Newcomer rule: your relocation year is the most profitable one. Transport, double rent, flat-hunting trips — with a job-related move even the rental agent fee — all count as Werbungskosten.
Collect Documents and Deductions
The Lohnsteuerbescheinigung is the base; the rest are the deductions that make it worthwhile: relocation, home office, commuting, insurance.
✓ Verified: 15/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
AUTHORITY
Finanzamt
Federal agencyThe BZSt is the federal body; your personal tax matters go to the Finanzamt for your registered address.
DOCUMENTS 4
› Details and tips
👨🏻💻
Max recommends:
I keep a simple folder all year: scan every relevant receipt with a date to the cloud. In May I search nothing — just transfer sums. I entered the home-office flat rate for work-from-home days on a separate line.
👩🏼💼
Lea recommends:
Many deductions work as flat rates without a single receipt: the work-cost allowance, the special-expenses allowance. Start with them — often they already produce a refund, receipts only add on top.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What actually lowers the tax? ▾
Work-related costs (commute, equipment, training, job move), special expenses (insurance, donations, church tax), extraordinary burdens (medical). Even without receipts there are flat allowances.
Must I attach all receipts? ▾
Since 2017 no: filed without receipts (retention duty only). But keep them 1–2 years: the office may check on a sample basis. An organised folder saves nerves on a query.
Expenses under €1,230 — pointless to collect? ▾
The €1,230 lump sum applies automatically. Newcomers easily beat it though: one moving truck plus home office usually lands far above.
Are German courses deductible? ▾
Yes, when the language is needed for work (integration and professional courses) — as Werbungskosten. Purely private courses are not.