German income tax refund: how to get your money back
We specialize in handling tax refunds for individuals who have legally worked in Germany and whose employers have paid income tax in advance on their earnings. By working with us, you can reclaim your overpaid taxes from Germany efficiently. We provide support at every stage of the process.
Tax declaration formalities in Germany
If you have worked in Germany, you can apply for a tax refund up to four years after the tax year. However, the sooner you submit your documents, the faster you’ll receive your refund.
If you’re missing any required documents, we can assist in requesting them from the Finanzamt (German tax office). With our support, you gain a trusted partner who will represent you in administrative matters and handle all formalities on your behalf.
We offer transparent and flexible cooperation terms, including various payment options to suit your needs. Our team is here to provide full assistance at every step. We recommend contacting our main office for more details. Let us make your German tax declaration simple and stress-free!
Our clients have received an average of 1270 € as a refund from Germany
| Other companies |  | |
| Document verification | R | R |
| Basic tax calculation | Q | R |
| Tax declaration preparation | R | R |
| Consideration of all benefits and expenses | Q | R |
| Submission to foreign tax office | R | R |
| Translation of tax authority letters | Q | R |
| Review of received tax notices | Q | R |
| Responses to tax office letters | Q | R |
| Phone communication with tax authorities | Q | R |
| Verification of final tax decision | Q | R |
| Appeal submission (if needed) | Q | R |
TimeTax 360 – The most comprehensive tax service on the market
If you’re filing a foreign tax return for the first time and feel overwhelmed—don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! We handle the entire process from start to finish, including tax calculation, filing, and dealing with tax authorities abroad.
Our experts will review your documents, apply all applicable deductions, and ensure you get the best refund possible. You remain in control of the process—we send tax office letters directly to your address, and if you need help translating or responding, we’ll assist you every step of the way.
If the final tax decision significantly differs from our calculation, we will prepare an appeal for you. With TimeTax, you don’t have to stress over any stage of the process—we take care of everything, saving you time and effort.
Choose our turnkey service and enjoy peace of mind. Use our user-friendly app (available on iOS and Android) or our online platform. With TimeTax, even your first foreign tax return is hassle-free!
Price list for tax settlement from Germany
| service | price |
Individual tax settlement in GermanyOur service is designed for those who work in Germany and file their own tax return without taking their spouse's income into account. We offer comprehensive support in the preparation of your tax return, including German tax credits, refunds and deductions. With our help, you will minimize the risks of errors and make the most of all possible refunds you are entitled to. Trust the professionals to get your taxes done correctly and hassle-free! |
120 €
or
14% of the refund amount
(not less than 120 €) |
Common tax settlement in GermanyThis service is designed for spouses who want to take advantage of more favorable tax conditions in Germany. We take care of the preparation of the declaration, taking into account all available exemptions, differences in income between spouses and joint taxation. With our help, you can optimize your refund amount and be sure that your declaration is fully compliant with German law. Entrust your taxes to professionals and get the maximum benefit! |
120 €
or
14% of the refund amount
(not less than 120 €) |
Individual tax settlement in Germany
- customized tax calculation service from Germany
- preliminary calculation
- support in the preparation of declarations
- German tax incentives
- accounting of per diem allowances and deductions
- Document verification and contact with tax authorities
- appeal preparation
Common tax settlement in Germany
- customized tax calculation service from Germany
- preliminary calculation
- support in the preparation of declarations
- German tax incentives
- accounting of per diem allowances and deductions
- Document verification and contact with tax authorities
- appeal preparation
TimeTax Online
Worked abroad and need to calculate your tax refund? Now you can do it quickly and easily—online!
With our app, you can calculate your foreign tax refund from anywhere. Simply answer a few questions, upload the required documents, and we’ll take care of the rest—all in just 10 minutes!
With over 18 years of experience (since 2006), we know all the tax regulations inside out. Our team ensures accurate calculations, factoring in all deductions and expenses to secure the best possible refund for you.
With TimeTax Online, you get:
- Accurate refund calculations
- Time savings—file remotely
- Stress-free tax management
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FAQ
What period covers the tax year in Germany?
The tax year runs from January 1 to December 31 of the relevant calendar year. During this time, while working in Germany, collect all proof of expenses and tax deductions to which you are entitled.
What is the deadline for filing a tax return in Germany?
In 2025, the last year for which taxes can be calculated from Germany is 2021. The tax return for this year must be received by 31.12.2025. After this deadline, it will not be possible to send the return to the office – such functions in the accounting software will be blocked and the sent paper return will be rejected. You can also file a return in 2025 for:
– 2023, the deadline for receiving a return for that year is December 31, 2027.
– 2022, the deadline for receiving a return for that year is December 31, 2026.
