Filing an income tax return (Steuererklärung) in Germany allows you to claim tax deductions and potentially receive a refund if you’ve overpaid taxes. While not everyone is required to file, many taxpayers benefit from doing so, as the average refund is around €900, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office.

1️⃣ Who Needs to File a Tax Return? (Pflichtveranlagung)
In certain situations, filing a tax return is mandatory in Germany. You must file if you:
✔ Had multiple jobs and were taxed under Tax Class VI.
✔ Are self-employed or a freelancer.
✔ Received unemployment, parental benefits, or sick pay exceeding €410 per year.
✔ Used Tax Class III & V or IV with Factor.
✔ Had additional untaxed income such as rental or foreign income over €410.

2️⃣ Why Should You File a Tax Return? (Freiwillige Steuererklärung)
Filing a return can lead to a refund if the tax office recalculates and overpays. Reasons to file include:
✔ You had work-related expenses (commuting, home office).
✔ You paid church tax and want a deduction.
✔ You had medical or insurance expenses.
✔ You made charitable donations or bought work-related items.

3️⃣ How to File a Tax Return? Tax returns in Germany can be filed online or via paper forms:
✔ ELSTER (Online Tax Office) – Free online portal from the German tax authorities.
✔ Tax Software – Paid services like WISO, Taxfix, or Smartsteuer simplify filing.
✔ Tax Advisor (Steuerberater) – Recommended for complex situations but can cost between €200 and €1,000.
✔ Lohnsteuerhilfeverein (Tax Assistance Clubs) – Affordable help for employees.

4️⃣ Deadlines for Filing Your Tax Return The deadlines for filing depend on whether it’s mandatory or voluntary:
✔ Mandatory filing – Deadline is July 31 of the following year.
✔ Voluntary filing – You have up to four years to file (e.g., until December 31, 2028, for 2024).