Tax Return in Germany: Mastering the Process in 2024

Filing a tax return in Germany is an obligatory and crucial task that applies to both nationals and foreigners living in the country. Not only is it legally mandated, but understanding the German tax system can also help you make the most of various deductions and allowances.

Whether you are employed, self-employed, or have other types of income, this guide aims to equip you with the essential information you’ll need to navigate the tax return process competently.

Who Must File a Tax Return in Germany

Navigating tax obligations can be particularly challenging for foreigners living in Germany, given the country’s comprehensive tax code. In Germany, the requirement to file a tax return is primarily influenced by your residence status and the nature of your income. Understanding these factors can save you from complications down the line.

Residents vs. Non-residents

The distinction between residents and non-residents in Germany is vital in determining your tax obligations.

Residents: If you have a domicile in Germany or spend more than six consecutive months in the country, you are considered a tax resident. As a resident, you are obligated to pay taxes on your worldwide income, which means income earned both within Germany and abroad.

Non-residents: Individuals who do not meet the criteria for tax residency are considered non-residents. Non-residents are required to file a tax return only for income earned within Germany.

Related: Complete Guide To Becomming an Au Pair in Germany

Types of Income

The nature of your income plays a critical role in determining whether or not you’re required to file a tax return. In Germany, you may be subjected to different tax obligations based on your income source. Here are some common types of income that necessitate filing a tax return:

• Employment Income: If you are employed, your employer will automatically deduct income taxes from your salary. However, filing a tax return can help you claim possible deductions and refunds.
• Self-Employment and Freelance Income: If you are self-employed or a freelancer, you are obliged to file a tax return to declare your earnings and pay the appropriate taxes.
• Investment Income: Income from investments, such as dividends or interest, also requires you to file a tax return.
• Rental Income: If you own property in Germany and earn income from it, you must declare this in your tax return.

Types of Taxes

In Germany, the tax landscape is diverse, encompassing multiple forms of taxation. It’s crucial to know which types of taxes apply to your specific circumstances to ensure you are in full compliance with German law. Here are the primary categories of taxation that could be pertinent to you as a foreign resident.

Income Tax

Income tax, or “Einkommensteuer” in German, is levied on almost all forms of income. This encompasses salary from employment, profits from self-employment or freelance work, and even other types of income like rental earnings.

As a foreign resident, your worldwide income is subject to German income tax if you are classified as a tax resident in Germany. For non-residents, only the income earned within Germany is taxable.

Capital Gains Tax

Capital gains tax applies to the profit you make from selling assets, such as stocks, bonds, or real estate. In Germany, this is considered a subset of income tax and is taxed at a flat rate of 25% plus a solidarity surcharge.

If you’ve sold assets at a profit, whether within Germany or internationally, it’s mandatory to report this in your tax return if you are a tax resident. Non-residents who sell assets located within Germany must also declare these earnings.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

While VAT, or “Umsatzsteuer,” primarily affects businesses, it can also be relevant to individuals, particularly if you are self-employed or freelancing. If you are providing goods or services, you may need to charge VAT and declare this on your tax return. Note that different rates of VAT apply depending on the type of good or service offered.

Solidarity Surcharge

A 5.5% solidarity surcharge is generally applied to your income tax and capital gains tax. Originally implemented to support the costs of German reunification, this tax still exists and is applicable to most taxpayers.

Church Tax

Germany is unique in that it levies a church tax on members of certain registered religious communities. While this might not apply to everyone, it’s essential to know that if you are a member, this tax is usually automatically deducted from your income.

Tax Year and Deadlines

In the German tax system, timing is a pivotal element that you can’t afford to overlook. Knowing the tax year and crucial deadlines will help you prepare in advance and avoid penalties associated with late filing. Here’s what you need to know:

Tax Year

In Germany, the tax year aligns with the calendar year, running from January 1 to December 31. All income earned within this period must be declared in the tax return you file for that year. This standardization simplifies the process as it matches the calendar year, making it easier for you to keep track of income and expenses.

Deadlines for Filing

Standard Deadline: For individuals who are obligated to file a tax return, the deadline is typically July 31 of the year following the tax year. For example, for income earned in 2022, the tax return must be filed by July 31, 2023.

Extension with a Tax Advisor: If you are working with a tax advisor (“Steuerberater” in German), the deadline is usually extended to the last day of February of the second year following the tax year. This means that for income earned in 2022, you would have until February 28, 2024, to file.

Voluntary Submission: If you are not obligated to file but choose to do so to potentially receive a tax refund, you have four years to submit your tax return. This is known as a voluntary submission (“Antragsveranlagung”).

Required Documents

Proper documentation is the linchpin of a successful tax return filing in Germany. Ensuring that you have all the necessary paperwork on hand will expedite the filing process and reduce the likelihood of errors or delays. Here are the essential documents you’ll need:

Wage Tax Certificate (“Lohnsteuerbescheinigung”)

If you’re an employee, your employer will provide you with a Wage Tax Certificate. This document outlines the gross income you’ve earned and the taxes that have been deducted over the course of the tax year. It serves as the primary document for income verification.

