Filing Your 2024 Tax Return: Crucial Info You Should Know
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Submit your 2024 income tax declaration: Mind that this refers to your fiscal year tax filing for the year 2024. - 2024 Tax Returns Requirements to Keep in Mind
Tax season is here, and if you're chomping at the bit to get that overdue tax refund, here's what you need to know! For the 2024 tax year, there are several tax relief measures, some of which are automatic, while others require application. We've rounded up the essential deadlines, updates, and tips to guide you through.
When's the final date for submitting the 2024 tax return?
The deadline for the 2024 tax return has moved ahead compared to the previous year by one month: The filing must be completed by Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the latest (since August 31 falls on a weekend).
If you collaborate with a tax consultant or tax aid group, you'll have more time. In this case, the deadline extends to April 30, 2026. However, the tax office can still request an earlier submission in special circumstances.
Citizens can submit their tax return at their leisure if they wish, although it's not mandatory (see below). The deadline for self-filing remains December 31, 2028. Plus, until the end of 2025, the voluntary tax return for 2021 can still be filed.
Failure to meet the deadline can result in late fees. This amounts to 0.25 percent of the assessed income tax—at least 25 euros per month that the return is delayed.
Can I postpone the deadline?
An extension is granted only in exceptional cases, and only if the reasons aren’t self-inflicted. To submit your tax return later, you can apply for this informally at the responsible tax office. Reasons for this can include illness, extended travel, or lost documents. The tax office will let you know in writing whether they grant the extension and, if so, what the new deadline is. However, it can also demand that the tax return be submitted on time in the event of missing documents—a "preliminary" notice can then be corrected later.
Who is required to file a tax return?
The submission of the tax return is mandatory for several groups, such as:
- Couples with tax classes 3/5 or 4 with factor
- Employees with tax class 6
- Self-employed individuals with income from freelance work or businesses
- People who received unemployment benefits (unemployment benefit I, short-time work allowance, parental allowance, sick pay) or untaxed secondary income of more than 410 euros
- Pensioners with income exceeding the basic allowance of 11,784 euros
Filing a tax return voluntarily can often yield a tax refund, as it frequently results in the return of overpaid taxes. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the typical tax refund stands around 1,100 euros.
How can I optimize my tax return?
Approximately a quarter of taxpayers still submit their declaration in paper form. However, filing electronically is the preferred method with the tax authorities. The tax return can be filled out and sent electronically and free of charge via the Elster online portal of the tax authorities. Tax receipts no longer need to be sent directly but only need to be presented upon request from the tax office.
Alternatives to Elster include commercial tax software or apps, which cost between 20 and 45 euros. These programs make the filing process more manageable, with tips and reminders to ensure essential items aren’t overlooked. As a result, the cost is quickly recouped. Test winner Stiftung Warentest recommends Wiso, but other tax programs also perform well.
Those who prefer not to tackle their tax return on their own can seek assistance from a tax aid group or tax advisor. This generally costs a three-digit amount, depending on the complexity of the case and income. Tax aid groups are cheaper but available solely to employees, civil servants, and pensioners (not self-employed).
By the way: Expenses for tax advice or tax software can be deducted from taxes for the following year.
What’s new for the 2024 tax year?
The federal government has implemented tax relief measures for the 2024 tax year. The tax offices will automatically account for the increased basic allowance, which rises from 10,908 euros to 11,784 euros. This means no taxes need to be paid on income within this range.
The child allowance will increase by 600 euros for the 2024 tax year to 6,612 euros (3,306 euros per parent). Alternatively, parents can opt for 250 euros per child in child benefit. The tax office will determine which option offers more benefits.
The child allowance and the allowance for care, education, and training needs of children, the BEA allowance, will no longer be reduced if the child resides in an EU member state. This decision follows a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
The mini-job threshold will increase to 538 euros per month for the tax year 2024. This change is based on the rise in the minimum wage to 12.41 euros per hour (2025: 12.82 euros).
Individuals who have moved for job reasons after February 29, 2024, can claim increased costs as business expenses. The moving allowance has been raised to 964 euros. For each additional household member (partner, children) moving, 643 euros can be claimed as a flat rate.
The expenses for tutoring can now be claimed as business expenses up to 1,286 euros. This represents an increase of 105 euros compared to 2023.
For individuals impacted by the floods in 2024, there are several relief measures, including payment postponement, special depreciation for replacement acquisitions, and simplified evidence for donations.
Donations for Corona and Ukraine aid can be deducted as special expenses up to 20 percent of income.
- The community aid scheme may provide financial assistance to individuals who require extended time to complete their 2024 tax return due to exceptional circumstances.
- Effective personal-finance management can maximize the benefits gained from an aid scheme, particularly during tax season, by optimizing tax returns and identifying eligible expenses.
