smartsteuer vs TaxDown

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.

TaxDown lets people prepare and submit Spanish income tax returns online from a phone or computer. It is available on Android, iOS, and web, and can import tax details using Cl@ve PIN, a digital certificate, or a reference number. Its Rita engine selects applicable questions and checks more than 250 deductions and allowances; an expert reviews each return before submission. The service covers employment income, self-employment, rental income, investments, and tax notices. For rentals, it calculates income and expenses and identifies deductible costs and exemptions; for investments, it calculates gains and losses and integrates investment platforms. The Free plan calculates a result but does not include expert review or filing. PRO costs €35 a year and includes one return, expert review, filing, and basic support. LIVE costs €45 a year and adds advisers by chat or WhatsApp; FULL costs €65 a year and adds a personal adviser and review of the last four returns. FULL is unavailable under the regional tax regime and excludes traceability and second residence-procedure filings.