Side by side
H&R Block Online Tax Express vs Mein ELSTER
Both stand on personal tax software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Online Tax Express provides guided online tax-return preparation with support for several income types and ATO data import. Its plan structure is based on income and deduction thresholds, with higher-refund cases routed to a dedicated professional service.
Visit H&R Block Online Tax Express
Choose Mein ELSTER if you need a free way to submit tax data electronically and want tools for returns, receipts, and tax office messages. The suggested 2025 return is aimed at simple tax situations; people considering einfachELSTERplus should check whether its stated eligibility fits their filing situation.
Visit Mein ELSTERThe facts
| H&R Block Online Tax Express | Mein ELSTER | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Standard: $19, paid once | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 4 | 1 |
| Maker | H&R Block Online Tax Express | Mein ELSTER |
| Website | hrblock.com.au | elster.de |
| On personal tax software | #58 of 123 | #4 of 123 |
H&R Block Online Tax Express: what it does well
- Guided forms and deduction tips
- ATO income pre-fill
- Previous returns in one portal
- Supports rental and investment income
- Free plan available
What to know first
- Web-only access
- Expert help costs extra
- Refunds over $10,000 use Online Tax Adviser
Mein ELSTER: what it does well
- Free online tax service with paperless electronic filing.
- Tax tools include prefilled returns and plausibility checks.
- MeinELSTER+ photographs receipts and suggests values and categories.
- Supports multiple authentication methods, including ElsterSecure.
- Lists support for visually impaired users.
What to know first
- einfachELSTERplus is limited to German residents filing alone with an ELSTER certificate and employment income.
- The simplyELSTERplus description excludes people who need to report children.
- Available functions depend on the selected sign-in method and security level.
Alternatives to H&R Block Online Tax Express Alternatives to Mein ELSTER The whole list