CloudTax vs smartsteuer

CloudTax is tax-filing software from CloudTax Inc., based in Toronto, Ontario. It supports self-guided filing and options with review or preparation, and completed returns are submitted to the CRA through NETFILE. The Free plan supports simple tax situations and up to two returns; users can choose to pay even $0. Plus costs $39 a year and allows up to 20 returns from one dashboard. The software supports self-employment, investment, and rental income. It can import CRA slips, use AI to extract details from scanned or uploaded tax documents, and connect with Koinly crypto taxes and CloudReceipts. CloudReceipts captures, categorizes, and manages receipts and syncs expenses for deductions. CloudTax is available on iOS and Android, with web and mobile access. Tax data is encrypted on its servers, and CloudTax says it shares information only with the CRA when the user submits a return through NETFILE. Support options include live chat, email, video tutorials, and tax experts. CloudTax has been CRA-certified since the 2018 tax year.

smartsteuer is an online tax-return service for employees, self-employed people, retirees, and students filing in Germany. Its guided interview takes users through relevant questions, while smartCheck looks for errors, plausibility problems, and possible tax-saving opportunities. VaSt can retrieve tax data from the tax office to prepare a pre-filled return, and users can transfer information from prior years. Self-employed users can send EÜR data from Lexware Office through an interface. Returns are submitted electronically to the tax office using ELSTER; amended returns and rental income are supported. The service runs in a browser without installation on desktop, tablet, or smartphone, and its listed platforms include Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. The paid plan costs €39.99/yr, billed by tax year, and a free trial is available. smartsteuer says data is encrypted and stored in German data centres, and cites PCI DSS and SAS 70 Type IIb standards. It also says its systems receive BSI checks and ongoing internal security testing. Email support and a 24/7 AI chatbot are available. Some special cases, including profit determination for agriculture and forestry, cannot be recorded.