When to pay the tax?
You can pay your German tax for the previous year as soon as you have the necessary documents. If all your employers have already filed their tax returns for the previous year and you have received an EU/EWR form from the tax authorities in another EU country – you can pay your German tax! Apply for a tax calculation today!
What period the tax year covers?
It is important to remember that the tax year runs from January 01 to December 31 of the relevant calendar year. During this time, while working in Germany, collect all proof of expenses and tax benefits to which you are entitled.
What is the deadline for filing a declaration in Germany?
If you have worked in Germany and you have a filing obligation, you generally have to file by 31.07.
What documents do I need to get a tax refund from Germany?
In order to receive a tax refund, you must provide documentation to prove your income earned in Germany. A tax card, or Lohnsteuerbescheinigung, is an annual card that proves how much you earned from a particular employer during the year. If you have had more than one employer, please provide us with all the tax certificates you have received.
On the other hand, if you have not received such certificates, you can provide an Abrechnung, i.e. a monthly payslip for each working day. The document, which relates to the last month of employment with each employer for the relevant tax year, must contain the same data as shown on the tax card.
For tax refunds, you must also present an EU/EWR certificate that proves your income earned in a country other than Germany, e.g. Poland.
The Lohnsteuerbescheinigung, the corresponding Abrechnung and the completed EU/EWR form are necessary documents for the correct completion of the income tax return.
What is the Bescheinigung EU/EWR and how to obtain it?
The EU/EWR certificate (Bescheinigung) is a document that you need to pay taxes in Germany. This form confirms your income earned outside Germany. In order to fill in the form correctly, you must show your global income on the form.
How to recover a lost tax card from Germany?
If you do not have the necessary documents, this does not mean that you cannot get a tax refund from Germany. You can count on our help.
We will write a letter for you to the relevant tax office asking them to send us the address details they have for you. At the same time, we will provide the name of your employer and the period of employment. To receive this service, please download the Tax Card Reinstatement Application Packet.
However, it may happen that the German tax office does not have the necessary information about you. We therefore recommend that you first contact your employer to obtain this document. Please note that they are obliged to issue you a tax card by the end of February.
Do I have to file a tax return from Germany every year?
It depends on whether you have a tax obligation. If you are obliged to file an income tax return, under German law this means that you have to file it every year. If you fail to file an income tax return, the authorities can, firstly, send you a request and even charge you fines and penalties for late filing of your tax return.
If you have no tax liability, you do not have to file a return. However, it is worth considering whether filing a return will be beneficial to you. Even after a short period of time, there is a good chance that the calculation of the return will end up with a substantial tax refund.
Who is liable to pay tax in Germany?
Individuals who are tax residents of Germany are obliged to file an annual return of a certain fiscal year in Germany. This status is granted to individuals who have been permanently resident in Germany or for more than six months and have therefore received unlimited tax liability.
Generally, a tax liability arises for people who meet at least one of the following conditions:
- the taxpayer has received a Steuernummer (usually persons who have already settled in DE before, as the Steuernummer is issued after settlement. It is indicated in the tax assessment notice).
- the taxpayer receives a so-called Steuerfreibetrag (relief at the request of the employer – this is indicated on the tax card) from the tax office
- the taxpayer has been assigned the third or sixth tax class – Steuerklasse 3 or 6
- Taxpayers with a registered business in Germany (Gewerbe)
- German pension recipients
- welfare recipients in Germany
- who receive income from outside Germany of more than 410 euros in a given tax year.
How high are the tax-free amounts in Germany?
2021 = 9 744,00 €
2022 = 10 347,00 €
2023 = 10 908,00 €
2024 = 11 604,00 €
2025 = 12 096,00 €
Which tax benefits and expenses I can take into account when calculating my tax return from Germany?
In individual and joint tax returns, you can take advantage of tax incentives that can reduce the amount of tax payable. Include accommodation expenses in your documents: accommodation bills, rent (apartment rental agreement), internet or cell phone (German operator) used for business purposes. Travel expenses are also very important: bus tickets, intercity bus tickets or airline tickets. Travel expenses from your place of residence to your place of work in Germany can also be included in the declaration as a lump-sum payment.
Remember that the tax office can always ask for proof of any benefits included in the declaration. Therefore, it is always advisable to collect evidence of expenses incurred in connection with legal employment so that the amount of tax refund will be higher.
What to do if I receive a letter from the Tax Office after filing my income tax return?
In order to receive a tax refund in Germany, you must reply to all letters from the tax office within the deadline. Please forward the tax letter you receive to us as soon as possible – we will translate it and reply to it.
