Understand the German tax system, estimate your refund, choose the best English filing software, and optimize deductions.
Tax Directory
The German tax system (Steuersystem) can be complex and intimidating, but most expats can save thousands of euros by filing a simple voluntary tax return. Learn the rules, discover deductions you are entitled to, and use our tools to simplify the process.
Over 90% of German employees who file voluntary tax returns receive a refund, with the average refund being over €1,000. For expats, first-year relocation costs, double-household expenses, and language courses are fully tax-deductible.
Your Steueridentifikationsnummer is automatically mailed after Anmeldung. Learn how to retrieve it if lost.
Read Guide → Step 2Learn whether you are legally required to file (Pflichtveranlagung) or if filing voluntarily makes sense.
Read Return Guide → Step 3Compare English-native tax software (smartsteuer, Taxfix, Wundertax, SteuerGo) side-by-side by fees and features.
Compare Software →Deduct moving costs, work laptops, commutes, home office days, and professional insurance premiums.
Interactive Tools
Use our integrated tools to model your tax liability, estimate your potential refund, or calculate taxes on special payments like severance.
Input your annual salary, tax class, and basic expat expenses to get an instant estimate of your tax refund.
Open tool → Layoff OptimizationCalculate how the Fünftelregelung (five-year rule) slashes income tax on your redundancy payment.
Open tool →Complete Guide Stack
Read our detailed, editorially verified guides to navigate tax classes, opt out of church tax, reclaim pension contributions, or file freelance income.
The ultimate guide to filing your Steuererklärung. Learn deadlines, required forms (Anlagen), and deductible expenses.
Read guide →A deep-dive into self-employment taxes, VAT rules (Umsatzsteuer), tax registration (Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung), and writing invoices.
Read guide →Got laid off? Learn how severance is taxed, what the Fünftelregelung does, and how to request it from your employer.
Read guide →Leaving Germany? If you are a non-EU citizen and paid pension for less than 60 months, you can reclaim thousands of euros back.
Read guide →How parental allowance (Elterngeld) is calculated, how it interacts with your tax class, and how to optimize your net payout.
Read guide →German church tax (Kirchensteuer) is 8% to 9% of your income tax. Learn how to opt out (Kirchenaustritt) and save monthly.
Read guide →