Features
- ✓Tax return filing
- ✓Self-employed support
- ✓English forms
- ✓5 returns/year
Pros
- English available
- Self-employed friendly
- Multiple returns
Cons
- DIY required
- Complex cases need Steuerberater
Best For
About Smartsteuer
Smartsteuer offers something rare in the German tax software landscape: English language support. For expats, international professionals, and English-speaking entrepreneurs navigating the German tax system, this accessibility is invaluable. The platform guides users through the Einkommensteuererklärung (income tax return) with explanations in English, reducing the intimidation factor of German tax forms. The software supports both employed individuals and self-employed professionals, handling the EÜR (Einnahmenüberschussrechnung) that freelancers need. The interview-style interface asks questions and completes the forms based on your answers, rather than presenting raw tax forms. At €34.99/year for up to five returns, the pricing is accessible. The limitations are clear: truly complex tax situations—GmbH structures, international income, significant capital gains—still warrant professional help. But for straightforward self-employed situations or employee returns with rental income or investment gains, Smartsteuer provides a practical DIY path. For English-speaking residents of Germany seeking to understand and manage their own taxes, Smartsteuer removes the language barrier that makes German taxes especially daunting.
Pricing Plans
- Basic: €34.99/year - single tax return with English forms
- Premium: €44.99/year - up to 5 returns per year
- Multi-return discount: save on bulk filings
English Language Support
Smartsteuer uniquely offers complete English UI and guidance for German tax filing. All forms, instructions, and explanations are available in English, making it the ideal choice for expats and international professionals who want to file their own taxes without hiring a Steuerberater. The guided interview format removes the complexity of raw German tax forms.
Supported Tax Forms & Scenarios
- Einkommensteuererklärung (income tax return) for employees
- Freiberufler documentation and EÜR (business revenue excess calculation)
- Rental income (Einkünfte aus Vermietung und Verpachtung)
- Investment income and capital gains (Einkünfte aus Kapitalvermögen)
- Umsatzsteuer-Voranmeldung support for small businesses
Comparison: Smartsteuer vs. WISO Steuer vs. Accountable
WISO Steuer is more comprehensive and covers GmbH structures, but requires German proficiency. Accountable focuses on freelancers and invoicing but charges monthly. Smartsteuer strikes the balance for English speakers: simpler than WISO, cheaper than Accountable, and specifically designed for the Einkommensteuererklärung workflow.
Who Should Use Smartsteuer
- Expats filing German income taxes for the first time
- English-speaking self-employed (Freiberufler) with simple operations
- Employees with rental or investment income in Germany
- Anyone uncomfortable with German tax terminology and forms
- Businesses with 0-5 employees needing DIY tax filing
Key Workflow: Filing Your Steuererklärung
- Create account and log in with email or ID
- Answer guided interview questions in English (10-20 minutes)
- Platform auto-populates available data from tax office records
- Review and confirm all entries with English explanations
- Receive final tax return ready to submit to Finanzamt (tax office)
- Option to file electronically via ELSTER or print and mail
Related Articles
Reviews (0)
Information on this page is sourced from publicly available data (official websites, pricing pages). Prices and features may change. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information.
Our editorial ratings are created to the best of our knowledge and belief. Are you the owner or provider of this app and noticed that data is incorrect or outdated? Please reach out – we will update the information promptly.
Found an error? Contact us