Softwr

Accounting · head to head

Lexware vs TurboTax

Lexware logo

Lexware

Accounting

Accounting and invoicing software for German small businesses and freelancers

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
TurboTax logo

TurboTax

Accounting

File yourself with clear, step-by-step tools, or hand it to an expert

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Lexware 50% discount only applies for first 3 months; TurboTax pricing varies significantly based on tax complexity and filing date
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 29 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Lexware and TurboTax actually diverge.

Attributes where Lexware and TurboTax differ
AttributeLexwareTurboTax
Pricing modelsubscriptionfreemium

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Accounting).

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Lexware

  • German business accountingnot TurboTax
  • Invoicing and bookkeepingnot TurboTax

TurboTax

  • Individual tax filing for US residentsnot Lexware
  • Complex tax scenarios requiring multiple schedules and formsnot Lexware
  • Expert assistance or full tax preparation servicesnot Lexware

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Lexware

  • 50% discount only applies for first 3 months
  • Regular prices are double the discounted prices after promotion
  • Pricing is in EUR only

TurboTax

  • Pricing varies significantly based on tax complexity and filing date
  • Final price determined at filing time, subject to change without notice
  • Additional state return fees apply beyond federal pricing

Pricing, plan by plan

Lexware

Free
  • S$3.95/month
    • Belegerfassung und -archiv (Document capture and archive)
  • M$6.45/month
    • Angebote, (E-) Rechnungen und Mahnungen (Offers, invoices, reminders)
  • L$10.95/month
    • Buchhaltung, EÜR und Umsatzsteuer (Accounting, EÜR, sales tax)
  • XL$16.45/month
    • EU- und Abschlagsrechnungen, API (EU invoices, installment invoices, API)

TurboTax

Free
  • Free EditionFree
    • Simple Form 1040 returns only (~37% of taxpayers eligible)
  • Deluxe$59/one-time
    • Anticipated price, for more complex tax situations
  • Premium$79/one-time
    • Anticipated price, for complex tax scenarios with additional schedules
  • Expert Full Service$null/one-time
    • Custom pricing based on tax situation, forms required, and filing date

Which should you pick?

Choose Lexware if

  • You want to start without paying.
Lexware review

Choose TurboTax if

  • You want to start without paying.
TurboTax review

Questions people ask

Is Lexware or TurboTax better?
Neither clearly leads. Lexware starts at Free and TurboTax at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Lexware or TurboTax?
Lexware starts at Free and TurboTax at Free.
Does Lexware or TurboTax run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use Lexware for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Lexware best used for?
Lexware is most often used for german business accounting, invoicing and bookkeeping. Of those, german business accounting and invoicing and bookkeeping are not what TurboTax is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Lexware: How much does Lexware cost?

Lexware pricing ranges from €3.95/month (plan S) to €16.45/month (plan XL) at discounted rates. Regular pricing is €7.90 to €32.90/month. All prices include hosting, backups, updates, and support.

Source
TurboTax: How much does TurboTax cost?

TurboTax offers a free option for simple returns (~37% of filers), Deluxe at $59, Premium at $79, and Expert Full Service with custom pricing determined at filing time. Actual prices are subject to change and vary based on tax situation complexity.

Source
Lexware: Is there a current promotional offer?

Yes, Lexware offers 50% discount for the first 3 months on all plans, then regular pricing applies. The billing period is monthly and cancellable anytime.

Source
TurboTax: Is there a free version of TurboTax?

Yes, TurboTax Free Edition is available at no cost for simple Form 1040 returns. Eligibility is limited to approximately 37% of taxpayers with straightforward tax situations.

Source
Lexware: Does Lexware offer a free trial?

Yes, Lexware offers a 30-day free trial with full XL features plus Lohn & Gehalt (payroll) access included.

Source
TurboTax: What extra fees apply when using TurboTax?

State return preparation requires additional fees beyond federal pricing. Price adjustments also apply based on the version selected and the date you file or e-file, as stated in TurboTax terms.

Source
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