Quick Answer
- What it is:
- Tax Declaration — a tax procedure in Germany.
- Deadline:
- No strict deadline
- Steps:
- 5 steps
- Cost:
- Free
- Documents:
- 7 required
- Legal basis:
- EStG §25
Miss the deadline? Late filing surcharge: min EUR 25/month, up to 10% of assessed tax (AO §152)
Important Deadlines
Filing deadline (without tax advisor)
Late filing surcharge: min EUR 25/month, up to 10% of assessed tax (AO §152)
Filing deadline (with tax advisor)
Objection deadline after Steuerbescheid
Required Documents
- ✓Lohnsteuerbescheinigung (wage tax certificate from employer)
- ✓Steuer-ID (tax identification number)
- ✓Bank account details for refund
- ✓Receipts for deductible expenses (Werbungskosten)
- ✓Health/pension insurance certificates
- ✓Donation receipts (Spendenbescheinigungen)
- ✓Rental income/expense documentation (if applicable)
Step-by-Step Guide
Gather all tax-relevant documents: Lohnsteuerbescheinigung, receipts, insurance certificates.
Pro tip: Your employer sends the Lohnsteuerbescheinigung electronically to the Finanzamt by end of February.
Choose your filing method: ELSTER (free, official), tax software (WISO, SteuerSparErklärung), or Steuerberater (tax advisor).
Pro tip: First-time expats benefit hugely from a Steuerberater — average refund is EUR 1,051.
Fill in the Mantelbogen (main form) and relevant Anlagen (appendices): Anlage N (employment), Anlage Vorsorgeaufwand (insurance), etc.
Submit electronically via ELSTER or mail to your local Finanzamt.
Receive your Steuerbescheid (tax assessment). Check it carefully — you have 1 month to file an Einspruch (objection).
Fees
Legal Basis
Also Known As
This procedure is commonly searched under these names:
Official Resources
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