners looking to maximize value while minimizing risk.
2. Engineered Tax Services
- Founded: 2001
- Headquarters: West Palm Beach, FL
Engineered Tax Services (ETS) is one of the few cost segregation providers operating as a fully licensed engineering firm. That structure gives them a technical advantage in how they approach asset classification, especially on complex builds. Their methodology includes site inspections, blueprint analysis, and strict adherence to IRS engineering-based standards. ETS’s Tele‑Engineering™ platform also enables remote collaboration, which has proven valuable for property owners operating in secondary markets or under tight deadlines.
The firm completes thousands of studies annually across property types ranging from medical to hospitality to mixed-use. Reports are detailed, structured, and designed to meet CPA and audit requirements without excess friction. For owners with high-value or technically complex properties, ETS offers a strong mix of compliance, scale, and engineering depth.
3. KBKG
- Founded: 1999
- Headquarters: Pasadena, CA
KBKG combines engineering expertise with strong regulatory insight, making it a top pick for owners managing properties across multiple states. With offices in California, Georgia, Illinois, Texas, and New York, they offer national reach with regional nuance. Their team includes both tax professionals and engineers, and their studies are built to reflect differences in state depreciation rules and audit standards.
They’re also known for their proprietary tools, including the Residential Cost Segregator®, which allows smaller-scale clients to benefit from cost segregation without the full overhead of an engineering site visit. For larger portfolios, KBKG offers tailored study packages with full audit defense, clear documentation, and a high level of technical rigor.
4. McGuire Sponsel
- Founded: 2007
- Headquarters: Indianapolis, IN
McGuire Sponsel was built to serve as a back-office partner to CPA firms, and that focus shows in their process. Their cost segregation studies are grounded in engineering-based site work, supported by a team with architectural, civil, and structural expertise. Reports are formatted to fit neatly into CPA workflows, with clear schedules, supporting workpapers, and audit-ready documentation.
The firm serves clients across the U.S. but retains a boutique feel, especially in how it handles communication and implementation. With more than 450 CPA firm relationships, McGuire Sponsel is a strong choice for owners who want their CPA to remain in the loop while benefiting from a specialized, third-party provider.
5. CSSI
- Founded: 2000
- Headquarters: Baton Rouge, LA
CSSI (Cost Segregation Services, Inc.) has completed over 50,000 studies and is best known for its ability to scale quickly across national portfolios. Their process begins with a no-cost initial analysis and includes engineering-based site visits and rapid report delivery. This makes them especially effective for owners working under time constraints or managing dozens of properties across states.
Despite their speed, CSSI’s studies remain compliant with IRS standards and include audit-ready documentation. The firm also offers 179D and R&D credit studies, allowing clients to stack incentives under one engagement. For volume-focused owners who can’t afford delays, CSSI is a reliable partner.
6. Duffy + Duffy
- Founded: 2002
- Headquarters: Westlake, OH
Duffy + Duffy brings a strong focus on properties with complex utility systems, heavy equipment, and non-standard infrastructure. Their team includes CPAs, estimators, and construction engineers who specialize in identifying hidden depreciation opportunities in manufacturing and industrial environments. Their studies follow IRS case law and are backed by thorough site visits and engineering documentation.
While their reach is national, the firm is particularly well-suited for mid-market industrial clients who need rigorous classification and a team that understands the tax implications of capital-intensive assets. For LEED-certified buildings and specialized property types, Duffy + Duffy offers real domain expertise.
7. ELB Consulting
- Founded: 2001
- Headquarters: New Port Richey, Florida
ELB Consulting focuses on serving owners with commercial properties typically valued under $10 million, a segment often overlooked by larger firms. Their process includes on-site inspections, detailed asset breakdowns, and audit-compliant documentation delivered in a clean, CPA-friendly format. They’re especially useful for retail, office, and small industrial projects.
