Side by side
Mein ELSTER vs SteuerSparErklärung
Both stand on tax software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
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 ELSTERSteuerSparErklärung combines guided German tax preparation, ELSTER retrieval and electronic submission across web, mobile and desktop options. Users should account for the lack of synchronization, unavailable receipt scanning and limits affecting married-couple assessments.
Visit SteuerSparErklärungThe facts
| Mein ELSTER | SteuerSparErklärung | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | See the plans |
| Plans published | 1 | 10 |
| Maker | Mein ELSTER | SteuerSparErklärung |
| Website | elster.de | steuertipps.de |
| On tax software | #3 of 149 | #7 of 149 |
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.
SteuerSparErklärung: what it does well
- Guided question-and-answer workflow
- ELSTER data retrieval
- Alma tax AI assistant
- Supports self-employment
- Online test version available
What to know first
- No synchronization across versions
- Married-couple separate assessment unavailable
- Receipt scanning unavailable
- Paid license required for desktop filing
Alternatives to Mein ELSTER Alternatives to SteuerSparErklärung The whole list