Best Software for the German VAT Return: 2026 Comparison
Mein ELSTER is enough for the German VAT return if you enter the numbers yourself; software pays off when it reads marketplace reports and sends via ELSTER itself. We compare Mein ELSTER, VAT GPT and eight other options. VAT GPT is our own product.
Last updated: 29 October 2026. Statements about other providers come from their own websites, retrieved on 29 October 2026 (quotes translated from German); statements about VAT GPT come from us.
In short
- Law: The VAT return goes electronically to the tax office in the official data format (section 18(1) UStG).
- Mein ELSTER: Form in the browser, free of charge per ELSTER; XML files from software can be uploaded.
- Software: ELSTER lists 639 products on 29 Oct 2026; whether they read your marketplace data you clarify with the manufacturer.
Which software sends the VAT return?
Software whose manufacturer states to ELSTER that it supports ELSTER. In the ELSTER software directory you filter by "Umsatzsteuer-Voranmeldung"; VAT GPT is listed there too. The entries come from the manufacturers.
What this means for you: A directory entry only shows that the manufacturer supports ELSTER. Whether the tool takes over your Amazon or eBay numbers, you check yourself.
Comparison: VAT return software
The table states what each provider writes on the page we checked. "Not stated" means the checked page says nothing about it. Prices without discount, as of 29 Oct 2026.
| Tool | VAT return per provider | Marketplace data | Price per provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mein ELSTER | form in the browser, "free of charge in Mein ELSTER"; requirement "Unternehmer" (business owner) | numbers in the form; XML file from software can be uploaded | "Most tax forms … free of charge" |
| VAT GPT | create monthly or quarterly; send via ELSTER with Pro | import Amazon and eBay CSV reports | Free; Go 30 days free; Pro €49 per month or €444 per year, incl. VAT |
| WISO MeinBüro | "via ELSTER interface directly to your tax office" | not stated | Buchhaltung plan €19.90 per month (annual plan, excl. VAT); function in all four plans |
| sevDesk | "directly to the tax office with one click", "encrypted ELSTER connection" | via the Billbee interface | Plans €0 to €34.90 per month, excl. VAT |
| Lexware Office | via ELSTER, without your own ELSTER certificate | no direct connection; via billbee or easybill | S to XL: €7.90 to €32.90 per month, excl. VAT |
| Taxdoo | "You file the VAT return yourself from the software" and "Your tax adviser files the VAT return" (both on the page) | "Interfaces to Amazon, Shopify, Paypal etc." | no price on the page |
| Amainvoice | not stated | via API with Seller Central | €43 per month up to 200 documents (from 9 Feb 2026) |
| DATEV Unternehmen online | not stated; collaboration with a DATEV member | not stated | €11.56 per month |
| WISO Steuer | not stated | not stated | €35.99 annual plan, €45.99 single purchase |
| Taxfix | not stated | not stated | Basic from €39.99 |
| Smartsteuer | not stated (named: income, VAT and trade tax returns) | not stated | €39.99, payable on submission |
What this means for you: If you only want to fill in the form, Mein ELSTER is enough. If you want a tool to calculate and send, look at the rows with ELSTER filing.
What to look for when choosing
- Period: The filing period is the calendar quarter; with more than EUR 9,000 tax in the previous year it is the calendar month (section 18(2) UStG). The software must support your period.
- Data source: Read Amazon and eBay reports instead of retyping, see VAT return from the Amazon report.
- Sending: Does the tool send itself, or does it only create an XML file for Mein ELSTER?
- OSS: For sales to other EU countries the OSS return is part of the picture; it goes through the BZSt.
- Preview: You see the amount due or refund before sending.
What this means for you: Run one real month in a trial before you commit.
Why we build VAT GPT for the VAT return
- Marketplace reports: Amazon and eBay CSV reports are imported and VAT for Germany and the EU (OSS) is broken down.
- Period: VAT return monthly or quarterly.
- Sending with Pro: via ELSTER directly to the tax office; EÜR, trade tax and income tax as well.
- Fixed price: Pro €49 per month or €444 per year, incl. VAT.
What this means for you: You do the whole filing in one place, from calculation to sending. VAT GPT is not tax advice.
How VAT GPT helps: upload, check, send
- Upload: your Amazon or eBay CSV report and your invoices.
- Check: VAT GPT prepares the VAT return for your period; you review the amount due or refund.
- Send: with VAT GPT Pro via ELSTER to the tax office.
What this means for you: Your last monthly report is enough for the first run.
Frequently asked questions
Which software is best for the German VAT return? It depends on whether you only want to fill in a form or have marketplace reports calculated and sent; the table shows what each provider writes.
Is Mein ELSTER enough for the VAT return? Often yes with few sales: per ELSTER the form is free of charge. More: ELSTER alternative.
Can I upload a file from my software into Mein ELSTER? Yes, if the software produces an XML file you can upload it in Mein ELSTER (ELSTER).
How often must I file the VAT return? Usually quarterly; monthly with more than EUR 9,000 tax in the previous year (section 18(2) UStG). See filing the VAT return online.
Further reading
- ELSTER VAT return guide
- Tax software for Amazon and eBay sellers compared
- OSS software compared
- VAT return for small businesses in Germany
Not tax advice: the content does not replace individual advice.
Sources
- Section 18 UStG
- ELSTER: VAT return
- ELSTER: software directory
- ELSTER: businesses
- Provider pages, retrieved 29 Oct 2026: WISO MeinBüro, WISO MeinBüro prices, WISO Steuer, sevDesk prices, sevDesk Amazon, Lexware help: VAT return, Lexware Office prices, Lexware help: online shops, Taxdoo, Amainvoice prices, DATEV Unternehmen online, Taxfix, Smartsteuer