Filing your annual tax return (Arbeitnehmerveranlagung) in Austria doesn't have to be a headache. Whether you're an employee looking to claim commuting expenses or a freelancer managing complex deductions, the right tax service can help you maximize your refund while saving precious time.
Many Austrians leave money on the table by missing common deductions like home office expenses, work equipment, professional development courses, and travel costs. With the average Austrian employee receiving a tax refund of €800-1,200 annually, choosing the right optimization service is crucial.
Here's our comprehensive guide to Austria's leading tax platforms and services for 2025.
Quick Comparison Overview
| Service | Best For | Pricing Model | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxefy | Employees, simple cases | 10% success fee | User-friendly app |
| Lohnsteuer-Ausgleich.at | Standard employee returns | 10-15% success fee | Fast online processing |
| Steuerberatung.at | Complex cases, freelancers | Transparent hourly rates | Certified tax advisors |
| Taxly | Expats, digital nomads | Hybrid pricing | Human + AI support |
| SteuerGo Austria | International users | Fixed fees | Multilingual platform |
| Holvi + Tax Add-on | Freelancers with business needs | Subscription model | All-in-one solution |
🥇 Top Services for Employees
Taxefy - The People's Choice
Why it stands out: Austria's most popular tax app with over 320,000 downloads and the #2 ranking in Finance apps.
Key Features:
- Playful, interview-style questions that uncover hidden deductions
- Completely digital submission through FinanzOnline
- Zero upfront cost - only 10% fee if you get a refund
- Automatic detection of common employee deductions
- Mobile-first design perfect for busy professionals
Best for: Employed individuals with straightforward tax situations, especially those with commuting costs, work equipment, or home office expenses.
Pricing: €0 upfront, 10% of successful refund
Lohnsteuer-Ausgleich.at - The Efficiency Expert
Why it stands out: Lightning-fast processing with a focus on employee tax returns.
Key Features:
- Free refund estimate before you commit
- Fully online process from start to finish
- Success-based pricing model
- Specialized in employee-specific deductions
- Quick turnaround times
Best for: Employees seeking fast, reliable service for standard tax situations.
Pricing: 10-15% success-based fee
🏢 Top Services for Freelancers & Complex Cases
Steuerberatung.at - The Professional Network
Why it stands out: Direct access to Austria's certified tax advisors (Steuerberater) with transparent pricing.
Key Features:
- Network of certified, licensed tax professionals
- Personalized consultation for complex scenarios
- Expertise in business expenses, VAT, and self-employment
- Direct communication with your assigned advisor
- Suitable for ongoing tax planning, not just annual returns
Best for: Self-employed professionals, freelancers with multiple income streams, property owners, or anyone with complex tax situations.
Pricing: Transparent hourly rates vary by advisor and complexity
Holvi + Tax Advisor Add-on - The Business Solution
Why it stands out: Complete financial ecosystem combining banking, invoicing, and tax preparation.
Key Features:
- Integrated business banking and bookkeeping
- Automatic receipt scanning and categorization
- VAT tracking and reporting
- Seamless accountant collaboration
- Real-time expense monitoring
Best for: Freelancers and small business owners who want an all-in-one financial management solution.
Pricing: Monthly subscription with add-on tax services
🌍 Services for International Users
Taxly - The Expat's Friend
Why it stands out: Combines AI efficiency with human expertise, designed with international users in mind.
Key Features:
- Hybrid model: digital assistant + human tax advisor backup
- Expat-friendly interface and support
- Step-by-step guidance through Austrian tax law
- Mobile app with intuitive design
- Multi-language support
Best for: Expats, digital nomads, and tech-savvy users who want expert support when needed.
Pricing: Tiered pricing based on complexity
SteuerGo Austria - The International Platform
Why it stands out: Specifically designed for non-German speakers working in Austria.
Key Features:
- Full English and German language support
- TÜV-certified security standards
- Built-in optimization tips and suggestions
- User-friendly interface for international professionals
- Comprehensive guide to Austrian tax deductions
Best for: English-speaking professionals, expats, and anyone preferring non-German interfaces.
Pricing: Fixed fee structure
💡 Free Tools & Resources
TheTax.at Calculator Suite
Before committing to a paid service, get a free estimate with our comprehensive calculators:
- Net Salary Calculator - Calculate your monthly take-home pay
- Tax Refund Estimator - Predict your potential refund
- Freelancer Tax Calculator - Estimate taxes for self-employed income
These tools help you understand your tax situation and make informed decisions about which service to choose.
🎯 How to Choose the Right Service
Step 1: Assess Your Tax Complexity
Simple (Choose Taxefy or Lohnsteuer-Ausgleich.at):
- Single employment income
- Standard deductions (commuting, work equipment)
- No rental income or investments
Complex (Choose Steuerberatung.at or Holvi):
- Self-employed or freelance income
- Multiple income sources
- Property rental or significant investments
- International income or assets
Step 2: Consider Your Preferences
Tech-Savvy Users: Taxefy, Taxly Traditional Approach: Steuerberatung.at International Users: SteuerGo, Taxly Business Owners: Holvi, Steuerberatung.at
Step 3: Compare Costs
Success-Based Fees (10-15%): Great if you're unsure about getting a refund Fixed Fees: Better for complex cases with guaranteed refunds Subscription Models: Ideal for ongoing business needs
📋 Common Austrian Tax Deductions Not to Miss
Regardless of which service you choose, ensure these common deductions are included:
For Employees:
- Commuting expenses (Pendlerpauschale)
- Home office costs (up to €300 without receipts)
- Work equipment and clothing
- Professional development and training
- Union dues and professional memberships
For Freelancers:
- Business equipment and software
- Office rent and utilities
- Professional insurance
- Marketing and networking expenses
- Vehicle expenses for business use
🚀 Getting Started: Your Action Plan
- Estimate Your Situation: Use our free calculator to get a baseline
- Choose Your Service: Based on complexity and preferences
- Gather Documents: Employment certificates, receipts, expense records
- Submit Early: File between January-June for fastest processing
- Track Your Refund: Most refunds arrive within 4-8 weeks
💼 Why Professional Tax Optimization Matters
The Austrian tax system offers numerous legitimate ways to reduce your tax burden, but navigating them requires expertise. Professional services typically pay for themselves by:
- Finding overlooked deductions worth hundreds of euros
- Ensuring compliance with changing tax laws
- Saving time - hours of research and paperwork
- Reducing stress through expert guidance
- Maximizing future planning opportunities
🎉 Ready to Optimize Your Austrian Taxes?
Don't leave money on the table this tax season. Whether you choose a user-friendly app like Taxefy for simple employee returns or connect with certified advisors through Steuerberatung.at for complex situations, the right service will more than pay for itself.
Start with our free tools:
Remember: The average Austrian employee gets back €800-1,200 annually. Make sure you're getting your fair share!
Have questions about Austrian tax optimization? Visit TheTax.at for more calculators, guides, and expert insights to help you navigate Austria's tax landscape with confidence.