When many people think something, it is not necessarily correct.
This also applies to the subject of tax returns - and can even mean a disadvantage there.
Experts clarify.
Munich – Many people like to put off their tax returns.
"It's not worth it anyway," some might think.
But the statistics speak a different language.
Five questions and answers on the topic:
Is the tax return worth it?
According to the Federal Statistical Office, which evaluates tax assessments every two years, the most recent average reimbursement was around 1070 euros.
In some cases, filing a tax return is even particularly worthwhile.
An example: "If a student has only worked for half a year, the income tax deduction is still calculated as if he had worked for 12 months," says Jana Bauer, Deputy Managing Director of the Federal Association of Income Tax Assistance Associations (BVL).
Therefore, in this case, the student paid significantly more income tax than he actually had to.
The difference is returned with the tax return.
"Otherwise, all those who have a severely disabled person's pass from grade 2 or high travel expenses should also submit a tax return."
Do you have to submit the declaration every year?
No.
"If you submit a tax return voluntarily, you are not automatically obliged to submit a return every year," says Daniela Karbe-Gessler, head of the tax law and tax policy department at the German Taxpayers' Association.
There are a number of factors that determine whether you are required to pay a fee.
"A tax must be paid if additional income is generated from which no tax has been deducted, for example from renting or self-employment," says Karbe-Gessler.
Do married couples always have to file a tax return?
Partially.
According to Bauer, if the wife is in tax class 3 and the husband is in tax class 5, and both of them go to work, both must submit a tax return. "Because both have received wages." that person does not file a tax return.
"Many people don't know that."
Do married couples save through wage tax brackets?
No.
"The tax classes are only relevant for the monthly income tax deduction," says Karbe-Gessler.
The wage tax withheld and paid by the employer is merely an advance payment for income tax.
"The couple's exact income tax will then only be calculated after the end of the year with the tax assessment."
Then there could be a refund or additional payment.
According to Karbe-Gessler, the aim of the tax classes is to make advance payments as precisely as possible in order to get close to the correct annual tax liability.
"That way, the couple doesn't pay too much or too little in taxes each month."
Can you save taxes with insurance?
Only in part.
Contributions such as accident and private liability insurance can generally be deducted from taxes, says Daniela Karbe-Gessler: "However, this is only possible if the maximum amounts for pension insurance of 1900 euros for employees or 2800 euros for the self-employed have not yet been covered by other insurance contributions how the basic protection of health and long-term care insurance was exhausted.”
(lma/dpa)
