smartsteuer vs TaxSlayer

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.

TaxSlayer provides forms, calculations, and resources for preparing and electronically filing federal and state tax returns. Its listed capabilities include self-employment, investment, and rental income, plus audit support. Paid products support the IRS forms, credits, and deductions covered by the software, though business and other specialized situations may not be included. Simply Free is limited to eligible taxpayers, with eligibility based on age, income, credits, and deductions; it includes one federal return and one state return and costs nothing. Users can prepare and file federal and state taxes through the mobile app on a smartphone or tablet, as well as on the web. W-2 and 1099 import is listed, and support instructions describe uploading a PDF copy of a W-2. TaxSlayer lists AES-256 encryption for data in transit and at rest, multi-layer authentication, and a dedicated cybersecurity team. Phone and email support is offered year-round for all packages.