Answers to frequently asked questions
No. If your tax return results in you having to pay back taxes rather than receiving a refund, the Free and STANDARD packages are offered at no charge. This risk-free approach ensures you only pay for the service when you receive a financial benefit.
The STANDARD package (€34,90) offers a self-service approach to tax filing with all necessary digital tools to complete and submit your tax return electronically. The PREMIUM package (from €99) includes professional tax advisor support who reviews your return, optimizes deductions, potentially increases your refund, and manages all communication with the tax office. PREMIUM users also benefit from the ability to submit their tax returns even after the official deadlines have passed.
“Full representation with the tax office” in the PREMIUM package means that your tax consultant takes care of all interactions with the German tax authorities (Finanzamt) on your behalf. This includes: managing all correspondence with the tax office – your consultant will translate and respond to any official letters, handling telephone calls with tax officials, removing language barriers for you, representing you in case of questions or audits from the tax office, defending your interests during any tax reviews or disputes, submitting your return even after official deadlines have passed, filing appeals or objections if the tax office’s decision is unfavorable.
The tax filing deadline in Germany varies based on whether you prepare your own return or use a tax advisor:
For self-prepared returns (Free and STANDARD packages):
- for the 2021 tax year: October 31, 2022
- for the 2022 tax year: September 30, 2023
- for the 2023 tax year: September 2, 2024
- for the 2024 tax year: July 31, 2025
- for the 2025 tax year: July 31, 2026
For returns prepared with tax advisor assistance (PREMIUM package):
- for the 2021 tax year: August 31, 2023
- for the 2022 tax year: July 31, 2024
- for the 2023 tax year: June 2, 2025
- for the 2024 tax year: April 30, 2026
- for the 2025 tax year: February 28, 2027
It’s important to note that PREMIUM package users have the additional benefit of “Submission even after expiry of the deadline” feature.
Yes, but it depends on your package and individual circumstances. With the PREMIUM package, you can submit even after the deadline has expired as this is a specific feature of this service tier.
For voluntary tax returns (when you’re not required to file but choose to do so), you can submit retroactively for up to 4 years following the tax year. The final submission date is December 31st of the 4th year after the respective tax year.
According to Taxando, users receive an average tax refund of €1,063. With the PREMIUM package and the optimization services provided by tax advisors, you could potentially receive up to €980 more compared to self-prepared returns. The application shows you an estimated refund amount after entering your data.
Yes, all Taxando packages include a “Foreign income module” that allows you to declare income earned outside Germany. This makes the service suitable for individuals working in multiple countries. For example, if you work in both England and Germany, you can use their software without any issues.
Taxando submits your tax return electronically via the official ELSTER protocol, which is the German government’s electronic tax filing system. After submission, you receive an official confirmation of receipt identical to the one provided by the government’s official software.
Once your tax return is submitted, you typically need to wait between two weeks and four months to receive a decision from the tax office. With Taxando, you will receive an electronic tax assessment through the platform, eliminating the need to wait for physical mail from the tax office.
