smartsteuer vs TaxAct

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.

TaxAct provides tax preparation through online filing, downloadable software, and a mobile app. Its tools can import tax data and calculate deductions, credits, and refunds. The service covers individual filing and business options for partnerships, C corporations, S corporations, sole proprietors, and tax-exempt organizations. Mobile features include photographing documents, checking progress, filing on the go, and getting expert help. Free federal filing is available for eligible standard returns, but the Free Edition is limited to Form 1040 without attached forms or schedules. It covers listed cases such as W-2, unemployment, and retirement income; investment, rental, business, and self-employed income and expenses are excluded. Other online products can be started free, with payment due when filing. Online Deluxe costs 59.99 USD once, Premier 99.99 USD once, and Self-Employed 109.99 USD once; state filing is additional. TaxAct also offers professional software and Xpert Assist, with unlimited live advice for consumer 1040 products.