For many, the tax return is a horror.
It pays off if you put some effort into it.
Often juicy refunds await.
When it
comes to tax returns
, most people only think of mountains of documents and complicated forms.
Therefore, it is often pushed in front of you and only dealt with at the last minute.
However, you may lose
money in this way
.
You can recoup many expenses through your tax return.
We'll show you
the best tips to help
you get a
refund
.
More on this:
Tax return 2020: What to consider now
Tax return: save taxes at work
Study
: Anyone who has no other workspace available in their job (e.g. teacher) can
deduct
the
ancillary costs and proportionate rent
for their study.
That is
up to 1,250 euros per year
.
If you have the focus of your work at home and a room exclusively for this purpose, this restriction does not apply.
Tip:
Due to the Corona crisis, there is a so-called home office flat rate for 2020 and 2021.
With this you can also
deduct costs for a "work corner"
that does not meet the requirements of a study.
That is five euros per home office day for a maximum of 120 days, i.e.
600 euros in total
.
However, this only takes effect when the 1,000 euros of the flat rate for advertising expenses have been exceeded.
For further reading
: Using the home office flat rate correctly: This is how it works with the tax return
Travel expenses
: If you have to commute to your workplace every day, you can
claim a
flat rate of
30 cents per kilometer
.
It doesn't matter whether you covered the distance by bike or in your own car.
Passengers
can
also
deduct
these costs - however, the limit here is a maximum of 4500 euros per year.
Costs for further education and training:
travel to and from the airport, on-site accommodation, specialist literature - further education is often quite expensive.
These expenses can be deducted as business expenses.
Prerequisite: The advanced training will advance you professionally.
Also read:
New depreciation rules for laptops - probably also affecting home offices
Tax return: Save taxes in everyday life
Relocation
: If you have to move for professional reasons, you can deduct the costs for this.
Expenses for a moving company or craftsman
run as
advertising expenses
.
Important: Always keep invoices and receipts!
Care costs
: Many people need support in old age, even if they are not officially considered to be in need of care.
Up to 20% of
the costs that you spend on household help, for example, can be deducted as household-related services.
Pets
: You can also save a lot of money when looking after your pets.
If a
pet sitter comes
to your home, for example when you are on vacation, you will be
reimbursed for
travel and labor
costs.
The same applies if you order a dog hairdresser to visit you.
The prerequisite is that the services take place in your home.
For further reading
: Tax returns: These items will bring you a lot of money back
Tax return: money back in the event of extraordinary events
Party with colleagues
: Of course, you cannot simply cancel any celebration.
If you are celebrating a farewell party, an anniversary or a birthday, yes.
The prerequisite is that the
celebration is related to your job.
This is the case, for example, if your employer organizes the party, it takes place in the office or only colleagues are invited.
Funerals
: Concerns about the cost of a funeral are often an added burden.
However, if they exceed the value of the inheritance
, you can claim them for tax purposes.
This includes expenses for the tombstone and flower arrangements, but not the funeral feast or travel expenses.
Medical costs
: Not all costs are covered by the health insurance.
If you have been prescribed treatments by the doctor and you can prove this, expenses for them can often be deducted.
The prerequisite is that they
exceed
the
reasonable personal burden
, depending on income and
marital status
.
Treatments
that can be withdrawn
include, for example,
glasses and hearing aids
, but also
birth preparation courses
and
massages
.
(lw
) * Merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen central editorial network.
Also interesting:
Corona: Is there a threat of back tax payment in 2021 after short-time work?
Sources: t-online, test.de, karrierebibel
Compact tax return: amendments, deadlines and submit retrospectively
Compact tax return: amendments, deadlines and submit retrospectively