A licensed tax professional in Germany. They can formally sign off on your return, handle complex cases, and represent you with the Finanzamt. Fees are regulated by the StBVV and depend on your situation.
Free filing in English for simple employed cases, a free Tax Optimisation Report, and a curated network of English-speaking Steuerberater for cases that need one. The handoff is built into the same flow.
Different tools for different situations. Factual differences, no winner declared.
| Feature | Traditional Steuerberater | Financemate |
|---|---|---|
| English support | Depends on the firm | Yes |
| Price | Fees per StBVV, often €300 to €1,200+ | Free self-serve, advisor fees disclosed up front |
| Signs off on your return | Yes | No |
| Represents you with the Finanzamt | Yes | No |
| Self-serve digital filing | No | Yes |
| Tax Optimisation Report | Via consultation, billed | Free |
| Rental income, freelance, joint filing | Yes | Via matched advisor in our network |
| Finds you an English-speaking advisor for you | No | Yes |
| Integrates with broader financial planning | Rarely | Yes |
Comparison based on publicly available information at time of writing. Individual situations vary. For personalised advice, consult a licensed Steuerberater.
Fees follow the Steuerberatervergütungsverordnung (StBVV), which sets fee bands based on your income and the work involved. A typical individual return might land anywhere from €300 to €1,200 or more. Complex cases cost more.
No. Financemate is not a licensed Steuerberater or financial advisor. We provide a filing platform, a Tax Optimisation Report, and a network of English-speaking Steuerberater to connect with when your case needs one.
Only a licensed Steuerberater (or you yourself) can sign and submit your return. Tax software, including Financemate's self-serve flow, prepares your return for your own electronic submission via ELSTER.
Yes. Many people do exactly that. Start with the free Tax Optimisation Report to understand your position, then engage a Steuerberater if your situation warrants it. We can also match you with one.
No. No tool or advisor can guarantee a specific refund or outcome. Your result depends on your actual income, deductions, and personal circumstances.
Yes. Every Steuerberater in the Financemate network is registered with the Steuerberaterkammer and practices in Germany. We curate for English fluency and experience with internationals.
Some specialise in property investment and can help you claim AfA (depreciation), interest, and other costs properly. The Steuerberater is not a financial advisor though; investment decisions are still yours.
A short paid consultation with a Steuerberater is often the right move for one-off questions. Our advisor-match flow can introduce you to one.