What ELB lacks in scale, it makes up for in accessibility and responsiveness. Turnaround times are competitive, and their engineers remain available throughout the engagement. For owners who need dependable service on more modest projects, ELB is a cost-effective and technically reliable choice.
8. Capstan Tax Strategies
- Founded: 2015
- Headquarters: Jenkintown, PA
Capstan Tax Strategies brings decades of expertise under a new brand, with partners averaging over 20 years of experience in the cost segregation field and having completed more than 8,000 studies nationwide. Their engineering-driven approach includes meticulous in-person site visits, comprehensive photo documentation, and reports that exceed 100 pages of supporting content, all delivered within 30 days of the site visit. The firm maintains ASCSP certification and full compliance with MQS 2016 standards, while also serving as a NASBA-certified provider of continuing education for CPAs through seminars, webinars, and customized programs.
What distinguishes Capstan is their collaborative approach with accounting firms and their breadth of property expertise, from luxury treehouses to traditional commercial assets like multifamily, retail, and self-storage facilities. They offer multiple study types, including Standard Cost Segregation Studies, desk reviews for simple new construction, and Advanced Cost Segregation Studies that provide enhanced detail for future asset dispositions under Tangible Property Regulations. With a warranty for no-cost audit defense and experience across all 50 states, Capstan combines technical rigor with practical implementation support that CPAs appreciate.
How to Choose the Right Cost Segregation Service Provider
Cost segregation can unlock significant tax savings, but only if the work is done correctly and by the right team. A poorly executed study can leave value on the table or expose you to unnecessary audit risk. Whether you’re managing a single asset or a national portfolio, these key points will help you separate the best cost segregation companies from the rest.
1. Verify Industry-Specific Experience
No two property types are alike. A firm with deep experience in retail won’t necessarily understand the asset breakdowns in hospitality, manufacturing, or mixed-use developments. Always ask for examples of studies completed in your asset class and look for signs they understand building-use nuances that drive classification outcomes.
2. Understand Their Engineering Methodology
The most defensible studies start with engineering-based fieldwork. Site inspections, blueprint reviews, and detailed asset tagging yield more precise depreciation schedules. Be cautious of firms that rely solely on cost estimation models or desktop-only methods, especially for properties with complex infrastructure or non-standard layouts.
3. Check Audit Support and Compliance Standards
Any legitimate provider should stand behind their work with full audit defense. Ask whether their reports include documented methodology, workpapers, and IRS-aligned classifications. If a firm won’t put that in writing, it’s not a partner worth trusting, especially on six- or seven-figure deductions.
4. Evaluate Reporting Clarity and Deliverables
Even the best study has limited value if it can’t be understood or implemented. Look for firms that deliver CPA-ready reports with clear asset schedules, summary memos, and classification logic. Strong documentation reduces friction in your tax workflow and lowers the risk of errors during filing.
5. Assess Technology and Turnaround Time
Some of the top firms now use proprietary tools to streamline data gathering, perform asset tagging, and automate portions of their deliverables. These tools can significantly shorten turnaround time without compromising quality. Ask whether the firm uses in-house tech or relies on third-party templates.
6. Confirm Portfolio and Multi-State Capability
If your holdings span multiple states or include a combination of asset types, you need a provider that can coordinate at scale. Multi-property experience matters, especially for aligning studies under varying state rules, depreciation conventions, and regulatory deadlines.
Turning Cost Segregation Into a Strategic Advantage
Cost segregation is one of the most overlooked levers in tax strategy, and one of the most impactful. But results vary widely depending on the provider. A strong partner doesn’t just produce a depreciation schedule; they deliver engineering-grade precision, full IRS compliance, and insights that support your broader financial goals.
At R.E. Cost Seg, we approach every study as part of a larger strategy. Our team integrates tax planning with detailed engineering analysis, so the results are accurate as well as actionable. Reports are designed for CPA workflows, backed by audit-ready documentation, and tailored to the specific goals of each client.
If you’re looking for a cost segregation partner that goes beyond the baseline to deliver long-term value, we’d be glad to talk.
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