Overview

Basic guides users through a return with questions and provides an initial refund estimate. Expert instead has users answer questions and upload documents for an independent adviser to review and prepare the return; users then confirm it. Both routes submit electronically to the tax office through the official ELSTER interface, which makes Taxfix a practical fit for people who want a digital filing process without giving up the option of professional preparation.

Taxfix also offers a separate solution for VAT-liable self-employed filers, combining bookkeeping, receipt capture, VAT advance returns and an income-tax return with EÜR. It is aimed at freelancers and businesses, not corporations, and is unsuitable for users without a main residence in Germany.

Key features

Guided filing or adviser preparation

Basic’s question-led approach and refund estimate let self-filers see a likely outcome before committing to submission fees. Expert is the stronger choice for users who want a tax professional to prepare the return: it includes a personal document checklist and direct contact with the assigned adviser. The fee can still apply if the return is not submitted, so Expert carries a financial risk that Basic’s free-until-submission model avoids.

Tools for VAT-liable self-employed users

The self-employed offering brings receipt capture, bookkeeping and VAT filings together with income-tax preparation, including EÜR. Taxfix automatically extracts details such as amounts, dates and tax rates from uploaded receipts and invoices, reducing manual entry. Its narrow eligibility means it is not a fit for corporations or people whose main home is outside Germany.

Security and support

Taxfix says it uses encryption to protect data and does not pass it to third parties. It says its servers are mainly in Germany, with any others limited to EU countries, and that it follows GoBD and GDPR requirements. A support centre covers self-prepared returns, Expert, technical issues and tax assessments, giving users topic-specific routes for common questions.

Pricing

Taxfix has a free starting option, paid Basic filing and an adviser-prepared Expert service. Basic charges only when a return is submitted, so users can complete the self-preparation process before deciding to file. Compare the annual subscription with the one-time option carefully: the annual plans renew every 12 months, while one-time payments do not require a subscription.

Plan	Price and terms	Best suited to
Start	0.00 EUR per free; calculates an estimated refund, with filing through Basic.	People who want an estimate before choosing whether to file.
Basic individual, annual	39.99 EUR per year; annual subscription, charged on submission.	Individual filers who expect to use Taxfix again and accept 12-month auto-renewal.
Basic individual, one-time	49.99 EUR per month; one-time payment, no subscription, charged on submission.	Individual filers who prefer not to enroll in an annual subscription.
Basic joint, annual	59.99 EUR per year; annual subscription, charged on submission.	Joint filers who expect repeat use and accept 12-month auto-renewal.
Basic joint, one-time	69.99 EUR per month; one-time payment, no subscription, charged on submission.	Joint filers who want a single filing without a subscription.
Expert	99.99 EUR per month; 20% of the refund, minimum €99.99. The fee can apply even if the return is not submitted.	Filers who want an independent adviser to prepare the return and value direct contact.

Basic’s cheaper annual prices trade flexibility for recurring billing: both annual plans renew automatically every 12 months. The one-time Basic plans avoid renewal but cost more. Start only calculates an estimated refund; filing requires Basic. Expert’s percentage-based fee can exceed its minimum when the refund is larger, and the minimum may still be due without submission. No price is provided for the VAT-liable self-employed solution, so treat it as custom pricing.

Platforms

Taxfix supports Android, iOS and web. Basic works in a browser or through the Apple App Store and Google Play, so users can choose between a computer and a mobile device.

Who it's for

Taxfix is a strong match for German individual and joint filers who want either guided self-preparation or adviser-led work, and for VAT-liable freelancers and sole traders who need bookkeeping and tax filing together. Its filing count is limited to one return, so people needing multiple returns should look elsewhere. The VAT solution is specifically unsuitable for corporations and users without a main residence in Germany.

Pros and cons

Choice of preparation route: Basic keeps preparation in the filer’s hands, while Expert assigns an independent adviser to prepare the return.
File only after reviewing the estimate: Basic is free until submission, allowing users to see an initial refund estimate before paying to file.
Electronic ELSTER submission: Returns go to the tax office through the official interface.
Useful VAT workflow for eligible self-employed users: Bookkeeping, receipt capture, VAT returns and income tax including EÜR are combined, with key receipt data extracted automatically.
Expert fees can apply without filing: The minimum is €99.99 and the fee may be due even if the return is not submitted.
Annual Basic renews automatically: The individual and joint annual plans renew every 12 months; one-time plans cost more.
One-return limit: The service is a poor fit for anyone who needs to file more than one return.
Restricted VAT eligibility: The self-employed product excludes corporations and users without a German main residence.

Alternatives

TelosTax is worth considering for users seeking free, open-source tax preparation for tax year 2025; it also supports Linux and Windows alongside mobile and web platforms.

H&R Block Online may suit filers with simple tax situations who want a free online option; its free plan covers simple situations and Form 1040.

TaxAct is an option for eligible standard-return filers seeking free federal filing, with state filing additional; its free eligibility depends on income and deductions.

EZTax is another tax-filing alternative.

Quicko may suit users whose total income is within ₹12 lakh and who need one app connection, with its Basic plan free.

TurboTax offers a free edition for eligible simple Form 1040 returns, including federal and state filing.

Taxation.ai is a possible alternative for users wanting a free AI-assisted option, with one federal return per year, five document uploads and a basic assistant and deduction finder.

TaxTim is another tax-preparation alternative.

Verdict

Taxfix is a good choice for German individual and joint filers who want the flexibility to prepare a return themselves or hand preparation to an independent adviser, with electronic filing built in. Its free-until-submission Basic route limits the risk of paying before seeing an estimate, and its VAT workflow is useful for eligible self-employed users. Look elsewhere if you need more than one return, fall outside the VAT service’s eligibility, or want to avoid Expert’s potentially payable fee when a return is not submitted.

	Abacus	Taxfix
Free plan	No	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	—	€3.33/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Web	Android, iOS, Web
Taxpayer types	business	both
Document import	Yes	Yes
Filing support	none	—
Free plan	—	Yes
AI tax guidance	—	Yes
Deduction finding	—	Yes
Expert review	—	Yes
Return limit	—	1 returns

Abacus vs Taxfix

Abacus

Taxfix