The Finanzamt never reminds you about money it owes you: refunds only follow a filed return. In your relocation year (double household, transport, flat hunting) the refund is often well above average.
Who Must File — and Why Filing Voluntarily Pays
Mandatory filing for 2026: by 2 August 2027 (31 July falls on a Saturday). Voluntary: up to 4 years back — 87 percent get money back, on average €1,172.
✓ 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.
› Details and tips
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Max recommends:
Even without obligation I file every year: the year of moving is especially profitable — relocation, double rent and house-hunting are deductible. The refund repays the evening many times over.
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Lea recommends:
The obliged have a deadline of 31 July for the previous year (later with a tax adviser). The voluntary are not rushed: 4 years available, but file the oldest year by 31 December.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Am I obliged to file or is it voluntary? ▾
It depends: obliged for class III/V, two employers, side income over 410 €, benefits over 410 € (parental allowance, short-time work). Otherwise voluntary, but usually worthwhile: average refund hundreds of euros.
For how many past years can I file voluntarily? ▾
For 4 years. A voluntary return for past years is worth it if a refund is expected — the tax office will not remind you but pays on application.
Class I, one employer — do I have to file? ▾
Usually not. It still pays: relocation, home office, commuting and training typically return four-figure sums over a few years. Voluntary filing reaches 4 years back — for 2022 until 31 December 2026.
What if I am obliged and file late? ▾
A late surcharge of at least €25 per started month. With a tax advisor or Lohnsteuerhilfeverein the deadline extends automatically to 29 February 2028.