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🇩🇪Germany

Einkommensteuererklärung

Annual income tax return — average refund around €1,000

Hard~60 minTaxAnnualIncomeELSTER

/ What is this form?

The annual income tax return filed via ELSTER or tax software. Mandatory if you have self-employment income, rental income, or received a letter from the Finanzamt. Voluntary for employees — but almost always worth it, as the average refund is around €1,000.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Self-employed and freelancers (mandatory)
  • Employees with Steuerklasse III, V, or VI (mandatory)
  • Anyone who received a Finanzamt letter
  • Employees wanting a refund (voluntary)

/ What you need before you start

ELSTER account or tax software
Lohnsteuerbescheinigung from employer
Receipts for Werbungskosten, Sonderausgaben, außergewöhnliche Belastungen
Bank interest statements (Steuerbescheinigung)

/ Step-by-step guide

1Create an ELSTER Account
Register at elster.de. You'll receive an activation letter by post within 1–2 weeks. Alternatively use tax software like Taxfix, Wundertax, or WISO.
2Gather Your Documents
Get your Lohnsteuerbescheinigung from your employer, bank interest statements, and receipts for deductible expenses.
3Complete the Forms
Fill in Mantelbogen (personal info), Anlage N (employment income), and any other relevant annexes.
4Claim All Deductions
Add Werbungskosten, Sonderausgaben, and außergewöhnliche Belastungen.
5Submit and Await Steuerbescheid
Submit online via ELSTER. The Finanzamt sends a Steuerbescheid within weeks to months.

/ Key fields explained

FieldWhat to enterCommon mistake
WerbungskostenWork-related expenses above the €1,230 PauschaleInclude commuting (€0.30/km), home office (€6/day), and work equipment
SonderausgabenInsurance premiums, donations, church taxDo not forget Riester or Rürup pension contributions

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Not filing voluntarily (you have 4 years to file retroactively)
Forgetting the Pendlerpauschale (€0.30/km first 20km, €0.38/km beyond)
Not claiming home office deduction (€6/day up to €1,260/year)

/ Frequently asked questions

When is the deadline?

July 31 of the following year. With a Steuerberater: end of February the year after that. Voluntary returns: up to 4 years.