How long does it take to process the tax return?

Every year again: Every year the tax return must be submitted to the tax office. The tax return itself must be completed and supplemented with the appropriate forms. After you have sent your tax return, the next question arises: How long do you wait for the tax refund? How quickly you receive a payment depends on several factors that we will address in more detail in this article. Find out here how long the processing of the tax return takes at the tax office.

When can I expect a tax refund?

Before we answer how long it takes to process the tax return and when a tax rebate is received, we will answer the question of to whom such a rebate is actually made.

Every employer, i.e. the income taxpayer,is obligedto make advance payments on the salaries of their employees to the responsible tax office.Income tax is calculated as a percentage. The higher the income, the higher the income tax. However, there are also situations where employers have paid too much tax.In this case, the employee should receive a refund.But even if the salary advances were too low, the tax office will ask the employerto pay the tax arrears.

To ensure prompt processing, you should submit all required documents completely from the start. A checklist of which documents are needed for the tax returnwill help ensure you don’t forget anything. Missing documents lead to queries from the tax office and greatly delay processing.

Who is required to submit tax returns to the tax office and what are the deadlines for tax returns? Find out in our articleWho has to file a tax return?

How long does a tax return take?

How long does it take for the tax return to finally be processed? Currently, there is no specific payout deadline. As we have already mentioned,the objection period for the tax assessmentdepends onseveral factorsincluding the complexity of the case, the taxpayer’s place of residence, or the time at which the declaration was submitted to the tax office.

How long does it take to get the tax assessment? The tax assessmentis typically processed in 4-12 weeks.Incidentally: The tax assessment can, in exceptional cases – depending on the tax office –take up to 5 monthsdauern.

What to do if the processing of the tax return takes longer than 6 months?

Now you know how long it usually takes to receive a tax assessment from the tax office. But what can be done if the tax return takes longer than 6 months?

You should receive a tax assessment and thus the money on your account no later than six months after you have submitted your tax return to the tax office. Of course, it may happen that the processing time is extended, for example, due to missing documents and supplements.

However, there are cases where you have to wait more than half a year.IIn this case, you should contact the responsible tax office.If the office continues to take no appropriate measures,you can consider filing an objection due to inactivity of the officialsThis document can be submitted to your tax office.

Important: Respond to reminder letters

Conversely, it may happen that you haven’t submitted a tax return yet and the tax office contacts you. Reminder letters from the tax office should never be ignoredbecause otherwise interest on arrears and fines may be imposed. Such letters require prompt action.

How can you speed up the tax refund? Consider an E-tax return

Many people wonder whether the entire process of the tax return can be sped up in some way. The best option isto submit the documents as quickly as possible, because the tax office processes tax returns in the order they are received.Is there anything else that can speed up the tax refund? It is worthwhile to submit yourtax return electronicallyfor example, via our Taxando-App.

How long does the tax office take to process the tax return? From experience, we know that E-tax returns are processed faster than traditional paper tax returns.

Tax consultants for faster and safer processing

Another option is to hire professional help. With a tax consultant, you not only receive assistance with filling out the form but also benefit from longer submission deadlines. However, what does a tax consultant cost? The fees are legally regulated and vary depending on the item value. With Taxando PREMIUM, you receive transparent fixed prices and professional advice – payment is made only after receiving the tax assessment.

Do you need help with your tax return? Then simply contact us or use the expertise of ourtax consultant– the intuitiveapp for the tax return.