Picture this: you’re living and working in Germany, juggling new routines, and suddenly—tax season hits. But here’s the surprising truth: 85% of taxpayers in Germany actually get money back, averaging around €1,000. The key to unlocking this potential? The right tax return software—especially one designed with internationals in mind.

Why Do Most Expats in Germany Need a Tax App?

Let’s be honest—navigating the German tax system in a foreign language can feel overwhelming. But with intuitive English-language tax apps, the process becomes surprisingly simple. These tools don’t just help you file—they guide you through tips, highlight potential deductions (like your daily commute), and even calculate your refund before you pay.

And with prices hovering between €35–€40, the return on investment is often more than worth it.

What Do the Best Tax Apps in Germany Have in Common?

No matter which app you choose among the top contenders, they all share some core advantages:

• English interface designed for expats
• Step-by-step guidance for maximizing your refund
• No upfront payment—you only pay when you’re ready to submit
• Test mode that lets you preview your refund before finalizing anything

This transparency and accessibility remove guesswork and empower you to file confidently.

Is SteuerGo Right for You?

If you’ve used tax software before and feel comfortable navigating complex details, SteuerGo might be your best ally. This app is:

• Highly detailed with smart pop-up tips and guidance
• Ideal for employees, freelancers, and those with foreign income
• Able to auto-import wage and insurance data from Finanzamt
• Capable of comparing your expected vs. actual refund to spot discrepancies

The trade-off? A steeper learning curve. The interface isn’t the sleekest, but if you value control and detail, SteuerGo is a powerful tool.

Want the Easiest Filing Experience? Try Taxfix

Prefer simplicity and a smooth experience over technical control? Taxfix is designed for you. This app:

• Offers an interview-style process that asks questions one at a time
• Minimizes confusion and decisions—perfect for first-timers
• Is specifically built for employees with straightforward tax profiles

However, it doesn’t support freelancers or complex income types, and it doesn’t verify your final assessment against your submission—so double-checks are on you.

Is Wundertax the Balanced Middle Ground?

Wundertax offers a hybrid experience—more flexible than Taxfix, simpler than SteuerGo. It supports:

• Employees and freelancers, with room for additional income
• A partially guided flow that balances control and clarity

However, it doesn’t auto-import data from Finanzamt, and won’t help compare your assessment for discrepancies. That means more manual input and a bit more risk for errors—but it remains a solid, expat-friendly option.

What About Check24? Can It Work for Expats?

Yes—but with a catch. Check24 is an extremely powerful and completely free tax return tool. However, it’s currently only available in German, which may be a barrier for many internationals.

That said, I personally used Check24 to file my taxes in 2025 and shared the full experience in this detailed video:

👉 Watch: Filing Your Taxes in Germany Using Check24 – My 2025 Guide

If you’re comfortable with German or use browser translation extensions, Check24 can be a powerful option—especially for straightforward cases.

Should You Use Tax Software or Hire a Consultant?

If you’re a regular employee with no complex finances, a tax app is likely your best friend—it’s fast, cost-effective, and designed for maximum return.
But if you’re:

• Self-employed
• Newly arrived or just moved out of Germany
• Earning income from multiple countries

… then investing in an English-speaking tax consultant might yield better results.

Conclusion: Your Refund Is Waiting—Go Get It

Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right app in your language, you can stop dreading tax forms and start looking forward to your refund. Whether you choose SteuerGo, Taxfix, Wundertax, or even give Check24 a shot, you’re already ahead of the game.

And if you’re still unsure, ETAINFI is here to help you every step of the way—from tax filing to finding English-speaking professionals and simplifying your life in Germany.