Tax software 2026: the big picture
According to the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), people who file an income tax return (Einkommensteuererklärung) get over €1,000 back from the tax office on average – the large majority of filers receive a refund. Whether it is a desktop program such as WISO Steuer, a modern app such as Taxfix or a browser-based tool such as Smartsteuer, our comparison helps you decide.
The good news: all the programs presented here support the ELSTER interface (the German tax authorities' online filing system) and guide you through the tax return step by step with an interview mode, so you do not miss any deductions.
Good to know
The average tax refund in Germany is over €1,000. If you do not file a return, you are potentially giving away cash! Most programs let you prepare the return for free – you only pay when you submit it.
Desktop vs. online tax software: which is better?
Desktop programs such as WISO Steuer offer the widest range of functions and suit complex tax situations involving rental income, capital gains or self-employment. They cost between €35 and €50 per tax year (WISO Steuer: €35.99 on the discounted subscription, €45.99 as a one-off purchase). WISO is also available in the browser and as an app; the download version stores your data locally.
Online tax software such as Taxfix, Smartsteuer or SteuerGo runs directly in the browser with no installation. Most providers let you prepare the return for free – you only pay when you submit via ELSTER (usually €34.95 to €39.99 per return, Norman €19 for private individuals).
| Criterion | Desktop (e.g. WISO) | Online (e.g. Taxfix) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Required | None |
| Price | €35–50 | Preparing is free, filing approx. €19–50 |
| Complexity | All cases | Simple to medium |
| Data storage | Local | Cloud |
| Platforms | Windows/Mac | All devices |
Which tax software for which type of user?
| User type | Suitable software | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Employees (simple) | Taxfix, Steuerbot | App-based, quick, inexpensive |
| Employees (extensive) | WISO Steuer, Smartsteuer | More tips, better optimisation |
| Self-employed / freelancers | Accountable, WISO Steuer | Profit calculation (EÜR), VAT returns, all annexes |
| Landlords | WISO Steuer | Best support for the rental income annex (Anlage V) |
| Pensioners | Lohnsteuer kompakt, SteuerGo, Smartsteuer | Simple guidance, focused |
Key features of modern tax software
- ELSTER interface: Submit directly to the tax office without a manual upload
- Data retrieval: Automatic import of wage tax statements and insurance data
- Receipt scan: Photograph receipts with the app and have them recognised automatically
- Interview mode: Question-and-answer guidance instead of complicated forms
- AI assistant: Smart tax tips based on your entries
- Assessment check: Automatic check of your tax assessment notice for errors
- Objection generator: Pre-written objections where the assessment deviates
2025 tax return: key deadlines
For the 2025 tax return: anyone required to file who prepares the return themselves had to submit it by 31 July 2026. If you missed the deadline, you should file promptly – the tax office can impose a late-filing surcharge (at least €25 for each month or part month of delay). With a tax adviser or a wage tax assistance association (Lohnsteuerhilfeverein) the deadline runs until the end of February 2027; because 28 February 2027 is a Sunday, it moves to 1 March 2027. The coronavirus-related extensions have expired.
The 2026 tax return can be filed from January 2027; the deadline for people filing on their own ends on 2 August 2027 (31 July 2027 is a Saturday). Programs usually release their versions for tax year 2026 between November and January – until then, the prices above apply to tax year 2025.
Tip: file even if you do not have to!
Even if you are not obliged to file, you should submit a tax return. On average, employees get back over €1,000! Voluntary filing (Antragsveranlagung) is possible up to 4 years retroactively – for tax year 2022, that means until 31 December 2026.
Free tax return: is it really possible?
Yes! You can file your tax return completely free of charge via Mein ELSTER (elster.de). However, it lacks the convenient functions and tax tips of the commercial providers. Most online programs such as Taxfix or Smartsteuer let you prepare the return for free – you only pay when you actually submit it.
Verdict: which tax software suits whom?
- WISO Steuer for maximum features and complex cases
- Taxfix for quick, simple tax returns via app
- SteuerGo as an inexpensive online alternative with good value for money
- Accountable specifically for freelancers and the self-employed