The tax return is an unpopular task.
It is almost always worthwhile.
And it becomes much easier with control software.
Around a quarter of employees do not
file a tax return
- and lose money in the process.
Because on average it gives back around a thousand euros or even more.
For many, the
tax return * is
simply too complicated - especially since the rules change every year.
2021 - a special year for the tax return
This year in particular there are more special features than usual due to the corona crisis.
Short-time working allowance
is tax-free, but subject to progression.
Those who have worked a lot from
home
receive less
commuter allowance
- but can estimate a flat rate of five euros in advertising costs for each day in the home office, as test.de explains.
High earners who received a
child bonus
in the last year
may have to give some of it back.
Single parents
receive a significantly higher tax relief
amount
for this.
So there are many points where you have to
deviate from the previous routine
when filing your
tax return
.
Good
tax programs will
help you with this.
Read here
: Using the home office flat rate correctly: This is how it works with the tax return
Stay away from "MeinElster" for laypeople
Until now,
anyone
who has not dealt much with their
tax return
has liked to use the “
ElsterFormular
” from the tax offices.
But that has been abolished this year.
Instead, the federal and state governments offer the “MeinElster” online portal.
Those who want to continue to make as little effort as possible should, however, do without it.
Because the portal is not intuitively understandable for laypeople and offers little help, say some experts.
If you want it to be easier, you should use
software
, a
tax return app
or an
online provider
instead
.
These often cost
fees
- but you have a better chance of getting more back from the tax office.
Also read
: Tax return: Due to the corona crisis, a new submission deadline applies - under this condition
Tax declaration: tax software, tax apps and other aids
The
basic versions in
particular
are made for
laypeople
and work increasingly with artificial intelligence.
This means that the software asks you various questions using an interview format and at the same time prepares your tax return in the background.
All you have to do is check that everything is correct.
You can create
simple tax returns
within half an hour.
You can then easily send it to the tax office - all you need is a certificate.
The professional programs will help you cost-effectively even in complex cases.
Another plus point: With many programs you can already
scan
your
receipts
and
automatically insert
them into your tax return
.
Some can be linked to a
compatible checking account
, from where the program pulls the relevant numbers.
In the end, you can even call up your
tax assessment via the software
- and have it checked immediately and, if necessary, raise an objection.
Also read
: Is your tax assessment incorrect?
How to get more money from the Treasury
Tax declaration software at a glance - advantages and disadvantages:
+ The common providers have been offering their products for a long time and have great experience.
+ There are different versions for all needs - from basic to complex cases.
+ Buy your program as a subscription, save money and you can transfer your data from the previous year every year.
- Programs are often more complex and a little more time-consuming than apps.
- You need the current program with the new rules every year.
- There are no free variants.
You can also read
: Childhood sickness days: When a tax return is due - the disadvantages for parents
Some of the tax software programs at a glance:
Surname |
Manufacturer |
particularities |
Price (basic function) |
tax 2021 |
Buhl |
Particularly easy to use thanks to the interview format |
12.95 euros |
WISO tax savings account |
Buhl |
Easy to use, gives practical tips |
29.95 euros |
Quick tax 2021 |
Lexware |
Automatically checks the entries |
14.99 euros |
Tax Savings Declaration 2021 |
Wolters Kluwer |
Also guides you through complex corona cases with the question-and-answer principle |
24.95 euros |
With these tools you can complete your tax return on the go - advantages and disadvantages:
+ Online portals are flexible and work across devices.
+ You usually only have to pay when you want to submit your tax return.
+
There are free variants for young professionals and low-wage earners.
- You have to store sensitive data on the internet.
Some tax portals at a glance:
Surname |
Manufacturer |
particularities |
price |
Tax heroes |
Academic working group |
Easy leadership for young people |
Free for young professionals |
SteuerGo |
forium |
Multilingual |
Free trial versions, then 29.95 euros |
Income tax compact |
forium |
Calculates the refund in real time |
Free trial versions, then 29.95 euros |
This is how the tax return works via app: advantages and disadvantages
+ Apps are often particularly intuitive, so that the tax return can be made very quickly.
- They often do not support complex cases.
- If it takes longer, it becomes unwieldy on the mobile device.
Some tax apps at a glance:
Surname |
Manufacturer |
Specialty |
price |
Taxfix |
Taxfix |
Conveniently guides you through simple cases |
39.99 euros, free of charge for a refund of less than 50 euros or a subsequent payment |
WISO tax |
Buhl |
Fewer entries thanks to the automatic control system |
Free trial version, then 29.95 euros |
Tax captains |
Wolters Kluwer |
Absolute basic program, tax return in a few minutes |
free |
Tax prohibition |
Haufe Group |
Fast basic program for employees, students, retirees, holiday jobs and trainees |
Free trial version, 29.95 euros for a mandatory tax return, or a refund of over 100 euros |
Also interesting:
Pension: Don't forget your tax return - what those affected should know
With these seven tips you can save a lot of money in everyday life
With these seven tips you can save a lot of money in everyday life
(lst) * Merkur.de is an offer from Ippen.Media.de.
