Status: 15.01.2024, 15:05 PM
By: Anne Hund
CommentsPrint Share
Filing taxes is often a chore. Payroll tax experts provide an overview of changes that affect many people.
Very few people enjoy filing their tax returns. However, it is mandatory for almost half of taxpayers. Don't forget: For the 2023 tax return, the deadline isAugust 31, 2024. However, since this date is a Saturday, the latest deadline is the following Monday, i.e. September 2, 2024. The Income Tax Assistance Association United Wage Tax Assistance (VLH) provides information about some changes with regard to the 2023 tax forms - here are the most important ones at a glance.
Duplicate housekeeping: additional form, new lines
As a general rule, if you rent an additional apartment or room at your place of work for professional reasons in order not to have to commute between your home and your place of work every day, you can claim part of the associated costs for tax purposes. "From the 2023 assessment period, there will be a new, separate annex entitled 'Annex N Double Housekeeping' to record these expenses," the VLH informs at this point. The annex also contains new lines on double housekeeping abroad in order to be able to accurately calculate the additional cost of meals.
Tax return already done? © Roman Möbius/Imago
Appendix N "home office": Only two variants left
The 'normal' Annex N has also been restructured, writes the VLH in its announcement of 20 November - especially with regard to the home office: "From 2023, there are only two ways to declare income-related expenses for working from home in the tax return," according to the VLH.
On the one hand, the home office: All costs for the office are deductible as income-related expenses if it forms the "centre of professional activity", the experts provide information on the background. If this condition is met and those affected want to declare the full cost of their office in their tax return, they must either "determine the expenses on a pro rata basis" – i.e. for gas, water, electricity, rent or insurance, according to the VLH. From 2023, "the lump sum of 1,260 euros can alternatively be claimed" for the study, according to the announcement - this saves the search and calculation of receipts.
Take care of the tax yourself easily and error-free
The Buhl WISO Tax 2023 software (promotional link) offers a user-friendly interface and comprehensive features to facilitate the preparation of tax returns. With automated calculations, regular updates and the possibility of electronic transmission, it helps users to process their tax affairs efficiently and without errors.
My news
Inflation: How Germany compares to its European neighboursRead more
Saved assets: How much money Germans have in their current account on averageread
On Call Fraud: How to Protect Yourself from a Widespread PayPal Trap
Long-term care allowance increased as of 1 January 2024: How much people in need of care will now receiveread
More money from 2024: parents can receive up to 195 euros for school suppliesread
Wealth in Germany: To which stratum you belong with your net worthread
Many employees can claim the costs of working at home for tax purposes at least as follows: "From 2023, you can apply the home office lump sum of a maximum of 1,260 euros (in 2022 it was 600 euros)," informs the VLH. However, this may only be entered in the tax return for working days actually spent in the home office. "It will then be 6 euros per day, and a maximum of 210 days (210 days x 6 euros = 1,260 euros) will be recognized."
Income from renting and leasing: New additional facility
New from the 2023 assessment period is the "V Other" appendix, the VLH also explains. "This is now to include all income from a property community as well as income from subletting," the announcement reads. The previous Annex V for income from renting and leasing is extended to four pages.
Are you looking for valuable money-saving tips?
Every Thursday, Merkur.de's "Clever Savings" newsletter has the best money-saving tips for you.
It can also be worthwhile to submit your tax return voluntarily. Last but not least, the annual utility bill from the landlord or the property management company can in many cases get something out of it from a tax point of view, as the Bavarian Income Tax Assistance calculates.