Taxfix

Taxfix is one of Germany’s most popular consumer tax return apps, enabling individuals to complete and file their German income tax return (Einkommensteuererklärung) quickly and easily through a smartphone app. Founded in Berlin in 2016, Taxfix has helped millions of Germans and international residents file their tax returns and claim refunds.

The app guides users through a conversational interface — asking simple questions in sequence rather than presenting complex tax forms — and automatically maps responses to the correct fields on official German tax documents. The process takes most users between 22 and 45 minutes, and the average Taxfix user receives a refund of over €1,000.

For expats in Germany, Taxfix is most suitable for those with straightforward tax situations: employees with one or two income sources, typical deductions, and no complex cross-border complications. The app is primarily in German, though the interface is guided and relatively navigable for those with intermediate German.

Taxfix is free to use for simple returns and charges a flat fee for more complex situations. It connects directly to ELSTER (the German tax filing system) for electronic submission. For expats looking for a fast, mobile-first way to file a German tax return, Taxfix is one of the most accessible options available.