In today's article, we'll show you how to apply for a tax refund in Germany. Is this your first year living in the country? If so, there's a good chance you can get some money back. On average, nine out of ten people who file a tax return receive a refund. Read on to learn how:
To obtain a tax refund in Germany, residents must file a tax return (Steuererklärung) with their local tax office (Finanzamt), usually via the ELSTER online portal or via tax software, within 4 years if it is a voluntary filing.
Key steps include collecting income certificates (Lohnsteuerbescheinigung) and receipts for deductible expenses (work, home office, commuting) in order to claim the refund.
Do I need to make a tax declaration in Germany?
No, it is not compulsory to file an income tax return in Germany if you are a salaried employee subject to withholding tax. However, the, You are obliged to file a tax return if any of the following situations apply:
You are self-employed, i.e. you are self-employed or have your own business.
You have multiple sources of income.
You have received income from abroad.
You are married and have opted for tax class 3 or 5 (see below).
You have received more than €410 in social benefits (such as child benefit, sickness benefit, maternity benefit or unemployment benefit).
You are divorced and you or your ex-partner remarries in the same year.
You have received extraordinary income, such as severance pay.
You wish to claim tax deductions (see below).
The tax office sends you a letter asking you to file a tax return (even if none of the above situations apply to you).
ELSTER
If you want to complete your tax return online, you can use the website called «ELSTER». However, it is still possible to download all the necessary forms, complete them and then send them to your local tax office.
If you decide to do it online, the procedure is carried out through the electronic system of the tax office. ELSTER (Elektronische Steuererklärung), designed by the Federal Central Tax Office. There you will have to create an account and follow the steps to submit the application.
Data required for tax declaration forms in Germany
Before completing your income tax return forms, make sure you have prepared the necessary information. Here are the documents you will need:
Your tax identification number / tax number (if you have one).
The contact details of your local tax office (Finanzamt).
The IBAN of your German bank account.
Your annual withholding tax certificate (Lohnsteuerbescheinigung), which is normally issued automatically by your employer at the end of the tax year.
Receipts or proof of payment for tax deductions (if applicable; see below).
What is my tax class?
To complete your tax return, you will also need to know your tax class (Steuerklasse). This is usually assigned by the tax office when you first register in Germany and depends mainly on your marital status.
Your tax class also appears on the annual withholding tax certificate (Lohnsteuerbescheinigung) provided by your employer.
You can find out more about tax classes and how to change them on our page on Taxation in Germany.
What is the deadline for filing a tax return in Germany?
If you are required to file a tax return, you can do so between 1 January and 31 July of the following year (e.g. 31 July 2026 for the tax year 2025).
If necessary, you can apply for an extension at your local tax office, which is usually granted automatically. If you use a tax advisor, the tax office usually automatically extends the deadline until the end of February of the following year (e.g. 28 February 2027 for the tax year 2025).
If you file your return voluntarily, you can claim refunds for up to four previous years. For example, in 2026 you can file returns for 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
Are you interested in filing your tax return and claiming your refund, but have no tax knowledge?
In that case, let's take a look at the one that is Germany's most popular tax application: Taxfix.
What is Taxfix?
Taxfix is a European financial application that helps people in Germany to file their taxes in a simple way, even if they have no prior knowledge of taxation.
It is designed to employees, students, pensioners and others.
Allows you to file your tax return by answering simple step-by-step questions or by using the Expert Service.
There is two options:
Do the taxes yourself via the app for a fixed fee (from 39,99 €).
Use the Expert Service (from 99,99 €) for an independent tax advisor to take care of everything.
The process is designed to to be completed in minutes.
Use ELSTER to securely transmit data directly to the tax office.
In short, Taxfix simplifies the entire tax process and allows users to claim their refund without hassle and tedious paperwork.
How Taxfix works:
- Register and create an account
Download the app or log in from your browser and create your account with your email address and a secure password. Answering questions step by step
The app guides you with simple questions about your personal situation, income, deductible expenses and other tax circumstances.Calculation of the estimated return
Based on your answers, Taxfix immediately calculates a estimation of your possible tax refund before sending the declaration.Choosing the method of presentation
Do it yourself: File your tax return on your own with a one-off payment (from €39.99).
Expert Service: An independent tax advisor prepares and sends your tax return (from €99.99).
Safe delivery to the tax office
Taxfix uses ELSTER, The official German system for sending your declaration directly to the Finanzamt in a secure way.Receive confirmation and follow-up
Once submitted, you will receive confirmation and you will be able to track the status of your return within the app.
The app guides users through simple questions in plain language, instead of complicated forms. Calculate free of charge a estimation of your return before sending the declaration.
Taxfix can be accessed by both from the app on your smartphone (iOS/Android) as from a web browser.
You can also see a simple video with step-by-step instructions to guide you through the whole process.
Filing your taxes in Germany doesn't have to be complicated. With tools like Taxfix, even those with no prior tax knowledge can complete their tax return quickly, safely and with confidence. Take the first step today and claim the refund you could receive - you'll be surprised how much money you could get back!
Other articles that may be of interest to you:
- How to join a German public insurance?-> Learn step by step how to get your krankenkasse and social security number!
- Insurance in Germany, which ones you need and how to choose them -> Find out which insurances are most important in Germany: which are compulsory, which are recommended and how much they cost.
