Steuererklärung — Tax Return

Why is it worth it?

The average tax refund in Germany is €1051! Many people get €500-3000 back.

Do you HAVE to file?

YES, if:
- You have tax classes III/V (married couple)
- You have income from abroad
- You received Arbeitlosengeld/Kurzarbeitergeld
- You have additional income over €410/year

NO, but it's worth it:
- You work as an employee with class I, IV, II
- But you'll probably get a refund!

Deadline

• July 31st of the following year (for 2025 → by 31.07.2026)
• If you use a Steuerberater → February 28th of the year after next

How to do it yourself?

Option 1: Elster (free)

elster.de — official tax office portal

1. Create an account (you need your Steuer-ID)
2. Fill out the online form
3. Submit electronically

Drawbacks: Complicated interface, no helpful hints

Option 2: Applications (€20-40)

• WISO Steuer — most popular
• Taxfix — simple, mobile
• Smartsteuer — online

They guide you step-by-step and suggest deductions.

Option 3: Steuerberater (€150-500)

Tax advisor. Worth it if:
- Your situation is complicated (business, real estate)
- You don't speak German
- You don't have time

What can you deduct?

✅ Werbungskosten (work expenses):
- Commute to work (€0.30/km, one way)
- Home office (€6/day, max €1260/year)
- Laptop, work phone
- Professional courses

✅ Sonderausgaben (special expenses):
- Insurance (health, pension)
- Donations
- Alimony for ex-spouse

✅ Haushaltsnahe Dienstleistungen:
- Cleaning
- Childcare
- Repairs (labor costs)

How much will I get back?

Calculator: smartsteuer.de/rechner

Typical examples:
- Commuting 30km to work → ~€500 refund
- Remote work 100 days → ~€600 refund
- Work laptop → ~30% price refund

Editorial hamboorg.city · As of: April 2026 · Carefully prepared, regularly updated. Content is informational and does not replace legal advice.