This guide lists software that can help you file a tax declaration in Germany. It also shows alternatives to tax software.
Tax and bookkeeping software costs are tax-deductible.1
Tax software for employees
Tax software for employees help you prepare and send a tax declaration. This is how you pay less income tax.
English-speaking options:
You can also file your taxes yourself in ELSTER. It’s free, but it’s only in German.
Tax software for freelancers
Tax software for self-employed people can handle invoicing, bookkeeping, VAT reporting, payroll and more.
English-speaking options:
German-speaking options:
- Lexware Office (this is what I use)
- FastBill
Some business banks help you with invoicing, bookkeeping and VAT reporting. I don’t recommend them. You can have a good bank or good tax software, but you can’t have both in one product. Keep those services separate.
These banks help with your accounting:
- Qonto
- Holvi
- Kontist (read my review of Kontist first)
Alternatives to tax software
- Hire a tax advisor. Use my list of English-speaking tax advisors.
- Join a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein.
- Join a freelancer cooperative like Smart.