What Documents Do I Need for the Tax Declaration?

“What documents do I need for the tax return?” This is a question that many people ask themselves anew every year. Corresponding documents must be submitted to the tax office to be able to settle the tax and thereby release a tax refund. The documents you need to submit for the tax return depend, among other things, on your family situation and your rights to tax relief.

You don’t know how to do it and what you should even prepare? In today’s post, we show you which documents you need for a tax return. We will show you which additional documents should be sent to the tax office to be able to expect a higher tax refund.

Document for tax return – prepare in advance

From experience, we know that a tax return can be stressful, especially when it comes to deadlines. Therefore, we advise you right at the beginning to prepare the documents in good time for your tax refund . This avoids unnecessary stress associated with submitting documents after the deadline. What is even more important: If you do not submit the documents on time, you must expect consequences in the form of a fine .

What documents are needed for the tax return? Checklist

Which documents must be submitted with the tax return? As we have already mentioned at the beginning of the article, it all depends. Which documents you should preparemainly depends on your family and life situation . Some taxpayers incur additional living costs, which must also be included in the tax return. Others need documents for the tax return that enable them to indicate special deductions/refunds.

What documents are needed for the tax return? Below we have created a list of documents that will certainly be helpful for your tax return at the tax office.

What documents are needed for the tax return? Income tax certificate

If you are wondering which documents you need for your tax return, you should first think of the income tax certificate . The income tax certificate is an income statement you get from your employer (alternatively from multiple employers). The income tax certificate is the basis of the calculations.

In addition to the standard income tax certificate, there are industry-specific documents that can be important for the tax return. Employees in the construction industry, roofing trade, scaffolding, or landscaping should also have their proof of Winter construction levy ready. These contributions are deductible as advertising expenses and can increase the tax refund.

Tax returns – what documents do you still need?

In addition to the income tax certificate, you should prepare personal details (first name, last name, date of birth, marital status, etc.). In this case, the identity card is invaluable. Besides this general information, you should also enter the following:

• tax ID
• bank details
• last tax return

An optional document is the EU EEA certificate. This document is for anyone who has earned income abroad during the year. This document must be submitted in the original .

Documents for the tax return 2023 – Documents for insurance and pension expenses

What documents do I need to be able to count on additional deductions in the tax return? If you want to receive a higher tax refund, you can submit documents that confirm your insurance or pension expenses . These include:

• insurance policies
• certificate of paid insurance contributions (health insurance, long-term care, pension)
• donation certificates
• certificate of church tax payment (tax return from the previous year)
• confirmation of church tax refund (tax return from the previous year)
• confirmation of financial support for the former spouse

What documents do I need for the tax return? Extraordinary burdens

As mentioned earlier, some taxpayers incur additional costs during the year related to their current life situation. If you want to settle properly with the tax office and expect a higher tax refund, you should prepare documents that prove the additional costs (extraordinary burdens). Remember to compile the following invoices: (außergewöhnliche Belastungen). Denk daran, folgende Rechnungen zusammenzustellen:

• medical expenses
• expenses related to the purchase of glasses or prostheses
• financial burden due to medication
• rehabilitation costs
• divorce costs
• funeral costs

Important: Most of the documents mentioned above should be kept as proof of deductions or income. However, you should only send these notices to the tax office if the tax office requests them.

Of course, there are situations in which the tax office may ask you to submit further documents. To be prepared for such an eventuality, you should consult a tax advisor. Many then wonder: What does a tax advisor actually cost? The fees are legally regulated, and the costs can partially be deducted for tax purposes. Alternatively, you can do it at a bargain price with our Taxando app.

Of course, there are situations in which the tax office may ask you to submit further documents. To be prepared for such an eventuality, you should contact a tax advisor . Alternatively, you can do it at a bargain price with our Taxando app. Try our app today and don’t worry about the paperwork!