Lexoffice is the market leader with the broadest range of functions: payroll processing, the most integrations, and the largest community. It's the right choice if you need a mature ecosystem and prefer to handle your own bookkeeping.
Norman is the better choice if you want less manual work. The AI categorizes transactions, recognizes operating expenses, and submits tax returns directly to the tax office. The entire accounting process—bank import, AI categorization, receipts, and e-invoices—is free. You only pay when you file tax returns.
Features at a glance
Both tools are aimed at self-employed people and freelancers in Germany — but with very different approaches.
Entry price
Free (complete bookkeeping)
From €12/month (tax returns)
From €7.90/month to
€21.90/month for VAT return
E-invoicing
✅ Free, unlimited
✅ From M plan, €13
Bank connection
✅
✅
AI categorization
✅ Automatic, trained on German tax law
❌ Manual assignment
Receipt capture
✅ AI matching
✅ Scanner + Archive
Tax optimization tips
✅
❌
VAT return
✅ From Pro plan, €24
✅ From L plan, €22
EÜR
✅ From Klein plan, €12
✅ From L plan, €22
Trade tax
✅ Included in Klein
❌
Income tax
✅ Included in Klein
❌
DATEV export
✅
✅
Kleinunternehmer support
✅ Own plan
✅
Mobile App
✅ iOS + Android
✅ iOS + Android
Payroll
❌
✅ Add-on from €13
MCP
✅
❌
*As of March 2026. Prices exclude VAT. Promotional prices not included.
What are you actually paying?
The initial price only tells half the story. Here you can see what you actually pay at each stage — and what you get for it.
Just accounting
€0
€7.90 /month
bank, receipts, categorization, e-invoices
Free — no time limit
S-tariff — only receipts and invoices, no e-invoices
Kleinunternehmer
€12 /month
€21.90 /month
EÜR + income tax + trade tax
Klein plan · ZM + income tax included
L tariff · No income tax — you need extra software for that
Full tax filing
€24 /month
€21.90 /month
VAT returns + EÜR + income tax + trade tax
Pro plan · All tax types + AI categorization
L tariff · Does NOT include income and trade taxes
To sum it up:
Norman's complete accounting service is free — bank import, AI categorization, receipts, e-invoices. You only pay when you file tax returns.
With Lexoffice, you pay at least €7.90/month from day one, and for VAT returns and profit and loss statements, you need the L plan for €21.90.
The higher full price with Norman (€24 vs. €21.90) is more than offset by the included income tax, trade tax, and automatic AI categorization.
No credit card required. You only pay when you file tax returns or use advanced features.
What are the differences?
Tax filing
Both tools can submit the VAT return directly to the tax office. But what goes beyond that differs considerably.
VAT return, EÜR, income tax, and trade tax – all submitted directly to the tax office, without ELSTER. The AI continuously calculates your tax burden and shows you in real time what you can expect to pay. You don't need a tax advisor for your annual returns.
VAT return and EÜR from the L plan onwards. For income tax, you need a tax advisor or separate software like Norman, WISO, or Elster. Lexoffice offers tax advisor access with DATEV export – ideal if you already work with a tax advisor.
AI and Automation
This is the biggest difference between the two tools.
Norman is built from the ground up around AI—not added later. The AI is specifically trained for German tax law and automatically categorizes transactions, recognizes business expenses, assigns receipts, and gives you personalized tax-saving tips. When you file your tax return, an AI assistant works with you, filling out and submitting the form.
Lexoffice offers automatic payment reconciliation and receipt capture via app. However, categorizing transactions, assigning receipts, and recognizing business expenses remain your responsibility. Automation is limited to rule-based functions—no AI-powered recognition.
Integrations and ecosystem
Bank integration, document capture, e-invoicing, DATEV export — Norman covers the core functionality. The ecosystem is leaner: focus on automation rather than breadth. No API, no payroll processing.
The broadest integration ecosystem on the German market. DATEV export, tax advisor access, payroll (from €12.90/month add-on), public API (XL plan), and dozens of partner integrations. If you need a comprehensive toolset, Lexoffice is hard to beat.
Language and support
Available in 7 languages — including German, English, Italian, Polish, and more. The user interface, support, and all tax forms are all available. You can switch between languages at any time. Ideal for expats and international freelancers in Germany.
Exclusively in German. The interface, support, help articles, and all documentation are only available in German. Lexoffice is not an option for freelancers who do not speak German.
Which tool suits you best?
Choose Norman if you...
You want to do as little manual labor as possible.
If you want to do your taxes yourself — without a tax advisor
You are a small business owner and want to join for free
If you want to have income tax and trade tax in one tool
You are an international founder and need support in your language
Choose Lexoffice if you...
You need payroll statements for employees
You already have an established setup with your tax advisor via DATEV.
You need many integrations and an API
You speak German and have no problem with manual categorization
Prefer an established ecosystem with a large community.
Ready to spend less time on bookkeeping?
Try Norman for free — bank connection, AI categorization and receipt capture without a credit card.
No credit card required. You only pay when you file tax returns or use advanced features.