Failure to respond will delay the tax settlement process. In addition, an official who does not have complete information may underestimate the amount of your tax refund, for example, by not taking into account the listed expenses.
How long it takes to get a tax refund from Germany after filing the documents?
The waiting period to receive a tax refund from Germany is between 3 and 6 months after you have sent your return to the tax office. This period is negotiable and the office has no time limit on the processing time of the filed return.
The result and the best confirmation of the settlement is the decision of the tax office sent to the taxpayer’s address. It will state what tax benefits you are entitled to and what costs the tax office accepted in preparing your return.
Which expenses I can deduct if I do not have a permanent job in Germany?
- Travel to work – i.e. travel from your place of residence in Germany to your place of work
- accommodation – attach proof, e.g. receipts, transfers
- dietary – we need a list of construction sites/job list/certificate from employer
- courses/training – need a certificate of completion and proof of tuition fees
- medicines/medical treatment – need receipts/invoices, doctor’s note on the need to take them, issued before taking them
Keep in mind that if you are traveling in a company vehicle, but are paying your own fuel costs, the office may still not accept these expenses.
Are employee benefits taxable?
The per diems of foreign workers are not taxable if you show what they were spent on. The best solution is to get a certificate from your employer about the per diems paid on your salary during the year. Such a document is the best proof for the German tax authorities.
I am a driver. What expenses can I deduct on my German tax return?
The following expenses may be deducted from the declaration:
- per diem – to itemize it, you need a certificate from your employer indicating the number of days when you worked more than 8 hours and 24 hours
- lump sum for overnight stays in a cabin – a certificate from the employer stating the number of working days over 24 hours is required for entry in the declaration.
- periodic driver examinations (attach receipts for the examinations)
- business telephone calls – attach receipts
- expenses incurred – include a lump sum not exceeding 240 euros
- corrective eyeglasses – attach receipts for payment of eyeglasses
- courses/training – need certificate of completion and proof of payment
- medications/medical procedures – attach receipts/bills and a doctor’s note stating that they need to be taken before treatment begins.
If you make long distance trips and sleep in the cab of the truck (and therefore do not have a regular place of employment), we can arrange round-trip transportation for you.
What classes of taxation are distinguished in Germany?
Six tax classes can be distinguished:
- I – It most often includes unmarried and divorced persons, as well as widows and widowers..
- II – This class includes unmarried persons who are single at the same time..
- III – This class includes married persons whose spouse earns significantly less (or no income at all) and is assigned tax class V. Widows are also in this class, until the end of the first year after the death of their spouse. Widows are also in this class, until the end of the first year after the death of their spouse..
- IV – Both spouses receive if they have the same income.
- V – Is available only if the spouse was assigned to tax class III during the taxable fiscal year.
- VI – refers to taxpayers, several employers in Germany.
What calculation result can I expect?
The result of the income tax calculation depends on a number of factors, including the tax contributions levied by the employer, the overall family and personal situation of the taxpayer, the benefits provided, the expenses shown and other income of the taxpayer and his spouse earned in Germany and abroad. Therefore, the final result of the calculation may be a tax refund or surcharge amount.
How to accelerate your tax refund in Germany?
It is best to file and settle sooner rather than later. The office processes returns in the order they are received. It is a good idea to file electronically. Electronic returns are processed faster.
What should I do if I have been waiting longer than six months for my declaration?
There are many cases where you have to wait more than six months for a tax refund or a tax ruling. In this case, you should contact the relevant tax authority in Germany. Please note that as part of the services we offer, we contact the authorities on your behalf.
When can I do a joint filing with my spouse?
To be able to file jointly with your spouse, you must meet certain criteria. The joint settlement option is available to a taxpayer who has acquired unlimited tax liability.
Why is it a good idea to do joint settlements with my spouse?
By including your spouse on your return, you can often claim a large amount of overpaid income tax. That said, in the case of a joint settlement, additional expenses such as running a dual household may be tax deductible. Among other things, it’s worth remembering that a joint settlement is usually more favorable. It’s the tax-free amount that doubles. This means that in the 2024 tax year, the tax-free amount for an individual return was: €11 604,00, and for a joint return is: €23 208.
Which incomes do not need to be taken into account in Germany?
When preparing your German tax return, the main income that you do not have to report to the Finance Office is income from MiniJob, MidiJob, Hartz IV and non-recurring work performed in the agricultural sector. These incomes are not included in the German return. All other global income earned by the taxpayer must be reported on the tax return.
Can I file a correction to my tax return in Germany?
After you receive a tax decision, you have the opportunity to file an appeal within the statutory deadline specified in the document. If your tax return was filed incorrectly – use our services. The deadline for filing a correction (appeal) is strictly defined, so don’t wait! Send your documents for review sooner rather than later!