Sure! Let’s break it down, shall we? Submitting your tax return in Germany can seem overwhelming at first. This is especially true for expats. However, once you get the hang of it, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Here’s a friendly guide. It will help you navigate this whole process. I’ve added a few personal thoughts sprinkled in here and there.
How to Submit Your Tax Return in Germany
- Understand Why You Need to File: In Germany, most employees have their taxes deducted automatically from their salaries. However, you might need to file a tax return (Einkommensteuererklärung) if you have any additional income. You may also need to file one if you’ve changed jobs. Plus, it’s a way to claim back overpaid taxes or deduct certain expenses.
- Gather Your Documents: This is where it can feel a little tedious. You’ll need your:
- Tax ID (Steuernummer)
- Salary statements (Lohnsteuerbescheinigung)
- Receipts for any deductible expenses (work-related costs, childcare, etc.)
- Any additional income statements
- Choose How to File: You can usually file online using the official ELSTER portal (the electronic tax declaration system). This is the route I’d recommend for its convenience. Just head over to ELSTER and set up an account. There’s also the option to fill it out on paper if you prefer the good ol’ fashioned way.
- Fill Out the Forms: When you’re in ELSTER, it can be quite user-friendly. It guides you through the process. You’ll report your income, deductions, and any other relevant info. Don’t worry; it gives you tips along the way!
- Submit Your Return: Once you’ve filled everything out, just hit submit. You’ll receive a confirmation, which is super important. Hold onto that!
- Await Your Assessment: After submitting, the tax office (Finanzamt) will review everything and send you a tax assessment notice (Steuerbescheid). This document tells you if you owe more taxes or if you’ll be getting a refund.
Do You Really Pay 42% Income Tax in Germany?
Well, yes and no. The headline rates can be a bit shocking! Germany has a progressive tax system, which means the more you earn, the higher your rate. The top tax rate is indeed 42%, but it only kicks in for incomes above a certain threshold. For example, if you earn over €62,810 in 2023, that’s the rate you’d see on your income above this amount. And with the solidarity surcharge (Solidaritätszuschlag), it could nudge a bit higher for some folks. But if you fall below that level, you’re looking at lower rates.
Taxable Income Examples
Let’s imagine you’re earning €50,000 a year. Your taxable income is this amount minus any deductions you can claim. If you have, say, €5,000 in deductible expenses throughout the year, your taxable income would be €45,000. This amount is what you’d be taxed on—not your total income.
Income Tax Rates with Examples
Let’s break it down a little more simply:
- €9,984: No tax (basic allowance).
- €9,985 – €58,596: Tax rate starts from 14% and gradually increases.
- €58,597 – €277,825: Here’s where the tax hits 42%.
- Over €277,826: You’re looking at 45%.
If my daughter and son-in-law earn around €80,000 combined, they’ll probably pay around 34-37% on that. This is due to the progressive nature of the tax rates. Keep in mind they can deduct expenses like childcare or specific work-related items.
Wage Tax in Germany Explained
Wage tax (Lohnsteuer) is what gets taken directly from your paycheck. It covers your income tax, and maybe some other bits and pieces. Employers calculate this according to your tax class (Steuerklasse), which is determined by various factors like marital status and dependents. If my daughter and son-in-law are filing together, they might benefit from a more favorable tax class. This is especially true since they have that little baby to consider!
Useful Links
Getting your head around the tax system can feel like a mountain to climb, but once you know where to look and what to do, it makes things a lot simpler! Hopefully, this gives you a bit of a head start. Good luck, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions!