Steuerbot Company Profile

Background

Steuerbot, established in 2017 by Jochen Schöllig, Marc Neumann, and Waldemar Wunder, is a Stuttgart-based startup dedicated to simplifying the tax return process for individuals in Germany. The company's mission is to make tax returns quick and easy for everyone, aiming to bring more social justice to the German tax system.

Key Strategic Focus

Steuerbot specializes in providing a user-friendly, chatbot-driven application that guides users through their tax returns. The app is designed for employees, trainees, students, and pensioners, enabling them to complete their tax returns in approximately 20 minutes. The company targets the German market, focusing on individuals seeking a straightforward and efficient method to file their taxes.

Financials and Funding

In February 2023, Steuerbot was acquired by Taxfix, a leading mobile tax platform, from its previous owner, Haufe Group. The financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Prior to this, Steuerbot had been a subsidiary of Haufe Group since 2018.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Steuerbot's platform is distinguished by its chatbot interface, which engages users in a conversational manner to gather necessary tax information. This approach simplifies the tax filing process, making it accessible even to those without prior tax knowledge. The app ensures data security by adhering to the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and transmitting data securely via the official ELSTER interface.

Leadership Team

Jochen Schöllig: Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer. Jochen has been instrumental in steering Steuerbot's strategic direction and growth since its inception.

Marc Neumann: Co-Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Technology Officer. Marc oversees the technological development of the platform, ensuring its continuous innovation and user-friendliness.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The tax preparation software market in Germany is competitive, with several key players offering various solutions to simplify tax filing for individuals. The market has seen significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for digital solutions that make tax filing more accessible and efficient.

Competitor Analysis

Taxfix: Founded in 2016, Taxfix offers a mobile tax platform with over 5 million downloads across Germany, Italy, and Spain. The company has achieved more than €2 billion in tax refunds for its customers.

Smartsteuer: A Hannover-based company providing online tax filing services, focusing on user-friendly interfaces and comprehensive support.

WISO Steuer: Established in 1989, WISO offers a range of financial software solutions, including tax preparation tools, and has a significant market presence in Germany.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The acquisition of Steuerbot by Taxfix in 2023 represents a significant strategic collaboration. This partnership aims to expand Taxfix's market leadership in the tax app sector and accelerate its growth in the German market. Despite the acquisition, Steuerbot continues to operate as an independent subsidiary, maintaining its brand identity and product offerings.

Operational Insights

Steuerbot's competitive advantage lies in its intuitive chatbot interface, which simplifies the tax filing process for users without requiring prior tax knowledge. The app's adherence to GDPR and secure data transmission via the ELSTER interface further enhance its appeal. Additionally, the company's focus on customer support, with guaranteed responses within 24 hours, contributes to high user satisfaction.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Under the ownership of Taxfix, Steuerbot has the opportunity to leverage shared resources and expertise to enhance its product offerings and expand its user base. The collaboration allows both companies to benefit from each other's experience and skills, aiming to offer value to a larger number of customers and accelerate growth together over the long term.