Best Tax Filing (Steuererklärung) for Internationals in Germany (2026)
Filing a German tax return (Steuererklärung) isn't mandatory for most employees, but it's almost always worth it. The average refund is over €1,000, and as an expat you may have additional deductions (relocation costs, double household, language courses). Three tools make filing easy: Taxfix (best English app, €39.99), Wundertax (English web tool, €34.95), and SteuerGo (German, most comprehensive, €34.95).
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3 providers found
German-speaking expats with complex tax situations (freelancing, rental income, investments)
English-speaking expats filing their first German tax return — especially employed workers and students
English-speaking expats who want a web-based tool that handles both employed and freelancer income
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€34.95
€34.95 setup + €0.00/mo
€34.95
€34.95 setup + €0.00/mo
€39.99
€39.99 setup + €0.00/mo
Save €5.04 over 12 months by choosing SteuerGo over Taxfix
12-Month Cost Comparison
Cumulative cost including setup fee + monthly fees
SteuerGo saves you €5 over 12 months compared to Taxfix.
How to Choose the Right Tax Filing (Steuererklärung)
If you speak English only: Taxfix or Wundertax. Taxfix has the better app and Q&A experience but costs €5 more. Wundertax is web-based with better freelancer support. If you speak German and have complex income (freelancing, rental, investments): SteuerGo is the most comprehensive tool with phone support. Key tip for expats: You can claim relocation expenses (moving costs, flights), double household costs if you maintain a home abroad, German language course fees, and work-from-home deductions. These can add hundreds to your refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to file a tax return in Germany?
- Not if you're a regular employee with one employer. But you SHOULD — the average refund is €1,063. It's mandatory if you: have multiple jobs, earn freelance income, receive unemployment benefits, or are married filing jointly.
- What's the deadline for filing?
- July 31st of the following year (e.g., 2025 taxes due by July 31, 2026). If you use a tax advisor (Steuerberater), the deadline extends to the end of February of the year after that.
- What expenses can expats deduct?
- Relocation costs (flights, shipping, temporary housing), double household costs, German language courses, work equipment, home office costs (€6/day), commuting costs (€0.30/km), professional development, and health/liability insurance premiums. These can significantly increase your refund.
- Can I file without an ELSTER certificate?
- Yes — Taxfix, Wundertax, and SteuerGo all handle the ELSTER submission for you. You don't need your own ELSTER certificate (though you can get one for free at elster.de).
- Should I use a tax advisor (Steuerberater) instead?
- For simple employment income, a tax app is sufficient and much cheaper (€35-40 vs €200-500+ for an advisor). Consider a Steuerberater if you have: significant freelance income, property income, cross-border tax situations, or complex investment income.