Quick Overview
- 1#1: Lacerte - Professional tax software renowned for handling complex real estate tax returns including depreciation, Schedule E, and 1031 exchanges.
- 2#2: UltraTax CS - Comprehensive tax preparation platform with advanced real estate modules for partnerships, cost segregation, and multi-state compliance.
- 3#3: CCH Axcess Tax - Cloud-based tax workflow software offering deep support for real estate investor taxes, rentals, and entity returns.
- 4#4: ONESOURCE Property Tax - Enterprise solution for property tax compliance, assessments, appeals, and portfolio management across real estate holdings.
- 5#5: Vertex Property Tax - Indirect tax management software with robust property tax calculation, reporting, and compliance for real estate operations.
- 6#6: Sovos Property Tax - Automated tax compliance platform specializing in property tax data management and filing for real estate portfolios.
- 7#7: Drake Software - Cost-effective professional tax prep software with strong real estate features like rental analysis and depreciation tools.
- 8#8: ProSeries Tax - Intuit's professional tax solution for real estate pros, supporting Schedules E, K-1s, and property dispositions.
- 9#9: Asignet - Property tax compliance software focused on personal property tax tracking and reporting for real estate assets.
- 10#10: Tangram - Multi-jurisdictional property tax reporting and minimization software tailored for commercial real estate owners.
Tools were selected based on depth of real estate-specific features (including cost segregation, partnership returns, and property tax appeals), compliance reliability, ease of use, and overall value, ensuring alignment with the diverse demands of professionals and firms.
Comparison Table
Real estate tax software simplifies property tax administration, with tools designed to meet varied operational needs. This comparison table includes industry staples like Lacerte, UltraTax CS, CCH Axcess Tax, ONESOURCE Property Tax, Vertex Property Tax, and more, breaking down their key features and suitability. Readers will learn to identify the best fit for their workflow, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in tax management.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lacerte Professional tax software renowned for handling complex real estate tax returns including depreciation, Schedule E, and 1031 exchanges. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | UltraTax CS Comprehensive tax preparation platform with advanced real estate modules for partnerships, cost segregation, and multi-state compliance. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | CCH Axcess Tax Cloud-based tax workflow software offering deep support for real estate investor taxes, rentals, and entity returns. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | ONESOURCE Property Tax Enterprise solution for property tax compliance, assessments, appeals, and portfolio management across real estate holdings. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | Vertex Property Tax Indirect tax management software with robust property tax calculation, reporting, and compliance for real estate operations. | enterprise | 8.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Sovos Property Tax Automated tax compliance platform specializing in property tax data management and filing for real estate portfolios. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Drake Software Cost-effective professional tax prep software with strong real estate features like rental analysis and depreciation tools. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | ProSeries Tax Intuit's professional tax solution for real estate pros, supporting Schedules E, K-1s, and property dispositions. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 9 | Asignet Property tax compliance software focused on personal property tax tracking and reporting for real estate assets. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | Tangram Multi-jurisdictional property tax reporting and minimization software tailored for commercial real estate owners. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.0/10 | 6.8/10 |
Professional tax software renowned for handling complex real estate tax returns including depreciation, Schedule E, and 1031 exchanges.
Comprehensive tax preparation platform with advanced real estate modules for partnerships, cost segregation, and multi-state compliance.
Cloud-based tax workflow software offering deep support for real estate investor taxes, rentals, and entity returns.
Enterprise solution for property tax compliance, assessments, appeals, and portfolio management across real estate holdings.
Indirect tax management software with robust property tax calculation, reporting, and compliance for real estate operations.
Automated tax compliance platform specializing in property tax data management and filing for real estate portfolios.
Cost-effective professional tax prep software with strong real estate features like rental analysis and depreciation tools.
Intuit's professional tax solution for real estate pros, supporting Schedules E, K-1s, and property dispositions.
Property tax compliance software focused on personal property tax tracking and reporting for real estate assets.
