CSSI Review (2026)
Pricing, methodology, audit defense, and where this provider fits.
Editorial note: This review is published by Cost Seg Smart, which appears as a competitor on this site. Public-facing data only — pricing, methodology, and credentials reflect what the provider publishes. Pricing as of May 2026.
- Pricing
- Contact for quote
- Turnaround
- 2-4 weeks
- Methodology
- Engineering-based
- Site visit
- Optional
- CPA support
- CPA support included
- Guarantee
- Not publicly stated
- Property types
- Residential and commercial
- Founded
- 2003
Badge: Best for Mid-Size Properties
Pricing detail
Industry reports suggest $3,000-$5,000 residential. Website redirects multiple times — pricing not published.
Pricing reflects publicly advertised rates as of May 2026. Quotes for specific properties may differ. The same IRS-compliant methodology applies regardless of price tier — what changes is delivery, engineering depth, audit defense scope, and turnaround. For context on typical rates, see our guide to how much a cost segregation study should cost.
Methodology and process
CSSI uses engineering-based. All US cost segregation studies — including this one — must follow the engineering-based methodology described in the IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide and apply MACRS classification per Rev. Proc. 87-56. The framework is set by federal law; what varies across providers is execution depth, documentation, and audit defense scope.
Property-type fit
CSSI works with residential and commercial. For investors evaluating providers by property type, our category rankings list commercial provider rankings and STR-focused providers.
Audit defense
CPA support: CPA support included. Guarantee: Not publicly stated. Audit defense scope varies materially across providers, ranging from explicit IRS representation to no defense beyond report delivery — see the scoring methodology for how we evaluate this dimension.
Pros
- Established firm with 20+ years in the market
- Flexible on site visit requirement
- Good mid-market option
Cons
- Pricing not published
- Website difficult to navigate (multiple redirects)
- Limited information available publicly
Verdict — who this is for
CSSI earns 7.8/10 in our scoring rubric. Best fit for commercial and multifamily owners who value engineering depth and traditional documentation. For investors comparing alternatives, the full 27-provider sortable table is on the homepage.
FAQ
How much does CSSI charge?
Industry reports suggest $3,000-$5,000 residential. Website redirects multiple times — pricing not published.
How long does a CSSI cost segregation study take?
Turnaround: 2-4 weeks. This is consistent with the 4–8 week traditional engineering benchmark.
Does CSSI require an on-site visit?
Optional. The IRS Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide (Pub 5653) does not require an on-site visit; it requires engineering-based methodology with documented support.
CSSI (60,000+ studies, franchise model) is the editor's pick when local presence and broad coverage matter. For other situations:
Pricing and operational details reflect public information as of May 2026. Provider corrections welcome via the submission form. This review is not legal, tax, or financial advice — confirm cost segregation suitability with your CPA before ordering a study.