Tax consulting is undergoing a profound digital transformation. At the heart of forward-looking concepts are tax firm software programs. They provide the necessary tools to manage clients, employees, and work processes, ensuring structure and transparency.

Workflows increase efficiency, simplify collaboration within the tax firm, and optimize communication with clients. Through the automation of repetitive processes, tax firms gain capacity for expertise and individual advisory services.

DATEV is considered an industry leader, yet alternative software providers for tax advisors are gaining increasing significance. All systems offer similar core functions but differ in scope, pricing structures, and present various advantages and disadvantages.

What is tax advisor software?

Tax advisor software are programs with which all typical activities of a tax firm can be handled digitally. Operational processes are centrally controlled and run automatically. The functions are diverse, ranging from digital collaboration within the team and with clients to task and appointment management, time tracking, and invoicing.

Typical areas of application for tax firm software are:

• Financial accounting and bookkeeping

• Payroll and salary calculations

• Tax returns and annual financial statements

• Client and document management

• Task and deadline management

• Client portals for secure data exchange

• Workflow automation for recurring processes

• Reporting and evaluations

In contrast to conventional tax software for end users, tax advisor programs are specifically designed for professional service providers and their complex requirements.

Advantages of tax advisor software

The use of modern tax firm software offers tax firms a range of strategic and operational advantages. Automated processes in accounting, payroll, and deadline management make work processes efficient and save valuable resources:

Time Savings: Time-consuming and repetitive tasks are automated, allowing tax advisors to focus more intensely on consulting activities.

Transparency: A central platform facilitates both internal communication and interaction with clients. Data can be accessed anytime, regardless of location.

Error Minimization: Plausibility checks and automatic controls improve quality and reduce human errors. The software sets reminders and checks entries for completeness.

Client Satisfaction: A client portal allows secure, quick exchange and promotes digital collaboration.

Legal Compliance: GoBD-compliant archiving and interfaces to tax offices support adherence to legal requirements.

Functions and modules

Modern tax advisor software is far more than just a digital tool for accounting today. It forms the organizational backbone of entire tax firm management. Current solutions offer a broad range of features designed to meet the demands of tax firms and ease daily work processes.

Project and task management

Modern tax firm software enables clear and efficient planning of work processes. Tasks are assigned clearly, the filing is traceably designed, and insight is provided into ongoing projects. An overview of task and project management ensures transparency and planning security throughout the tax firm.

Employee management

Efficient team management is a central success factor. A tax advisor software facilitates internal collaboration, enables structured onboarding of new employees, and supports the precise assignment of tasks. Individual access rights and simple user management must be ensured.

Workflow automation

Workflow automation is a core element of modern tax firm administration. Recurring processes such as client reminders, deadline monitoring, or document processing can be automated. Processes are standardized, errors minimized, and valuable time freed for consulting.

Document management

An integrated document management system (DMS) is crucial to reducing paperwork and optimizing workflows. A powerful solution offers features like secure storage, electronic signatures, document sharing, and precise rights management. All documents are archived in compliance with GoBD and are available digitally at any time.

Client management and client portal

A modern client portal is now an indispensable part of a digital tax firm. Clients can securely upload, view, and electronically sign documents. Additionally, the portal enables direct communication with the tax firm and simplifies payment processing, resulting in efficient, seamless exchanges between client and tax firm.

Time tracking and invoicing

Time tracking and transparent invoicing are basic functions of modern tax firm software. Time expenses can be accurately documented, expenses recorded, and invoices automatically created based on this data. This increases traceability and saves administrative effort.

Reporting and controlling

Powerful systems offer extensive reporting functions, enabling data-driven tax firm management. Whether predefined report templates, custom evaluations, or financial metrics—the software provides a clear overview of clients, teams, and tax firm results.

Pricing

The cost of tax advisor software can vary significantly depending on the provider, scope, and service model. Entry-level solutions often start around 50 euros per month for smaller modules or basic functions, while comprehensive complete systems require correspondingly higher investments.

