A comparison of 6 providers, what each does best, at what price, with what turnaround.
Different providers fit different buyer profiles. Here's the short version:
| Provider | Price range | Turnaround | Site visit | Audit support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Seg Smart (this site's operator) | $495–$2,995 | Under 1 hour | Remote (photos + assessor data + plan documents) | Written audit defense included with every study |
| KBKG | $3,000–$25,000+ | 4–8 weeks | On-site required for most engagements | Add-on retainer |
| CSSI (Cost Segregation Services, Inc.) | $5,000–$30,000 | 6–10 weeks | On-site | Included; expert testimony available |
| Engineered Tax Services (ETS) | $5,000–$50,000 | 6–12 weeks | On-site | Included |
| Capstan Tax | $4,000–$20,000 | 4–8 weeks | On-site | Included |
| Local CPA + engineering review | Varies, typically $2,500–$10,000 | Varies | Depends | Depends, verify in engagement letter |
Maui buyers face uniquely high regulatory uncertainty given the post-Lahaina STR phase-out plans. Cost-seg studies for Maui properties should explicitly model multiple scenarios: STR-operating, LTR-forced-conversion, and combined transitional scenarios. Cost Seg Smart's study output can be structured to address both STR and LTR treatment, supporting flexible underwriting under regulatory uncertainty.
Three questions to answer before contacting any provider:
Price ranges are based on publicly stated tiers and industry sources as of 2026. Turnaround times reflect typical engagement lengths and may vary. We do not receive compensation from any other provider listed; this is not affiliate content.
The "best for" framing reflects each provider's actual public sweet spot, not paid placement. We don't claim to be #1 for every customer profile. We're the best fit for the segment described in our row (fast, affordable, remote-first, residential + STR + small commercial under $5M). For larger commercial portfolios (office, retail, industrial, multifamily 5+), engineer-led firms with on-site capacity are the right choice, see commercialcostseg.com for our institutional commercial coverage and provider patterns.
For cross-provider review aggregation across the wider cost-seg industry, costsegregationreviews.com tracks independent customer comparisons. Cross-provider pricing benchmarks by basis tier and property class are aggregated at costsegregationpricing.com.