As of this year, here in Germany you are required to transfer your VAT declaration electronically to the IRS - they even offer free Software for doing that. However - how did you guess?! - that Software (currently) only runs under Windows. As of yet there is no cross-plattform, free API that one could use.

However, some companies are now offering a free, web-based interface for transfering your (usually monthly) numbers to the IRS. The particular service I chose was the one with the cleanest website and the friendliest appearance and after using their service for the second time now today I really want to extend them a big fat Thank You! Why? Because the service they offer is a) simple and clean, b) it works and c) no strings attached, i.e. its not cripple- or nagware.

And while you do need to register an account with them, that's more to fulfill their obligation towards the IRS and it is not identical with creating a customer account on their site and they haven't sent me any email beyond what was necessary for registering.

I call that generous. If I should ever need to purchase Windows based accounting/tax software (God forbid! Doubly so!!) my first stop would be collmex ;-)