As of: April 6, 2024, 11:28 a.m
By: Bleranda Shabani
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Money back in the new year? It could work with the 2023 tax return. Particular attention: The allowances have been increased.
Tax liability in Germany is such a thing. Who has to file the tax return and who doesn’t? Self-employed people are legally required to submit a tax return. This also applies to pensioners and landlords if their income is above the basic allowance.
People who are not obliged to file taxes often benefit from filing a tax return. As a rule, they often pay more taxes than is actually necessary. For example, by automatically deducting income tax from your salary.
Tax returns are particularly worthwhile this year
Tax lawyer Stefan Heine explains to
FOCUS Online
that basically everyone who could possibly receive tax refunds due to business expenses, special expenses or other burdens should submit a tax return.
There is also good news for taxpayers: the basic tax allowance was increased to 10,908 euros in 2023. The income is tax-free up to this limit.
There is also a positive development with regard to the savings allowances. From now on, the saver's flat rate is 1,000 euros for individuals and 2,000 euros for married couples or people in registered civil partnerships.
This amount makes it possible to receive capital gains up to this amount without tax deductions. In order to use this advantage, an exemption request must be submitted to the bank or credit institution. If this is forgotten, the tax burden can be reclaimed up to the maximum limit via the tax return, explains Heine.
The tax return must be submitted to the tax office by September 2, 2024. © Christoph Soeder/dpa
Home office flat rate
The home office flat rate enables further tax advantages. Without itemized proof of business expenses, up to €1,260 can be deducted for 210 days in the home office. 6 euros are now deductible per day instead of the previous 5 euros.
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Please note: The number of commuting days must be adjusted accordingly. The total number of home office days and commuting days must correspond to the working days. The tax office is checking this carefully.
Underestimated potential: household-related services
Household-related services such as
garden maintenance, cleaning work and tradesman services
such as using chimney sweeps or heating maintenance work are often underestimated when it comes to the potential for reimbursement, reports the tax expert.
Even wedding party
expenses
can be tax deductible as long as they were not paid for in cash. Otherwise it could be illegal work and the state is checking this closely. However, the tax offices only rarely take a wedding celebration into account in the tax return. A wedding is a voluntary and private celebration and so there is usually no way to claim it for tax purposes. However, part of the wedding expenses can be tax-reimbursed as a “household-related service”. Under one condition: the celebration must take place in your own home.
Further tips for tax returns
Another goldmine is the
commuter allowance.
This means that the commute to work can be claimed as a tax deduction. This can be used to get to work regardless of the means of transport you choose. A reimbursement of 35 cents is provided for each kilometer traveled.
Even if
you move
to another city for work-related reasons, the moving costs can be deducted from your taxes. This applies to both employees and self-employed people. The tax regulations regarding moving costs must be observed, as these can vary depending on the country and individual situation. In many cases, the moving costs must be proven. Therefore: always have receipts ready.
The state has increased flat rates and the basic allowance. © Christin Klose/dpa-tmn/dpa
Caring for family members
can also
be taken into account for tax purposes. Employees who care for their relatives are entitled to a flat rate of 600 to 1,800 euros for 2023, depending on the level of care.
When you
do volunteer work,
you can earn up to 840 euros a year tax- and social security-free. In this way, financial recognition can be received for voluntary work without taxes or social security contributions being levied on it.