A web-based German tax-filing service with English support, a fixed per-filing fee, and a focus on students, employees, and simple returns.
Free filing in English, a free Tax Optimisation Report based on your actual numbers, and an advisor-match path for cases that do not fit self-serve.
Different tools for different situations. Factual differences, no winner declared.
| Feature | WunderTax | Financemate |
|---|---|---|
| English support | Yes | Yes |
| Price to file | From around €35 per submission | Free |
| Lohnsteuerbescheinigung OCR | Partial | Yes |
| Tax Optimisation Report | No | Yes |
| Matched Steuerberater for complex cases | No | Yes |
| Rental income support (self-serve) | Limited | Via matched advisor |
| Integrates with broader financial planning | No | Yes |
| Signs off on your return | No | No |
Comparison based on publicly available information at time of writing. Individual situations vary. For personalised advice, consult a licensed Steuerberater.
WunderTax typically charges a flat per-filing fee, with student and simple-return tiers. Check wundertax.de for current pricing.
Yes. Filing and the Tax Optimisation Report are free. If your case is routed to a Steuerberater, the advisor sets their own fee and discloses it up front.
WunderTax is explicitly marketed to students with a low flat fee. Financemate's self-serve is oriented toward employed internationals; students with a very simple return may find WunderTax's flow closer to their needs.
Neither self-serve flow is a full rental-income solution. Financemate routes rental cases to a matched Steuerberater who specialises in property investment.
Both submit via ELSTER. Financemate submits through a licensed German tax-tech partner.
A personalised summary of your tax situation, including marginal rate, deduction patterns, and levers to explore. It is not financial or tax advice; it is a structured view of your numbers, with a Steuerberater handoff if you want one.
Yes. You could file on WunderTax, then upload your Steuerbescheid to Financemate afterward for the free optimisation report.
Neither is universally better. WunderTax is a paid, focused filing tool. Financemate is free, includes an optimisation report, and opens the door to an advisor. Pick whichever matches how you think about your taxes.