Quick Start
Follow these first actions before reading the full guide. Most users resolve 80% of confusion with these steps.
1
Determine the tax year you are filing for.
2
Use the legal deadline rule (7 months after year-end) as your baseline.
3
If you use a tax advisor, confirm the extended deadline in the law and any special rules.
Step-by-step plan
- 1
Determine the tax year you are filing for.
- 2
Use the legal deadline rule (7 months after year-end) as your baseline.
- 3
If you use a tax advisor, confirm the extended deadline in the law and any special rules.
Key context
The general deadline is seven months after the end of the tax year.
Tax advisor filings have a later statutory deadline.
Costs
There is no fee to file, but late submission can trigger penalties.
Local notes
Finanzamt guidance may publish specific dates for each tax year. Check your state page.
Risk checks
!Assuming the deadline is the same every year without checking extensions.
!Filing late without requesting an extension.
Official sources
We review this guide regularly and refresh it when official rules change.
Related guides
ELSTER: The Official Tax PortalRundfunkbeitrag: What You Pay and How to Manage ItTax Return Setup: What to Do Before FilingBlocked Account Comparison: Expatrio vs Fintiba vs Coracle
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