Multi-jurisdictional property tax reporting and minimization software tailored for commercial real estate owners.
Lacerte
enterpriseProfessional tax software renowned for handling complex real estate tax returns including depreciation, Schedule E, and 1031 exchanges.
Advanced depreciation engine with cost segregation support and multi-asset tracking optimized for real estate portfolios
Lacerte, from Intuit's ProConnect suite, is a premier professional tax preparation software renowned for handling complex real estate tax returns. It excels in Schedule E preparation for rental properties, advanced depreciation calculations including cost segregation, passive activity loss limitations, and multi-state compliance for real estate investors. With seamless integration to QuickBooks and robust diagnostics, it streamlines workflows for tax professionals managing high-volume property portfolios.
Pros
- Unmatched depth in real estate tax modules, including automated Schedule E, depreciation optimization, and 1031 exchange tracking
- Seamless QuickBooks integration for effortless import of rental income/expense data
- Powerful diagnostics, e-filing, and paperless workflow to minimize errors and speed up processing
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to its professional-grade complexity
- High subscription costs, especially for firms with high return volumes
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to some consumer-focused alternatives
Best For
Tax professionals and CPAs specializing in real estate investors, property managers, and firms handling complex rental and investment property returns.
Pricing
Annual subscription starts at around $1,500 for basic plans, scaling to $5,000+ based on return volume (e.g., $1.50-$3 per return); volume discounts available for larger firms.
UltraTax CS
enterpriseComprehensive tax preparation platform with advanced real estate modules for partnerships, cost segregation, and multi-state compliance.
Advanced partnership allocation engine with waterfall distributions and K-1 generation tailored for real estate joint ventures
UltraTax CS is a professional tax preparation software from Thomson Reuters designed for CPAs and tax firms handling complex returns. It provides comprehensive support for federal and state tax forms, with strong capabilities for real estate entities like partnerships, S-corporations, and rental properties, including depreciation, 1031 exchanges, and multi-state apportionment. The software features automated calculations, diagnostics, and integration with practice management tools for efficient workflows.
Pros
- Extensive real estate tax form support including Schedule E, Form 1065, and depreciation schedules
- Built-in diagnostics and error-checking for compliance accuracy
- Seamless multi-state filing and integration with Thomson Reuters ecosystem
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to input-driven interface
- High subscription costs that scale with modules and users
- Less intuitive for solo practitioners compared to simpler tools
Best For
Mid-to-large tax firms and CPAs managing complex real estate partnerships and investment properties.
Pricing
Subscription-based starting at around $5,000 annually per preparer, increasing with states, forms, and firm size.
CCH Axcess Tax
enterpriseCloud-based tax workflow software offering deep support for real estate investor taxes, rentals, and entity returns.
Powerful proforma carryover from prior years with automated asset depreciation tracking for extensive real estate holdings
CCH Axcess Tax by Wolters Kluwer is a cloud-based professional tax preparation software tailored for CPAs and accounting firms handling complex returns, with strong capabilities for real estate tax scenarios like rental property depreciation, Schedule E reporting, and real estate professional status qualifications. It supports intricate calculations for 1031 exchanges, passive activity losses, and multi-state apportionment for real estate portfolios. The platform integrates with practice management tools for streamlined workflows and offers robust e-filing and diagnostics to minimize errors.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for real estate-specific forms and calculations including depreciation and QBI deductions
- Cloud-based collaboration and real-time updates for tax law changes
- Advanced diagnostics and error-checking for complex partnership returns
Cons
- Steep learning curve and interface not as intuitive for beginners
- High subscription costs prohibitive for small practices
- Limited customization options compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-to-large CPA firms managing high-volume real estate tax returns for investors and property management entities.
Pricing
Subscription-based, starting at around $5,000-$10,000 annually per user/preparer, scaling with firm size and modules.
ONESOURCE Property Tax
enterpriseEnterprise solution for property tax compliance, assessments, appeals, and portfolio management across real estate holdings.
