ELSTER alternative: which software can you use instead of Mein ELSTER?

An alternative to the form in Mein ELSTER is tax software that supports ELSTER. ELSTER itself says you can use any other tax software that supports ELSTER. On a separate page ELSTER lists 636 software products for this, which you can filter by operating system and by the forms they support. For authenticated submission of your tax data you need the one-time registration in Mein ELSTER even then.

Last updated: 26 October 2026. All statements about ELSTER refer to this date.

The essentials in brief

Two routes: Most tax forms, among them the advance VAT return, are free in Mein ELSTER. Or you use tax software that supports ELSTER.
The list: ELSTER shows 636 products on a page called “Softwareprodukte, die ELSTER unterstützen” (software products that support ELSTER). The manufacturers have stated to ELSTER that their software supports ELSTER.
Filters: You can filter by operating system (Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Linux, Android) and by supported forms and functions, for example advance VAT return, annual VAT return or tax registration questionnaire.
Registration: If you submit yourself, you need the one-time registration in Mein ELSTER for authenticated submission, also with software.
Decision: Which software fits depends on your forms and your data, not on a ranking.

What does “alternative to ELSTER” mean?

Mein ELSTER is ELSTER’s online tax office: you fill in the forms in your browser. The alternative is a program from another manufacturer that supports ELSTER: you enter your figures there and not in the ELSTER form. For every product, check whether it covers exactly the forms you need.

The three routes at a glance

Route	What it means	Fits if
Mein ELSTER	Forms in the browser, free, one-time registration	you have few figures and like to work in the form yourself
Tax software with ELSTER support	A program or online service from a manufacturer on ELSTER’s list	you want to take over figures from other sources or prepare several returns in one place
Power of attorney for another person	You can submit powers of attorney electronically to the tax office	you do not want to file the returns yourself

A comparison of Mein ELSTER and software for online sellers is in ELSTER yourself or software?. An overview of advance-return software is in VAT return software for Amazon sellers compared.

Checklist: what to look for in software

Is it on ELSTER’s list? Look for the manufacturer on the page “Softwareprodukte, die ELSTER unterstützen”. The entries rest on the manufacturers’ statements.
Does it support your form? Filter the list by the form you need, for example advance VAT return, annual VAT return, trade tax return or tax registration questionnaire.
Does it run on your device? The list can be filtered by operating system.
Does it take over your data? Does the import match your source, for example marketplace reports or a spreadsheet? ELSTER’s list does not show this: ask the manufacturer or try a trial version.
Does it cover your returns? If you need more than the advance VAT return, for example the OSS return, check that separately. Details: OSS return for online sellers.
Can you check the figures before anything is sent? A preview before sending is not a luxury.

Common mistakes

Treating software with an ELSTER connection as an “ELSTER replacement”. Even then the registration in Mein ELSTER remains necessary.
Looking only at the list. A product being listed does not tell you whether it handles exactly your form. That is what the filter by forms is for.
Letting the price decide alone. Mein ELSTER is free; whether another route pays off depends on how much work it takes off your hands.
Not testing. Try the software with one real month before you commit.

How it works with VAT GPT

VAT GPT is one route for online sellers whose figures come from Amazon and eBay reports:

Upload files: your Amazon or eBay CSV reports and your invoices. The AI reads amounts, countries and tax rates.
Check the result: VAT GPT breaks down the VAT for Germany and the EU (OSS) and prepares the advance return – monthly or quarterly. Before sending, you see what you pay or get refunded.
Send: with VAT GPT Pro via ELSTER directly to the tax office.

Everything is in one place: advance VAT return, OSS return, annual VAT return, EÜR, trade tax and income tax returns. With Go you use all Pro features free of charge for 30 days. Get to know VAT GPT or create an account right away.

What VAT GPT does not do

VAT GPT is not tax advice – for example on which route is right for you.
VAT GPT does not prepare corporation tax returns (for example for a GmbH or UG).
VAT GPT reads Amazon and eBay reports as CSV files; there is no direct connection to Seller Central.

What does VAT GPT cost?

Free (basic features, free of charge), Go (30 days free with all Pro features), Pro €49 per month or €444 per year, each including VAT.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an alternative to ELSTER? For submission to the tax office, tax software also uses ELSTER. An alternative to the form in Mein ELSTER is software that supports ELSTER; ELSTER keeps a list of 636 products for this.

Can I file the advance VAT return without Mein ELSTER? Yes, with software that supports ELSTER and handles the advance return. You still need the registration in Mein ELSTER for authenticated submission.

Is Mein ELSTER free? ELSTER says most tax forms, among them the advance VAT return, are free in Mein ELSTER. The registration is free and one-time.

How do I know whether software supports ELSTER? Look at the list on elster.de. There the manufacturers have stated to ELSTER that their software supports ELSTER.

Can I have someone else file for me? You can submit powers of attorney electronically to your tax office.

Do I have to buy software? No. For many forms Mein ELSTER is enough. Software is worth it if it takes work off your hands, for example when taking over many marketplace figures.