Side by side
Keeper 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.
Keeper brings expense tracking and tax filing together, with an AI assistant and professional review of filed returns. Check the plan limits: Bookkeeping Only excludes filing, the trial excludes export and IRS submission, and Standard covers no more than two state returns.
Visit Keeper
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
| Keeper | Mein ELSTER | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Standard: $199 a year | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Mein ELSTER |
| Website | keepertax.com | elster.de |
| On personal tax software | #9 of 123 | #5 of 123 |
Keeper: what it does well
- Scans transactions for potential deductions.
- Users can add receipt photos and set rules.
- Returns are reviewed and signed by a tax professional.
- 24/7 AI tax assistant is available.
- Apps are available on Android, iOS, and web.
What to know first
- Bookkeeping Only does not include tax filing.
- Trial excludes deduction exports and IRS filing submission.
- Standard covers up to two state returns.
- Standard costs $199 a year.
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 Keeper Alternatives to Mein ELSTER The whole list