Related: What Is The Minimum Wage in Germany?

Forms for Declaring Other Types of Income

Depending on your income sources, additional forms may be required:

Self-Employment and Freelance Income: You will need to fill out the “Anlage S” for self-employment income and the “Anlage G” for business income.

Investment Income: If you’ve earned income from investments, “Anlage KAP” is the form you’ll use to declare it.

Rental Income: For income earned from renting property, “Anlage V” is required.

Bank Statements

Your bank statements can provide proof of various transactions, such as income received or deductible expenses paid. Make sure to keep a thorough record for the tax year in question.

Receipts for Deductible Expenses

Collect and organize all receipts that relate to potential deductions. This could range from work-related expenses like travel and equipment to special circumstance deductions like medical bills or educational costs.

Health Insurance Documents

If you’re paying for a health insurance plan, documentation related to your premium payments may be required, as these can often be deducted.

Other Supporting Documents

These may include invoices, utility bills, or educational certificates for any courses or training programs you’ve attended, as they can also be potentially deductible.

Understanding Tax Classes

In Germany, tax classes, known as “Steuerklassen,” are a central component of the income tax system. Your tax class determines how much income tax is withheld from your salary each month.

Although it may seem like a bureaucratic detail, understanding your tax class can significantly affect your monthly net income and potential tax refund. Here’s what you need to know:

Tax Class	Description	Who It Applies To
Class I	For single individuals and those separated but not divorced	Single, separated individuals
Class II	For single parents residing with their child or children	Single parents
Class III	For married individuals with spouses in Class V or widowers	Married where one spouse earns significantly more, widowers
Class IV	For married couples both earning income	Married where both spouses earn income
Class V	For spouses of individuals in Class III	Spouses of those in Class III
Class VI	Used for secondary employment	Individuals with more than one job

What Are Tax Classes?

In Germany, there are six primary tax classes, each designed to suit different personal circumstances:

• Class I: For single individuals and those who are separated but not legally divorced.
• Class II: For single parents residing with their child or children.
• Class III: For married individuals whose spouse is in Class V or who are widowed (only applicable for the current and following calendar year after the spouse’s death).
• Class IV: For married couples both earning income and living together in Germany.
• Class V: For spouses of individuals in Class III. Generally, this class has higher tax withholding rates.
• Class VI: Used for secondary employment. If you have more than one job, your second job will be taxed under this class.

Which Class Might Apply to You?

Single Individuals: If you’re single and don’t have children, you’ll likely be in Class I.

Married Couples: If both you and your spouse earn similar amounts, Class IV might be optimal. If one earns significantly more than the other, Classes III and V might be beneficial.

Self-Employed/Freelancers: If you’re self-employed or a freelancer, your tax class is less relevant for withholding but important for your end-of-year tax liability.

Changing Your Tax Class

It’s possible to change your tax class, but restrictions apply. You can generally change your tax class once a year, and the change must be requested from your local tax office (“Finanzamt”). This could be advantageous, for example, if there has been a significant change in your marital status or if you have taken on a second job.

How to File a Tax Return

Filing a tax return in Germany involves several steps, from gathering your documentation to choosing a filing method. While the process may initially seem daunting, especially for foreign residents unfamiliar with the German tax system, taking it one step at a time will make the task more manageable. Here’s how you can go about it:

Decide on a Filing Method

In Germany, you have multiple options for filing your tax return:

Paper Forms: The traditional method involves filling out paper forms and sending them to your local tax office (“Finanzamt”). The main form for income tax is called “Mantelbogen,” accompanied by various annexes (“Anlagen”) depending on your income sources.

Electronic Filing via ELSTER: ELSTER (Elektronische Steuererklärung) is the official online platform provided by the German tax authorities. This is a secure and efficient way to file your taxes.

Tax Software: Several commercial tax software options can guide you through the German tax return, some of which are available in English. Note that these will generally still use ELSTER to submit the return electronically.

Tax Advisors: If your tax situation is complex or if you’re not comfortable filing on your own, consulting a tax advisor is advisable.

Gather Your Documents

As previously discussed, compile all necessary documents, such as your Wage Tax Certificate, receipts for deductible expenses, and other relevant forms. Make sure all the documents are for the correct tax year.

Complete the Necessary Forms

Depending on your method of filing:

• Fill out the paper forms with all the required information.
• For electronic filing, follow the step-by-step guidance provided by ELSTER or your chosen tax software.

Review and Submit

Before submitting your tax return, review all entries carefully to ensure accuracy. If you’re using ELSTER or tax software, you’ll often get warnings for obvious errors or missing entries. Once reviewed, you can submit your tax return to the tax office electronically or via mail, depending on your chosen method.