Implementation and support

Before introducing a new solution, the onboarding process should be thoroughly reviewed. A structured implementation process, expert guidance, and reliable support greatly facilitate the transition and ensure seamless integration into existing tax firm structures.

Interfaces and integrations

A powerful software seamlessly incorporates data from existing tax or accounting systems and offers interfaces to relevant applications like email clients, schedulers, CRM, or invoicing systems.

Tax firm software comparison - Market overview

The market for tax advisor software in Germany is consistently growing. The range spans from classic on-premises solutions to modern cloud solutions with integrated client portals and comprehensive workflow automation.

In their fundamental principles, the software solutions fulfill similar functions but vary in equipment and price structure. Which tax advisor software is best depends on the specific needs and requirements of a tax firm.

Below, several all-in-one programs and specialized solutions for tax advisors are presented with their advantages and disadvantages summarized.

The All-Rounders

DATEV (DATEV eG)

DATEV has been the industry standard for decades and offers a comprehensive portfolio of software solutions for tax advisors, including automated accounting processes, payroll and salary calculations, cloud-based applications for HR and goods management, and a communication platform.

Advantages: Wide range of functions, high security standards, numerous interfaces and integrations, high degree of standardization, large community, reliable compliance orientation

Disadvantages: Confusing product landscape with a learning curve, complex user interface, high cost factor, limited flexibility

ADDISON (Wolters Kluwer)

The all-in-one solution ADDISON comprehensively covers all central tax firm processes and is considered the most powerful DATEV competitor due to its variety of functions.

Advantages: Wide range of functions, Portal, mobile apps, cloud connectivity, high degree of automation, modular and scalable

Disadvantages: Less intuitive start and use, outdated user interface, functions spread across different apps, potentially too complex for small tax firms

Agenda Plus (Agenda Informationssysteme GmbH & Co. KG)

Agenda Plus is a proven tax advisor software that combines all key areas like accounting, payroll and salary calculations, tax calculation, office management, and client portal in an integrated solution.

Advantages: Extensive functions, intelligent automation, cloud-based corporate portal for digital collaboration, fair pricing structure, intuitive operation

Disadvantages: Outdated interface, may be too comprehensive for small tax firms

hmd (hmd-software AG)

Tax firms focused on process integration, real-time data, client connectivity, and automation will find a powerful complete solution in hmd.

Advantages: Modular structure, integrated client solutions, high interface and automation capabilities

Disadvantages: User interface and operating concept technically shaped, time-intensive training and introduction, unsuitable for smaller tax firms

BMD (BMD Systemhaus GmbH)

The tax advisor program from BMD is flexibly structured and supports tax firms with a wide range of automation offerings across all areas.

Advantages: High depth of function and wide range of modules, flexible financing and operating model, automation options, scalability

Disadvantages: Confusing due to a multitude of modules, may be too cost-intensive and complex for smaller tax firms

Stotax Tax Firm (STOTaX GmbH & Co.KG)

Stotax Tax Firm is one of the established tax advisor programs and integrates essential functions like financial accounting, payroll calculations, annual financial statements, document management, and digital client communication.

Advantages: Modular structure, AI-supported data processing, automated bank bookings, DATEV integration, cloud connectivity, high legal security, user-friendliness

Disadvantages: Extensive training required, the scope may be too excessive for smaller tax consultations, interface relatively outdated

Simba (Simba Computer Systeme GmbH)

Simba Tax Firm is particularly suitable for tax advisors and medium-sized tax firms seeking a comprehensive, modular solution with a strong focus on digitalization, client integration, and automation.

Advantages: Modular structure, client integration, AI support

Disadvantages: Not very intuitive, pricing structure not fully visible

The Specialized

Steuerboard (Steuerboard Labs GmbH)

With Steuerboard, countless automations and workflows, from client onboarding to automated tasks, can be mapped.

