Do I need to file a tax return every year?
It depends on your tax class and income. Many expats file voluntarily to receive refunds.
Which tax years can I still file?
You can file up to four years retroactively if you had Tax Class I.
(Example: in 2025, you can still file 2021–2024.)
When is the deadline for filing?
Without a tax advisor: July 31 of the following year.
With a tax advisor: end of February of the second following year.
Can I still file if I only worked part of the year?
Yes. Even short-term or part-year employment can qualify for a refund.
Can I still file if I was on maternity leave or sick leave?
Yes — and in most cases, filing is mandatory.
Payments such as parental benefit (Elterngeld), sickness benefit (Krankengeld), or unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld) are tax-free but increase your tax rate under the Progressionsvorbehalt, which means a tax return must be filed.
Can I still file even if I already left Germany?
Yes. As long as you had taxable income in Germany, you can still file through a tax advisor.
How long does it take to process a tax return?
After complete submission of all required documents and full payment, the preparation takes up to two weeks per tax year.
Once submitted, the Finanzamt usually takes up to three months to process your tax return.
How will I receive my tax refund?
Your refund will be transferred directly to your German bank account once the tax office has processed your return.
Can I still get a refund if I used an app and my refund was lower than expected?
Yes. I can review and correct app-based filings and help recover missed refunds.
Do you help with appeals or rejected claims?
Yes. I handle appeals (Einspruch), missing documents, and all communication with the Finanzamt.
How much does it cost?
The membership contribution is based on your annual income and follows the official VLH Lohnsteuerhilfe e.V. fee table.
It becomes due once the membership agreement is signed.