Await the Tax Assessment

After submission, the tax office will review your tax return and send a tax assessment notice (“Steuerbescheid”). This document outlines your tax liability or refund. Review it carefully, and if you notice any errors, you can file an objection within one month.

Possible Deductions

Deductions can substantially impact your tax liability, potentially reducing the amount you owe or increasing your refund. However, navigating the world of tax deductions in Germany can be complex, particularly if you’re not well-versed in local tax law. To simplify matters, let’s delve into some of the most common deductions that could be applicable to you.

Work-Related Expenses

Costs incurred directly due to your job can often be deducted. These may include:

Travel Costs: Commuting expenses between your home and workplace are deductible.

Work Equipment: Expenses for items like laptops, office furniture, or specific tools needed for work can be deducted.

Further Education: Costs for job-related seminars, courses, or workshops can be claimed.

Home Office Expenses

With the increasing prevalence of remote work, home office expenses have become more relevant than ever. You can claim deductions for the workspace itself and any associated running costs, such as utilities, provided the space is exclusively used for work purposes.

Special Expenses (“Sonderausgaben”)

These are personal expenditures that are considered to contribute to the general public good or your personal development. Examples include:

Church Tax: If you are a member of a recognized religious community, your church tax payments are deductible.

Alimony Payments: Alimony paid to a separated or divorced spouse can be deductible within certain limits.

Educational Expenses: Costs for school or vocational training can sometimes be claimed.

Extraordinary Expenses (“Außergewöhnliche Belastungen”)

These are costs arising from unforeseen or unavoidable life events, such as:

Medical Costs: Expenses for essential medical treatments not covered by insurance can be deducted.

Moving Costs: If you had to move for job-related reasons, your moving expenses might be deductible.

Childcare Expenses

Parents can deduct two-thirds of the costs incurred for child care, up to a certain limit, provided the child is under 14 or is disabled and unable to care for themselves.

Social Contributions

Mandatory social security contributions, including payments for health, nursing care, pension, and unemployment insurance, are usually fully deductible.

Review Process

Once you’ve filed your tax return, your involvement isn’t necessarily over. The tax office will conduct a review, which culminates in the issuance of a tax assessment notice (“Steuerbescheid”).

This is a crucial document that you must scrutinize carefully, as it details your final tax liabilities and any refunds you may be entitled to. Here’s what to focus on:

Receiving the Tax Assessment Notice

After submitting your tax return, it generally takes between two to six months to receive the tax assessment notice. The timeframe may vary based on the complexity of your tax situation and the workload of your local tax office.

Understanding the Document

The tax assessment notice outlines:

• Your total income for the year
• Calculations of your tax liability
• Any refunds you are due or additional payments required
• Detailed explanations for any deviations from your submitted figures

Discrepancies and Errors

If you find discrepancies between your calculations and the tax office’s assessment, or if you think an error has been made, act promptly. You have one month from the date of the assessment notice to file an objection. This can usually be done in written form or via the ELSTER portal.

Payment or Refund

Payment Required: If the notice indicates you owe additional taxes, you’ll find details on how to make the payment, including the deadline.

Refund Due: If you’re entitled to a refund, this will usually be transferred directly to the bank account you’ve provided.

Record-keeping

Keep a copy of your tax assessment notice and all related correspondence. German law requires individuals to retain tax documents for a minimum of seven years.

Penalties for Late Filing

Failing to adhere to the deadlines for filing your tax return in Germany can result in financial penalties. The German tax system is stringent in enforcing its rules, and ignorance of the law is generally not accepted as an excuse. Here’s what you need to know about the penalties you may face for late filing:

Automatic Extension for Employees

If you’re an employee who is not legally obligated to file a tax return, you have a more generous timeframe. You can file a tax return up to four years after the tax year has ended without facing a late filing penalty. However, after this period, you lose the opportunity for any tax refunds for that year.

Late Filing Fees

For those who are required to file by a specific deadline, late filing fees are calculated based on the length of the delay and the amount of tax owed. The fees can start from a few euros and go up to several thousand euros, depending on how much time has passed and how much tax is due.

Interest Charges

If you owe taxes, an interest rate of 0.5% per month (or 6% per year) will be applied to the outstanding amount, starting from the first day after the payment due date mentioned in the tax assessment notice.

Additional Penalties

In severe cases, such as tax evasion or fraudulent filing, the penalties can be far more significant, including heavy fines or even imprisonment.

Rectifying Late Filing

If you realize you’ve missed the deadline:

• File your tax return as soon as possible to minimize penalties.
• You can also apply for an extension before the deadline if you know you won’t be able to file on time, although approval is not guaranteed.

Timely filing is not just a legal obligation; it’s also in your financial interest. Penalties and interest charges can add up quickly, negating any potential refunds and costing you more in the long run. Being aware of the repercussions of late filing will underscore the importance of adhering to the deadlines set by the German tax authorities.