ELSTER Steuererklärung (tax return) filing

Overview

Use this when filing your annual income tax return. Submit via ELSTER by 31 July (or end of February with a Steuerberater)—paper filing is not required.

Timing to be aware of

Annually

Reference only — your timing may differ. Confirm with the relevant office.

What you'll need

• ELSTER account
• all income and deduction documents

Common questions

Questions people often look up at this stage. Answers are general — confirm with the relevant office or a qualified professional.

• I just arrived; why do I have two different tax numbers and which one do I give my boss?
• What is ELSTER and do I really have to use it for my taxes?
• I received a letter from the Finanzamt. Am I in trouble?

Related events

• Automatic permit lapse warning threshold
  Critical
  150 days after departure
• Automatic permit lapse (temporary permits)
  Critical
  180 days after departure
• Automatic Blue Card lapse
  Critical
  365 days after departure
• Niederlassungserlaubnis lapse (general)
  Critical
  180 days after departure
• EU long-term permit lapse (outside EU)
  Critical
  365 days after departure