Landlord bookkeeping, explained.
Practical articles on property-level reporting, tax strategy, STR and LTR bookkeeping, and the tools that make it all easier.
The 7 Bookkeeping Mistakes That Cost Landlords Thousands at Tax Time
Most landlords lose money not because they are bad at real estate, but because their books hide the real numbers. Here are the seven most common mistakes and exactly how to fix each one.
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Practical knowledge for landlords who want their bookkeeping done right.
How Do I Reconcile a VRBO Payout Against My Bank Deposit?
VRBO deposits rarely match your booking totals. The monthly method to break payouts into revenue, fees, and taxes, and tie them to the bank to the penny.
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How Do I Record Guest-Collected Lodging Tax in Stessa?
Lodging tax collected from guests is not your income. How to keep it off your P&L in Stessa, when it applies, and how to track what you owe the state.
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How to Untangle Airbnb Payouts in Your Books
Airbnb deposits one lump sum, but your books need the details. Here is how to break payouts into revenue, platform fees, and cleaning income.
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Capital Improvement vs. Repair: The IRS Test
The difference between a deductible repair and a capitalized improvement can save (or cost) you thousands. Here is the plain-English IRS test.
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Security Deposits: The #1 Mistake Landlords Make in Their Books
Security deposits are not income. Here is why treating them incorrectly puts you at legal and tax risk, and how to fix it in 10 minutes.
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Stessa vs. QuickBooks Online for Real Estate Investors
Both platforms have their strengths. Here is a practical comparison based on portfolio size, complexity, and what your CPA actually needs.
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