CSSI Review

Pros

• Free initial cost segregation analysis
• Strong focus on compliance and maximizing tax savings
• Available in all 50 states

Cons

• Nontransparent pricing
• Limited customer support avenues

What Is CSSI?

CSSI – Cost Segregation Services, LLC is a firm that specializes in cost segregation for a wide range of commercial properties, from smaller investments to large-scale properties. Since 2003, the company has completed over 60,000 cost segregation studies for commercial property owners.

CSSI puts an emphasis on its attention to detail, strict adherence to tax codes, competitive fees, and helping clients achieve maximum tax savings through cost segregation.

CSSI Services

CSSI specializes in engineering-based cost segregation studies for commercial properties. CSSI’s services are available in all 50 states, with representatives available nationwide.

CSSI Fees

Like other cost segregation companies, CSSI does not disclose its fees online. This is because cost segregation fees are generally based on the size and complexity of the property being studied.

The company does, however, mention that its services are affordable. Unfortunately, it’s unclear how affordable, as none of its user reviews mention anything about fees. This resulted in an average rating for the company in terms of fees.

CSSI does offer a complimentary property analysis to determine if you qualify for cost segregation. Following your analysis, you can speak with a representative about the fees required to continue with the study.

CSSI Features

CSSI doesn’t feature many of the services, tax calculators, and other tools and resources you may find with other specialty tax firms. For this reason, we did mark some points off of its rating, as we’d at least like to see a basic cost seg calculator.

CSSI focuses on cost segregation as its core service, while also offering a limited range of additional tax services. CSSI also helps clients take advantage of current tax rules, including the permanently restored 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Here’s what to expect if you work with CSSI:

• Free Analysis: CSSI offers a complimentary preliminary analysis to determine if you’ll benefit from cost segregation. After filling out a short form, you’ll receive an overview of tax savings, a value analysis, an outline of required documentation, and an engagement letter that includes study fees.
• Emphasis On Compliance: CSSI uses an engineering-based approach to cost segregation and includes the 13 points outlined in the US tax code in each study.
• Additional Tax Services: CSSI offers additional tax services, such as 179D and R&D tax credits.
• CPE Presentations: CSSI has continuing professional education (CPE) presentations available covering topics including bonus depreciation, QIP, and recent updates to bonus depreciation and cost recovery rules. In-person and live web-based presentations are available and can be personalized for CPA firms.
• Educational Resources: CSSI provides several resources to help taxpayers learn more about cost segregation and other tax topics. This includes information about tax laws, case studies, and articles covering everything from year-end tax strategies to research and development tax credits.
• Quick Turnaround Times: CSSI completes most cost seg studies within six weeks.

CSSI Customer Service

While there are fewer customer service avenues than some other cost seg companies, there are still several ways to get in touch with CSSI. You can contact the company through its toll-free number or contact its office in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. You can submit an online form to get contacted via email or phone. You can also submit a short form to get started with your free initial cost segregation analysis.

Additionally, CSSI’s FAQs and articles can answer some questions about cost segregation and other tax-related topics. The company also has profiles on Facebook and LinkedIn, although these profiles are not updated frequently.

In terms of the quality of customer service, past clients are pleased with the professionalism, helpfulness, and responsiveness of CSSI representatives overall.

CSSI Reviews

One area where CSSI stands out is with its customer reviews. While many cost segregation companies only have client testimonials posted on their website, CSSI has a handful of user reviews published online, and the majority of those reviews are positive.

In addition to testimonials on its website, CSSI has received 3.7/5 stars (based on 7 reviews) on Google. CSSI has also been recommended by users through forums like BiggerPockets.

CSSI Complaints

There aren’t many complaints about CSSI — as stated, most of the few reviews online are positive. However, a few complaints include:

• Unresponsive representatives
• No clear explanation of why properties didn’t qualify

Positive CSSI Reviews

Positive reviews of CSSI show that clients like the company’s:

• Knowledgeable team
• Substantial tax benefits through cost segregation
• Commitment to meeting timelines

Is CSSI Worth It?

CSSI has a solid reputation among property owners for its cost segregation services. The company emphasizes compliance and following regulations as it performs its cost seg studies, which is key to avoiding mistakes on your federal tax return and navigating an IRS audit.

The company boasts of affordable fees (although it’s not clear just how affordable), and looking through the company’s resources and case studies shows that CSSI is experienced in cost segregation.

So, if you want an experienced company that performs engineering-based cost segregation studies, CSSI is worth a look. It doesn’t cost a thing to get an initial analysis to learn more about the tax benefits that CSSI can help you claim.

If you’re still shopping around, know what to look for in a cost segregation company. Then, head over to our list of the best cost segregation services to compare your options.