Work equipment and relevant training can be deducted from the tax return. But what about work clothes, driver's licenses, etc.?
Frankfurt – High costs are only half as bad if we know that we can deduct them as part of our tax return. However, the tax deductibility is not clear in all cases. As a rule, the tax office checks all listed costs and reserves the right not to recognize inadmissible entries. It is advisable to take a closer look at what can and cannot be sold in advance. Otherwise, the receipt of the tax assessment can be frustrating.
Deduct costs correctly: What you need to consider when filing your tax return
Writing tax returns is not necessarily one of society's favorite pastimes. How much tax pensioners have to pay, how the mini-job is correctly stated and whether the effort of a tax return is worthwhile at all – the tax issue usually raises many question marks.
Do your tax return correctly – you cannot deduct some cost items. (Symbolic photo) © Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa
The tax return for the past year cannot be postponed for a long time - it must be submitted by October 02, 2023. Due to the many aspects that need to be considered when writing a tax return, it is worth starting in good time. For example, are you aware that you cannot deduct some cost items in your tax return? We bring light into the darkness for you.
These costs cannot be deducted from the tax return
Not everything that can be associated with everyday working life can be claimed equally for everyone under tax law. Among other things, the personal burden limit plays a decisive role when it comes to extraordinary burdens such as the expensive funeral in the event of death: According to taxfix.de, it is between one and seven percent of the total amount of income, depending on the life situation. The tax office is particularly picky when it comes to expenses that employees also make use of in their free time. You need to be particularly careful with the following cost items:
- Workwear suitable for leisure time: It can only be discontinued if it is not worn outside the workplace and is not provided by the employer. White shirts etc. Accordingly, they are not included.
- Tutoring: These are not training and further education costs – tutoring must be paid for from one's own fund with the help of child benefit. Exception: relocation of a parent for work-related reasons.
- Visits to the hairdresser and the like: Although a well-groomed appearance is usually mandatory, employees still have to pay for their cosmetic visits themselves.
- Over-the-counter medicines: Only medicines prescribed by a doctor can be discontinued if the self-load limit is exceeded.
- Travel expenses apart from regular office days: Tax offices get to the bottom of the actual travel costs – home office days as well as trips to training courses, etc. cannot be (additionally) discontinued.
- Driver's license: Only people with severe walking and standing disabilities for whom the use of public transport is unreasonable and people who need a bus or truck driver's license for their job can deduct the costs.
- Funeral costs: Only if the inheritance is less than the funeral costs, they can be deducted, taking into account the self-burden limit.
- Sources: vlh, lohi, dpa
Looking at these aspects, it becomes clear that anyone who believes that they can deduct an infinite list of costs as part of their tax return is wrong. To ensure that no mistakes are made, caution is advised and the selection should be filtered conscientiously. fr.de also reports on tips to get the most out of your tax return. (Felina Wellner)