"Up to 1,000 euros back" - deadlines and tips for the tax return 2021
Created: 06/07/2022, 11:09 am
By: Jason Blaschke
Filing a tax return for 2021 is not mandatory for everyone - but it can be worthwhile.
However, important tips should be observed.
Berlin – For consumers, the year 2022 will be characterized by delivery bottlenecks and, in some cases, massive price increases as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The increase in the price of many everyday groceries alone presents people with major challenges - and with a view to a new study by Allianz Trade, the next wave of price increases for food in Germany is already on the horizon.
An important reason is the expensive energy prices, which are also reflected in the economy.
Get back overpaid taxes - think about the 2021 tax return
The Association of the German Confectionery Industry (VDSI) reported about "unprecedented" financial burdens, which affected many companies to an "existence-threatening extent".
Association spokeswoman Solveig Schneider therefore no longer rules out isolated bottlenecks in the supply of confectionery.
"Politicians are called upon to protect medium-sized companies in Germany in particular from further costly and bureaucratic burdens."
A lot of groceries in particular could become even more expensive in the foreseeable future - so it is all the more important to save money and see where you can get back the money you have paid too much.
We are talking about the tax return that consumers receive every year.
Submitting such a declaration is not mandatory for everyone, but in many cases it can be worthwhile for a taxpayer.
Tax return 2022: New deadline is coming - significantly more time
Items such as the newly regulated mileage allowance to the place of work or exceptionally large financial burdens can favor a refund.
On average, that could be around 1,000 euros, says Isabelle Pohlmann, who wrote the guide “Tax return 2021/2022 – employees, civil servants” for Stiftung Warentest, in an interview with
BR24.
"And you should take that with you if it works."
Incidentally, consumers have significantly longer time for the 2021 tax return because the submission deadline has been adjusted.
Instead of the end of July, taxpayers have until the end of October to submit their documents since 2022.
Anyone who hires a tax consultant even has until the end of August 2023.
However, this extension of the deadline is not yet legally binding, the German Bundesrat still has to approve the change in the law from July 10th - but that is considered a formality.
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More money for frequent commuters - new flat rate from the 2021 tax return
In addition to the deadline, there are two other innovations that can have a positive effect on taxpayers.
On the one hand, according to
BR24
, this is the increased lump sum that taxpayers can apply from 2021 if they care for a relative.
On the other hand, the commuter flat rate has been adjusted – anyone who drives more than 20 kilometers per route can also claim a higher flat rate.
These values apply from January 1, 2021:
From 1 to 20 kilometers it is 20 cents per kilometer.
30 cents per kilometer can be applied from kmometer 21.
Digital or in paper form?
These requirements apply to income tax
Basically, the electronic filing of the tax return is mandatory.
There are only exceptions for employees and pensioners who have no other income apart from wages or pension.
Pohlmann: "But as soon as there is any additional income, for example from self-employment or from freelance work, then it is mandatory to submit the tax return digitally." The costs for this can be deducted in the coming year.
The expert also recommends that, as a taxpayer, you inform the responsible tax office in good time if you cannot meet the deadline.
In justified cases, an extension of the deadline is possible.
"If you don't do that and submit your tax return too late, you will have to pay a late fee." Anyone who has never submitted an income tax can find lots of tips on the website of the Taxpayers' Association.