Advantages: Intuitive and user-friendly, individual automations and workflows via Steuerboard API, open ecosystem, transparent price list, fast support

Disadvantages: Classic modules like accounting, payroll, and annual financial statements not included

KanzleiDrive (fino kanzleidrive GmbH)

KanzleiDrive is a cloud-based platform enabling digital exchange of documents, tasks, and communication with clients.

Advantages: Client and data room-related document exchange with unlimited storage, digital signature, automated client onboarding with KYC check, DATEV integration, high security requirements

Disadvantages: Classic modules like accounting, payroll, and annual financial statements not centrally included, time and training effort during introduction

kanzlei.land (TrustStone Software GmbH)

kanzlei.land is particularly suitable for tax firms that want to digitalize their client communication, modernize document exchange, and strengthen client relationships.

Advantages: Device-independent access, DATEV integration, client app with smartphone document scan and direct upload, high security standards

Disadvantages: Not a complete software for finance and payroll accounting as well as closing processes, less comprehensive automation

TaxDome (TaxDome Llc.)

TaxDome combines functions like a client portal, document management, electronic signatures, workflows, invoicing, and task management into a single solution.

Advantages: Automation of various routine processes, mobile and client-friendly, intuitive usability

Disadvantages: Time-consuming setup, classic accounting and payroll functions missing

Lexware neue steuerkanzlei (Haufe-Lexware GmbH & Co. KG)

Lexware neue steuerkanzlei is a tax advisor software primarily designed for small and medium-sized tax firms and convinces with simple usability and a good price-performance ratio.

Advantages: Intuitive operation, quick access to client and address data, built-in modules for common tax types, optimal for small and medium-sized tax firms

Disadvantages: Limited scope for large client bases, no deep automations and workflows

milia.io (milia GmbH)

milia.io is a cloud-based platform focused on digital collaboration with clients, modern workflows, and DATEV interfaces.

Advantages: Document and communication exchange with clients via app and portal, automation and AI support, high data security, community involvement, DATEV integration, user-friendliness, and modern interface

Disadvantages: Not a complete accounting and payroll software, potentially insufficient for larger tax firms with complex processes or extensive requirements, pricing structure, and licensing details not transparent

Selection of suitable tax advisor software – Criteria and recommendations

The choice of suitable tax firm software should be well-considered and structured, as it significantly influences the efficiency and future viability of a tax advisory firm long-term.

A solution only creates long-term value for the tax firm if it meets individual requirements. When choosing tax advisor software, the following criteria should also be considered.

Scope of Functions: The software should precisely reflect the professional requirements of the tax firm. Functions such as asset management, an integrated DMS, or interfaces to existing programs should be available.

User-Friendliness: An intuitive and clear operation shortens training time and facilitates everyday work.

Security and Compliance: The software must be GoBD-compliant, offer reliable data storage, and ideally demonstrate server locations in Germany.

Pricing Structure and Transparency: Many providers offer price calculators that allow monthly fees and possible additional costs to be calculated in advance.

Trial Phases and Promotions: Free trial versions or time-limited promotions offer the opportunity to test the software under real conditions—without financial risk.

Support and Accessibility: Competent customer support, an easily accessible hotline, and direct contacts at the provider are crucial for quick assistance in case of inquiries or technical issues.

Conclusion

Tax firm software for tax advisors is today a strategic success factor for efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainable growth. The right software solution enables significant time and resource savings, reduces error rates, and helps tax firms maintain consistently high advisory quality despite the shortage of skilled professionals.

Investments in powerful systems pay off measurably. Digitally leading tax firms benefit demonstrably from higher client satisfaction, optimized processes, and a strengthened economic foundation.

Tax advisory firms that adopt modern tax advisor software early are optimally prepared for future challenges - from increasingly complex regulatory requirements to growing digital expectations of a new generation of clients and employees.

Each tax advisor software has an individual function spectrum tailored to specific requirements and application areas. Which solution is optimally suited depends significantly on the goals, size of the firm, internal processes, and the available budget.