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10 Best Stessa Alternatives for Small Landlords (2025)

Looking for a Stessa alternative? We've tested and ranked the top 10 rental property tax software options for 1-10 property landlords. Find the perfect fit for your Schedule E filing, 1099 generation, and expense tracking needs.

🏆 Quick Verdict

For DIY landlords with 1-10 properties focused on tax optimization, LandlordTax.tech offers the best value at $9/mo with unique AI tax insights and credit card sync. For mobile-first property management, consider Landlord Studio. If you prefer free basic tracking, Stessa is still a solid choice.

Why Look for a Stessa Alternative?

Limited Tax Features
Stessa doesn't offer 1099 generation, AI tax optimization, or proactive tax planning features that could save you thousands annually.
No Credit Card Sync
Missing credit card transaction sync means manual entry for all your Home Depot runs, repair expenses, and property-related purchases.
Upsells & Hidden Costs
While Stessa is "free," it aggressively upsells financing, insurance, and other paid services. Some landlords prefer transparent pricing.
Basic Reporting Only
If you need advanced depreciation tracking, cost segregation insights, or year-end tax planning, you'll need dedicated tax software.

Top 10 Alternatives (Ranked)

#1
LandlordTax.tech
Editor's Choice
4.7/5.0
Best for: 1-10 property DIY landlords focused on tax optimization

Key Advantages

  • AI-powered year-end tax planning with exact dollar savings
  • Credit card payment reminders (unique feature)
  • Unlimited 1099 generation included
  • One-click Schedule E export with AI review
  • OCR receipt scanning with 95% accuracy
  • Bilingual support (English & Chinese)
  • Depreciation tracker with cost segregation insights

Drawbacks

  • Mobile app in development
  • Fewer property management features than Stessa
#2
Landlord Studio
4/5.0
Best for: Landlords needing mobile-first property management

Key Advantages

  • Excellent mobile app
  • Property management features
  • Tenant communication tools
  • Maintenance tracking

Drawbacks

  • Limited 1099 generation (extra cost)
  • No credit card sync
  • No AI tax insights
  • More expensive than alternatives
#3
Stessa
4.2/5.0
Best for: Beginners wanting free basic tracking
Free (limited)
Visit Website

Key Advantages

  • Free tier available
  • Bank account sync
  • Basic reporting
  • Portfolio overview

Drawbacks

  • No credit card sync
  • No AI tax optimization
  • No 1099 generation
  • Limited to basic features
  • Upsells to paid services
#4
Baselane
4.1/5.0
Best for: Landlords needing banking + accounting in one

Key Advantages

  • Integrated banking
  • Rent collection
  • ACH payments

Drawbacks

  • Expensive compared to alternatives
  • No AI features
  • Limited tax optimization

Alternatives #5-10

Rentastic ($8/mo), DoorLoop ($49/mo), TurboTenant (Free), Rentec Direct ($45/mo), Buildium ($50/mo), and AppFolio (Custom pricing) are also solid options but either lack tax-specific features, are more expensive, or are better suited for larger portfolios (10+ properties).

Quick Comparison Table

FeatureLandlordTax.techLandlord StudioStessaBaselane
Price$9/mo$15/moFree$25/mo
Credit Card Sync
AI Tax Insights
1099 GenerationUnlimitedExtra costLimited
Schedule E Export✅ + AI Review
OCR Receipt Scanning

How to Choose the Right Alternative?

Choose LandlordTax.tech if you:
  • Have 1-10 rental properties and file your own taxes (or work with a CPA)
  • Want AI-powered tax optimization and year-end planning insights
  • Need credit card sync for business expenses (Home Depot, repairs, etc.)
  • Generate 1099 forms for contractors and service providers
  • Prefer transparent pricing without upsells ($9/mo, all features included)
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Choose Landlord Studio if you:
Need a mobile app for on-the-go property management, tenant communication, and maintenance tracking (more property management, less tax optimization).
Stick with Stessa if you:
Only need basic income/expense tracking and are comfortable with manual 1099 filing and no advanced tax features. The free tier is hard to beat for simple needs.

Migrating from Stessa to LandlordTax.tech

  1. 1

    Export Your Stessa Data

    Go to Stessa's reporting section and export all transactions as CSV (one file per property).

  2. 2

    Sign Up for LandlordTax.tech

    Create your account (14-day free trial, no credit card required).

  3. 3

    Add Your Properties

    Create properties in LandlordTax.tech matching your Stessa setup.

  4. 4

    Import Transactions

    Upload your CSV files - our system will auto-categorize most transactions using AI.

  5. 5

    Connect Your Accounts

    Link your bank accounts and credit cards via Plaid for automatic sync going forward.

  6. 6

    Review AI Insights

    Get personalized tax optimization recommendations based on your imported data.

Migration Time: Most landlords complete the migration in under 30 minutes. Need help? Our support team offers free migration assistance via email or live chat.

Ready to Try the #1 Stessa Alternative?

Join hundreds of landlords who switched to LandlordTax.tech for smarter tax optimization and transparent pricing.

14-day free trial • Cancel anytime • No credit card required

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LandlordTax helps DIY landlords track rental finances and generate IRS Schedule E reports effortlessly. From shoebox to tax-ready in minutes.

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