Best Cost Segregation Examples (Why Case Studies Matter)
- Greg Pacioli
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Table of Contents
When it comes to choosing cost segregation firms, many real estate investors tend to miss one of the most telling indicators of quality is genuine, publicly available case studies. They cut through the sales pitch and let the numbers speak for themselves.
For someone trying to determine if their property is a suitable candidate for cost segregation, these real-world examples can be far more significant than just brand recognition. Case studies provide insight into how a firm handles engineering analysis, documentation, and the execution of reports.
This guide highlights some cost segregation firms that consistently publish detailed case studies online, making them easier to evaluate before you commit.
Why Case Studies Help in Cost Segregation
Cost segregation case studies serve as benchmarks for property owners trying to understand what results they can expect from their own investments. When you review case studies of properties similar to yours, you gain concrete insights into how different building components get classified and what percentage of purchase price typically gets reclassified into shorter depreciation schedules.
They are examples that help you set realistic expectations and understand whether pursuing a cost seg study makes financial sense for your situation.
Beyond setting expectations, case studies educate property owners on how similar properties handle components and understand the engineering analysis. This transparency builds confidence in the methodology while highlighting the importance of working with experienced firms.
By comparing your property to online case studies, you're making an informed decision based on actual results.
Top 10 Cost Segregation Firms With Case Studies
Here’s a useful list of 10 cost segregation firms that come highly regarded for their online case studies. These examples showcase how cost segregation can be effectively applied in practice, helping to support solid tax positions.
1. CSSI
Publishes industry case studies that clearly show accelerated depreciation outcomes across multiple property types. Their examples are practical and easy to follow.
2. Engineered Tax Services
Maintains one of the most extensive online libraries of cost segregation case studies, covering campgrounds, residential, commercial, gas stations, and more.
3. United Tax Advisors
Features case studies across a wide range of property types with in-depth asset classification results. Each study includes clear tables outlining allocations and resulting tax benefits.
4. Madison SPECS
Provides real-property cost segregation case studies, including warehouse, multifamily, and mixed-use projects. Their studies stand out for strong visuals, charts, and presentation quality.
5. KBKG
Publishes detailed, engineering-based case studies (such as retail shopping centers) and offers free downloadable PDFs, making their examples easy to reference and share.
6. Cherry Bekaert
A national CPA and advisory firm with published cost segregation case studies highlighting significant tax benefits across complex commercial real estate portfolios.
7. Seneca Cost Segregation
Offers detailed case studies across self-storage, apartment, office, and mobile home park assets, with quantified depreciation and tax savings clearly outlined.
8. Source Advisors
Frequently listed among top cost segregation providers, with publicly available case studies supporting their experience and technical approach.
9. Capstan Tax Strategies
Recognized in multiple industry rankings and known for engineering-driven cost segregation studies, supported by real project examples.
10. Cost Recovery Solutions
A CPA and advisory firm offering cost segregation services with several public case studies demonstrating accelerated depreciation results.
We’ve pulled together some of our favorite cost segregation examples and organized the firms that share the most exhaustive, publicly available case studies, grouped by what they do best.
Best Overall Case Study Depth
When it comes to the best overall case study depth, these companies really shine by consistently delivering engineer focused case studies that break down assets clearly and showcase measurable results.
They boast one of the largest publicly accessible libraries of cost segregation case studies, covering a variety of property types like residential, industrial, and specialty assets.
Known for its technical, engineered case studies that align with the IRS preferred methodologies. These studies are often cited by CPAs and institutional investors alike.
Provides case studies featuring with specific examples, including office space and warehouse facilities. They often illustrate the depreciation impacts before and after the analysis.
Best for Specialty Real Estate
These firms regularly highlight self-storage, industrial, and niche asset classes in their cost segregation examples.
Strong focus on investor education with case studies covering self-storage, multifamily, and mixed-use properties, often presented in an easy-to-follow format.
Publishes highly specific case studies tied to real estate use cases, including retail, industrial, and storage-related properties, with emphasis on compliance.
Best for Large Portfolios & Institutional Credibility
These firms are ideal for investors, REITs, and owner-operators who value audit defensibility and lender confidence, and who want case studies that reflect scale.
A national advisory firm that publishes polished, data-driven case studies tied to large commercial and real estate management portfolios.
Offers advisory-level case studies showing how cost segregation integrates with broader tax planning strategies for complex property holdings.
Best for Mid-Market & CPA Referred Investors
These firms may publish fewer studies, but the ones available are practical, outcome-focused, and commonly referenced by CPAs.
Frequently cited in industry roundups and CPA networks, with actual examples demonstrating depreciation acceleration for operating businesses.
Known for engineering-backed studies and inclusion in professional rankings, with sample studies used in CPA and investor presentations.
Comparison: Cost Segregation Firms With the Most Thorough Case Studies
Firm | Property Types Covered | Best For |
Engineered Tax Services | Self-storage, industrial, retail, specialty | Investors & CPAs seeking technical depth |
Madison SPECS | Self-storage, warehouse, mixed-use | Audit-ready, engineering-driven studies |
CSSI | Self-storage, industrial, commercial | Industry-specific use cases |
Seneca Cost Segregation | Self-storage, multifamily, mixed-use | Investor education & ROI clarity |
KBKG | Retail, industrial, specialty real estate | Compliance-focused investors |
Cost Recovery Solutions | Commercial, small-to-mid portfolios | Owner-operators & SMB investors |
Cherry Bekaert | Large commercial portfolios | Institutional & CPA-led clients |
Source Advisors | Complex real estate portfolios | Integrated tax planning |
United Tax Advisors | Operating businesses & real estate | CPA-referred clients |
Capstan | Commercial & specialty assets | Mid-market investors |
Use This Comparison When Choosing a Firm
When reviewing cost segregation providers, use case studies to answer key questions:
Does the firm use engineering-based methodology?
Are asset classifications clearly explained?
Do the examples align with your property type and size?
Firms that openly share detailed case studies tend to be easier to vet and easier for CPAs to support.
Final Takeaway
If you’re really looking into cost segregation, it’s not enough to just look at prices or qualifications of a provider. You need to check out their track record. When firms share detailed case studies, it shows they’re open, experienced, and confident in what they do.
This often means easier tax filings, better documentation, and fewer unexpected issues later on. If you’re interested in finding and comparing reputable cost segregation firms all in one spot, directories like FindCostSeg can help you assess providers, request quotes, and check their credentials before making a decision.