Industry-leading multi-jurisdictional database with real-time updates for global property tax compliance
ONESOURCE Property Tax from Thomson Reuters is an enterprise-grade solution for managing the full property tax lifecycle, including assessment tracking, appeals, payments, and compliance reporting. It supports large real estate portfolios with automated workflows, data aggregation from multiple jurisdictions, and advanced analytics for tax optimization. Designed for scalability, it integrates with ERP systems and provides audit-ready documentation to minimize risks and costs.
Pros
- Comprehensive automation of tax workflows from assessment to payment
- Vast database covering over 100,000 jurisdictions for accurate compliance
- Powerful analytics and reporting for strategic decision-making
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- High cost unsuitable for small portfolios
- Customization often requires professional services
Best For
Large real estate investment firms and multinational corporations managing complex, high-volume property tax portfolios.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically starting at $20,000+ annually based on portfolio size and features.
Vertex Property Tax
enterpriseIndirect tax management software with robust property tax calculation, reporting, and compliance for real estate operations.
AI-driven appeals management with automated valuation modeling and success probability scoring
Vertex Property Tax, from Vertex Inc., is an enterprise-grade software solution that automates the full property tax lifecycle, including data collection, assessment analysis, appeals management, payments, and compliance reporting. It excels in handling complex, multi-jurisdictional property taxes for organizations with large real estate portfolios across multiple states or countries. The platform integrates seamlessly with ERP systems like SAP and Oracle, offering advanced forecasting, analytics, and audit defense tools to optimize tax liabilities.
Pros
- Robust multi-jurisdictional compliance and automated workflows reduce manual errors
- Advanced analytics and forecasting for tax savings opportunities
- Seamless ERP integrations and scalable for global enterprises
Cons
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup for complex deployments
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Pricing geared toward large enterprises, less ideal for SMBs
Best For
Large corporations and real estate investment firms with extensive, multi-state property portfolios requiring end-to-end tax management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing; annual subscriptions start at $50,000+ based on portfolio size—contact sales for quote.
Sovos Property Tax
enterpriseAutomated tax compliance platform specializing in property tax data management and filing for real estate portfolios.
Intelligent appeals workflow that uses analytics to identify and pursue tax recovery opportunities across jurisdictions
Sovos Property Tax is an enterprise-grade software solution that automates property tax compliance for businesses managing large real estate portfolios across multiple jurisdictions. It handles assessment tracking, payment processing, appeals management, and forecasting, while integrating seamlessly with ERP and accounting systems. The platform ensures accuracy and efficiency in personal and real property tax workflows, reducing manual errors and compliance risks.
Pros
- Comprehensive automation for multi-jurisdictional compliance and portfolio management
- Strong ERP integrations and real-time reporting capabilities
- Advanced appeals management with data-driven insights for tax savings
Cons
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- High enterprise-level pricing not suitable for small businesses
- Limited customization options for niche requirements
Best For
Large enterprises and real estate firms with complex, multi-state property tax portfolios requiring robust automation and compliance expertise.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing starting at $50,000+ annually, plus implementation fees; quote-based.
Drake Software
specializedCost-effective professional tax prep software with strong real estate features like rental analysis and depreciation tools.
Advanced depreciation engine with cost segregation and bonus depreciation support
Drake Software is a comprehensive professional tax preparation platform that includes robust capabilities for real estate tax reporting, such as Schedule E for rental properties, depreciation calculations, and support for 1031 exchanges. It handles federal, state, and local returns for real estate investors and professionals, with tools for tracking expenses, income, and asset management. While not exclusively focused on real estate, it integrates these features seamlessly into its broader tax workflow for CPAs and tax firms.
Pros
- Affordable per-preparer pricing model
- Strong customer support and training resources
- Comprehensive form library including real estate-specific schedules
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to modern competitors
- Steeper learning curve for new users
- Limited automation for large-scale property portfolios
Best For
Tax professionals and CPAs handling real estate clients alongside general tax prep needs.
