According to estimates, one in four Germans does not hand in a tax return, thereby giving away money in many cases. On average, a tax refund of 900EUR can be assumed as an employee. Therefore, it is worth completing the tax return conscientiously and submit to the tax office. For the preparation of the tax declaration, tax programs for the PCMore and more popular. Because in contrast to the manual form, the data can be conveniently recorded in the PC and transmitted directly electronically to the tax office. The tax authorities offer the free software Elster for the preparation of the tax declaration. However, this program is only recommended for experienced users with good tax knowledge, as it does not include tax tips. Only the individual forms can be filled out and transmitted on the PC.
But what do you have to do when choosing a control software Consider alternative and which different variants are there?

desktop control software or cloud solution?

When choosing a control software There are two basic variants: desktop programs and cloud solutions.
Desktop programs are software that is installed and stored directly on your own PC from a program CD or DVD or after a download from the manufacturer side. In contrast, cloud solutions capture all input online in the cloud environment. If you want to use an online solution, you should first inform yourself in advance that the sensitive control data will be optimally protected. Because in contrast to control software on your own computer, the data is stored here in the cloud. On the other hand, online programs can usually be found on the tabletbe used, which offers more flexibility for the user.

The 3 biggest providers of control software

If you are looking for control software in a PC store or on the Internet, you will quickly notice that the market is largely dominated by three manufacturers. These each offer an entry-level version and a more complex version of your control software. In detail these are:
Buhl Data with the complex control software Wiso, and the simpler variant Tax.
The Academic Working Group with the tax software „Steuerparerklärung“ and the entry-level software Steuer Easy
Haufe-Lexware with the online solution Smart Control and the desktop variants Taxman and Quick Control

Which provider you choose is a matter of taste. Therefore, you should try out the respective trial versions of the providers before buying and then decide which program appeals to you the most.

Tax software for special professions

In addition to the general tax software, the major providers also offer additional variants for certain occupational groups. In particular, special software for teachers, the self-employed, pensioners and landlords is offered. If you belong to one of these target groups, you should check whether a special version makes sense for you.

Which additional functions are useful?

In addition to the normal functions for the preparation of tax returns, a tax assessment examiner in particular is a very useful function. Here, the tax assessment is compared with the submitted tax return and possible deviations are presented clearly. This makes a lot of sense, as it allows you to quickly see what has not been recognized and then file an appeal within a month. Again, some programs offer the matching sample letter.