Letzte Steuererklärung (final tax return) filing
DepartureTax
Overview
Use this in the year you leave Germany and you need to file your final tax return. The usual deadline is July 31 of the following year for income up to your departure date.
Timing to be aware of
Recurring
Reference only — your timing may differ. Confirm with the relevant office.
What you'll need
- All income records for departure year
- Abmeldebestätigung
Common questions
Questions people often look up at this stage. Answers are general — confirm with the relevant office or a qualified professional.
- I already left Germany but forgot to do my Abmeldung. Is this a problem?
- I'm moving. Will the post office automatically forward my mail?
- 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?