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 |
Breckenridge's mix of historic downtown SFR (with heavy renovation-cost-seg potential) and resort-tier ski-in/ski-out condos benefits from a provider that handles both archetypes cleanly. Cost Seg Smart's remote workflow handles the renovation-cost component analysis directly from owner-provided improvement records; many traditional on-site engagements treat renovation cost as a separate workflow that requires additional engineer time and study fees.
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, engineer-led firms with on-site capacity are the right choice.
See the Breckenridge engine benchmarks Start a Cost Seg Smart study