Pricing
Per-preparer annual subscriptions start at $495 for basic packages, up to $1,795 for unlimited federal/state/e-file with real estate modules.
ProSeries Tax
specializedIntuit's professional tax solution for real estate pros, supporting Schedules E, K-1s, and property dispositions.
QuickBooks integration for automatic import of rental income and expense data
ProSeries Tax by Intuit is professional tax preparation software tailored for CPAs and tax professionals, offering comprehensive support for federal and state returns. For real estate tax needs, it excels in handling Schedule E for rental properties, Form 4562 for depreciation schedules, and related deductions like mortgage interest and property taxes. It integrates well with other Intuit tools but lacks deep specialization in property management or portfolio tracking compared to dedicated real estate platforms.
Pros
- Robust support for real estate forms like Schedule E and depreciation tracking
- Reliable e-filing and multi-state capabilities
- Integration with QuickBooks for seamless data import from rental businesses
Cons
- Not specialized for complex real estate portfolios or property management
- Steep pricing for full features and add-ons
- Learning curve for advanced real estate scenarios
Best For
Tax professionals managing real estate clients alongside general tax preparation needs.
Pricing
Starts at $449/year for Basic edition; Premium editions with unlimited states range from $1,149 to $2,745/year.
Asignet
specializedProperty tax compliance software focused on personal property tax tracking and reporting for real estate assets.
Integrated full-cycle tax management from appraisal to collections with built-in compliance tools
Asignet is a specialized real estate tax management software suite designed for government entities like county assessors and tax collectors. It provides Computer-Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) tools for property valuation, tax billing, collections, and reporting, with strong GIS integration for spatial analysis. The platform supports the full tax lifecycle, ensuring compliance with state-specific regulations and high-volume processing for large jurisdictions.
Pros
- Robust CAMA and mass appraisal capabilities for accurate valuations
- Seamless GIS integration for mapping and spatial data analysis
- Scalable for high-volume tax billing and collections in large counties
Cons
- Steep learning curve and requires extensive user training
- High implementation costs and custom pricing
- Limited flexibility for smaller municipalities or non-government users
Best For
Mid-to-large county assessor and tax collector offices managing extensive property tax portfolios.
Pricing
Enterprise-level custom pricing via quote; annual fees often start at $50,000+ based on jurisdiction size and modules selected.
Tangram
specializedMulti-jurisdictional property tax reporting and minimization software tailored for commercial real estate owners.
AI-powered appeal predictor that analyzes historical data and market comps to forecast success rates and generate customized appeal documents.
Tangram is a property tax management software tailored for real estate investors and property managers, focusing on automating compliance, appeals, and portfolio oversight to minimize tax burdens. It provides tools for tracking assessments, generating appeals, and analyzing tax savings opportunities across multiple properties. The platform combines software automation with expert consulting services to handle complex property tax challenges nationwide.
Pros
- Specialized property tax appeal automation and tracking
- Contingency-based pricing tied to actual savings
- Robust analytics for portfolio-wide tax optimization
Cons
- Limited integrations with broader real estate accounting systems
- Pricing can be opaque and higher for smaller portfolios
- Interface requires some training for non-experts
Best For
Mid-sized real estate investors and managers prioritizing aggressive property tax reduction through appeals and compliance.
Pricing
Custom quotes based on portfolio size; primarily contingency (20-30% of tax savings recovered), with minimum fees for small properties.
Conclusion
After a thorough review, Lacerte emerges as the top choice, excelling at complex real estate tax tasks like depreciation, Schedule E, and 1031 exchanges. UltraTax CS and CCH Axcess Tax, ranking second and third, stand as strong alternatives—offering advanced modules for partnerships and cost segregation, and cloud-based support for rentals and entity returns, respectively, to suit varied needs. Together, they demonstrate the breadth of solutions available for managing real estate taxes effectively.
Don’t miss the top-ranked tool: try Lacerte to simplify complex real estate tax preparation and streamline your workflow.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison