Do I have to file a tax return?
Tax return: mandatory or voluntary? That depends on your situation. For many employees it is voluntary (and often worthwhile), for others it is required. Anyone who has to file should know the deadlines.
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What you should do now
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1. Check the obligation
Does one of the mandatory reasons apply (tax class, secondary income, wage replacement and so on)?
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2. Observe the deadline
For mandatory filing, statutory deadlines apply (longer with a tax adviser or income tax assistance).
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3. Gather documents
Wage tax certificate, receipts for work-related expenses, special expenses and so on.
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4. Check voluntary filing
No obligation? Then voluntary filing is often worthwhile, also retroactively.
Frequently asked questions
When do I have to file a tax return?
Among other things, with the tax class combination III/V or IV with a factor, with secondary income above the allowance, with tax-free wage replacement benefits over 410 euros (progression proviso), with several simultaneous employers or when a wage tax allowance is registered. Self-employed people are also, as a rule, obliged.
Is a voluntary tax return worthwhile?
Often yes. Anyone who is not obliged can file voluntarily (assessment on application) and frequently gets money back, for example through work-related expenses, special expenses or extraordinary burdens. For voluntary filing you have several years retroactively, so a look at past years can also be worthwhile.
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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.