Let’s be honest if you’re an English-speaking expat living in Germany, chances are the thought of doing your taxes makes you want to throw your hands in the air, mutter something unprintable, and Google something like “Germany tax return deadline” just to get a grip on where to start. (Don’t worry we’ve all been there.)
Here’s the thing: filing your taxes in Germany can actually work in your favor. Many expats end up getting a nice refund. But the when matters just as much as the how. So let’s break it down in plain English with a few side notes for sanity.
Deadlines and Filing Tax Return in Germany
First off—do you even have to file?
This question pops up a lot, especially if you’re employed and taxes are already withheld from your salary. The short answer? Maybe. The long one? Well, here’s when the Finanzamt (the German tax office) expects you to submit a tax return:
- You have income in addition to your main job (freelancing, rental income, side hustle, crypto gains you name it).
- You received unemployment, parental leave money, or sick pay (these can trigger mandatory filing due to something called the “Progressionsvorbehalt” fun word, huh?).
- You or your partner have tax class combinations like III/V or IV/IV with a factor.
- You received severance pay or wage replacements that aren’t taxed at the usual rate.
But even if you’re not required to file, you might want to. Why? Because nearly 9 out of 10 people who file voluntarily in Germany end up getting money back on average, more than €1,000. That’s a pretty compelling reason to spend an afternoon gathering receipts.
Related Guide: How to File a Tax Return in Germany
So… when’s the deadline for a Tax Return in Germany?
Ah, deadlines. That sneaky little ticking clock in the background of adulthood. And the deadline for filing a Tax Return in Germany usually stays the same.
📅 If you’re filing on your own:
The deadline is 31 July of the following year. So for your 2024 taxes? You’ll need to submit by 31 July 2025.
📅 If you’re using a tax advisor (Steuerberater):
Lucky you—you get until 30 April 2026 for 2024 taxes. That’s a solid extension, but don’t wait until the eleventh hour. Advisors get booked up fast.
Oh, and a quick note: if 31 July falls on a weekend or public holiday, the deadline shifts to the next working day. So no panicking if it’s a Sunday.
What happens if you miss the Tax Return Deadline in Germany?
Here’s where things get less fun.
If you miss the deadline and were required to file, you can expect a late fee, it’s usually 0.25% of your assessed tax per month overdue, with a minimum of €25. It’s automatic too. No stern letter, no warning, just a fine on your next tax bill.
Voluntary filers don’t face penalties, but you’ll lose your shot at a refund if you wait more than 4 years. So yeah, there’s a ticking clock even for the “I’ll get to it later” crowd.
A brief pause for a cultural reality check
Let’s not pretend navigating German bureaucracy is a joyride. Between official letters that look like ancient scrolls of doom and tax terms that sound more like spell incantations (looking at you, Einkommensteuerbescheid), it can all feel like a headache wrapped in paperwork.
That’s why a lot of expats use online tools like Taxfix, Wundertax, or SteuerGo. They’re tailored for English speakers and can make the process feel less like decoding an ancient dialect and more like clicking through a mildly tedious quiz. Worth it.
Related Guide: Which Is The Best Tax Return Software In Germany?
One more thing (and it’s important)
If you moved to Germany during the year, or left mid-year, you still might need to file. Your global income could be relevant, depending on your residence status. And double taxation treaties might affect how your foreign income is treated. It’s boring, yes, but skipping it could cost you.
Final thoughts: just file it
Look, we all procrastinate. But German tax refunds can be surprisingly generous, and the process doesn’t have to be terrible especially if you use the right tools or a tax advisor. Just mark your calendar, get your documents in a pile (yes, even the crumpled ones), and take an afternoon to sort it out.
Because honestly? Getting a few hundred or a couple thousand euros back just for doing a bit of paperwork? Not the worst way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Learn how to file a tax declaration in Germany as a Student or file your taxes as an Employee in Germany
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Disclaimer: None of the content in this article is meant to be considered as investment advice, as I am not a financial expert and am only sharing my experience with stock investing. The information is based on my own research and is only accurate at the time of posting this article but may not be accurate at the time you are reading it.