WISO Steuer review 2026
How good is WISO Steuer really?
89/100 points
kosten.org editorial team
Last updated: 2026-02-08
89/100
Points
Based on published terms and features
WISO Steuer from Buhl Data has been Germany's best-selling tax software for decades. With the highest recognition rate in automated document retrieval and support for all types of income, WISO Steuer is the reference against which all other programs have to be measured.
Highlights of our WISO Steuer review
- WISO Steuer scores 92/100 points – the best-rated tax software in our comparison.
- All tax types: income tax, trade tax, VAT, investment income, rental income & more.
- Automatic document retrieval with pre-filling saves a huge amount of time.
- Available on all platforms: Windows, Mac, web and app.
Table of contents
1 Range of functions
33/35
Points
WISO Steuer covers all tax types: income tax, trade tax, VAT, investment income, rental and leasing. Automatic document retrieval pre-fills the tax return with data from employers, insurers and banks – which saves an enormous amount of time.
The proactive savings suggestions analyse your entries and point out missed deduction opportunities. ELSTER integration (the tax authorities' online filing system) allows direct submission to the Finanzamt (tax office).
Scoring (33/35): Almost a perfect score. All tax types, document retrieval with pre-filling, proactive tips and direct ELSTER submission. Minimal deduction for occasionally too many detailed options.
2 Usability
19/21
Points
The interview mode guides you through the tax return step by step – very intuitive even for beginners. Alternatively, a form mode is available for experienced users. The help texts are comprehensive and backed by explainer videos.
Carry-over from the previous year works automatically – data from the previous year is adopted and only needs updating.
Scoring (19/21): Very good user guidance. Minimal deduction because the large number of options can initially overwhelm beginners.
3 Price & licence
16/21
Points
WISO Steuer costs from €35.99 (one-off purchase) or €45.99 as a subscription. Each purchase includes 5 tax filings – ideal for families or several tax years. The free trial version allows the return to be prepared in full, and payment is only due at submission.
Scoring (16/21): Good value for money thanks to 5 filings, but more expensive than pure online solutions. Full trial version before purchase.
4 Platforms
12/12
Points
WISO Steuer is available on all platforms: Windows, Mac, web browser and as an app (iOS/Android). Cloud synchronisation allows seamless switching between devices – start at home on the PC, carry on on the tablet while out and about.
Scoring (12/12): Full marks. All platforms covered with cloud sync.
5 Support & security
9/11
Points
Buhl Data offers telephone support, email and an extensive FAQ/forum. A dedicated tax adviser hotline is available for an extra charge. Hosting and data processing take place in Germany (GDPR-compliant, TÜV-tested).
Scoring (9/11): Good support with telephone and email. Tax adviser only for an extra charge. Maximum data protection points for German hosting.
Pros & cons at a glance
Pros
- All tax types covered
- Automatic document retrieval
- Proactive AI savings tips
- 5 filings per licence
- All platforms + cloud sync
- TÜV-tested, German hosting
Cons
- From €35.99 – not free
- Complex for beginners
- Tax adviser only for an extra charge
- Annual repurchase needed
Conclusion: WISO Steuer review
89/100
Very good (1.6)
WISO Steuer scores 92 out of 100 points and is the best-rated tax software in our comparison. Anyone who wants the best tax software that covers all tax types, retrieves documents automatically and works on all devices cannot ignore WISO Steuer. Only the higher price and the (for beginners) extensive interface prevent full marks.
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