Not all taxpayers are obligated to file tax returns. Nevertheless, 9 out of 10 taxpayers receive a refund when filing a tax return. We discuss what's the average tax refund you can expect and what you need to bear in mind.
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01.
Take the test: Is a voluntary tax return worth your time?
In a couple of clicks, our tax calculator will help you decide if a tax return is worthwhile for you when you’re not a mandatory tax filer. All you need to do is answer a few simple questions.
02.
What is meant by a mandatory tax filer?
Some employees face a legal obligation to submit the tax return: the assessment obligation (Veranlagungspflicht). The tax office assumes that too little tax has been deducted.
There can be many reasons for such a tax obligation:
This article explores the different tax cases where you qualify as a mandatory tax filer. If you are a mandatory tax filer, pay close attention to the tas deadlines stated in the article as well.
Income replacement benefits have been more prevalent since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many employees receive or have received short-time work allowance or unemployment benefits (ALGI) after termination of contract. Once you receive an income higher than 410 euros from such benefits (which most people do), you are obligated to file a tax return!
Prepare your own tax return
For anyone who wants to file an easy and secure tax return themselves. Free refund calculation, pay only upon submission.
Receive an advance calculation of your refund and pay only when you turn it in
Guided and intuitive process with simple questions
Automatic data retrieval: simply retrieve your income data from the tax office and have it pre-filled
The general deadline applies (September 02)
€59.99 for married couples or registered partnerships looking to file a tax return together
Our Expert Service does it for you
For those who are unsure or can't find the time – hand your taxes to an expert.
Provide a few necessary documents in minutes
An independent tax advisor will prepare and submit your tax return for you
Personalised document upload: Only submit documents that are completely necessary
Detailed check of your information
Benefit from an extended tax deadline (April 30, 2026)
03.
Why should I file a voluntary tax return?
Non-mandatory tax filers can submit voluntarily tax returns. In most cases, a voluntary tax return pays off well. Often those who are not obliged to submit a tax return can expect a tax refund and recover the overpaid taxes from the state.
04.
Cases where filing a voluntary tax return is worth it
Filing a tax return voluntarily can be worthwhile if:
05.
The average tax refund you can expect
The Federal Statistical Office has determined that in 2019, out of approximately 14.4 million people in Germany who submitted a tax declaration, 12.7 million received a tax refund. On average, this amounted to 1,095.
You can expect an average tax refund of 1,095. At Taxfix you get at estimate of your expected tax refund by simply answering the easy-to-understand questions find out. Instead of using tax extensive forms, you enter your tax situation in the app or browser and Taxfix calculates the expected tax refund for free and without obligation. You can then decide whether you want to submit with Taxfix (via the ELSTER interface). In some cases, filing a tax return with Taxfix is free of charge as well.
Get it early! Submit now so the tax office takes care of your tax return early. Simply upload your income tax certificate and answer the simple questions.
Start now for freeTaxes without forms: Answer our easy-to-understand question-answer process, or have your tax done by an independent tax advisor.
The choice is yours: complete the simple question and answer process, or use Expert Service and have your taxes done for you by an independent tax advisor. Either way, you can avoid complicated tax jargon.
Learn moreTaxfix makes your tax return completely digital. Simply photograph or upload your documents. Taxfix then automatically transfers all important information - accurately and stress-free!
Learn moreWe tell you how much you get from the tax office. Not only do we automatically deduct flat rates that you can use to save taxes, we also show you transparently what information you submit.
Learn moreYour data is always transmitted in encrypted form to the Taxfix servers and via ELSTER to the tax office. We use secure encryption technologies that are also used by banks.
Learn more06.
You can withdraw miscalculated tax returns
You have submitted a voluntary tax return and are expecting a tax refund. But according to the tax assessment, the tax office is demanding an additional payment? No problem. Your voluntary submission gives you a certain period when you can appeal against the tax assessment.
At the same time, submit your application for an assessment according to §46 Para. 2 No. 8 EStG back. Your tax return is then deemed unsubmitted and you do not have to make any additional payments.
07.
File taxes for 4 years retroactively
A big advantage of submitting your voluntary tax return is that you don’t have the usual tax deadlines are bound. You can take your time. You can submit your voluntary tax return retroactively until after 4 years .
You can still submit your voluntary tax return for the year 2018 until the end of 2022 to your responsible tax office.
08.
Voluntary tax returns are worth it
In most cases, you can expect a tax refund if you file a voluntary tax return. That’s reason enough to try it yourself!
If you’re unsure about filling out tax forms, download the Taxfix app onto your smartphone Download or open it in your browser. It takes a few easy steps to complete your tax return.
With easy-to-understand questions and no difficult tax jargon, the app helps you to complete your tax return in less than half an hour and calculates your expected tax result for free, which usually shows up as a refund.
A voluntary tax return is worth it! Get started right away with Taxfix. Start for free
Because no one speaks like a tax form, we have simplified complicated tax terms for you. Answer easy questions and get an average refund of €1,095 – no tax knowledge needed.
Start now for free