One In Three Germans File Tax Returns Before April: Why Early Filing Pays Off

Berlin, 30 March 2026

• New Taxfix survey: 35 per cent of Germans file their tax return in the first quarter.
• 61 per cent save or invest their refund strategically.
• 71 per cent feel more financially secure when their tax return is filed early.

More than one in three Germans files their tax return in the first quarter, not purely out of a sense of duty, but because it pays off both financially and psychologically. A representative survey by tax platform Taxfix shows that the main motivation is a faster tax refund – an average of €1,172. At the same time, 71 per cent say that filing early gives them the feeling of being in control of their finances. For many, the tax return has become an annual financial check-in.

According to the Taxfix survey, seven per cent of respondents file their tax return as early as January, with a further 28 per cent following in February and March. Nearly two-thirds complete their tax return a good month before the filing deadline of 31 July. The main driver – 56 per cent cite the refund as the primary reason for filing their tax return at all. And 39 per cent of early filers want one thing above all: to get their money back faster.

Many tax offices are overwhelmed by peak volumes in summer and autumn. The average processing time is around 50 days . Those who file early avoid the peak period, as returns are generally processed in chronological order.

"The regular tax return filing deadline falls right in the middle of summer. Who wants to think about their tax return then rather than their summer holiday? The processing peaks at tax offices are partly linked to school holidays too. Filing early can therefore pay off twice over: shorter processing times and better financial planning," emphasises Martin Ott, CEO of Taxfix, Europe's leading AI platform for digital tax management.

The average tax refund in Germany stands at €1,172, according to the Federal Statistical Office . Filing early creates financial headroom. Those who receive this money sooner can put it to use sooner – and that makes a measurable difference.

But what do Germans do with their tax refund? 45 per cent save it and 16 per cent invest it  – in stocks or ETFs, for example. At the same time, many still see room for improvement: 31 per cent of respondents want to build more competence in retirement planning, 30 per cent in long-term saving and 28 per cent in investing.

The most striking finding of the survey is not financial,but psychological. Nearly three-quarters of respondents say that having their tax return done early gives them the feeling of being in control of their finances. For 30 per cent, it’s a fixed part of their annual financial routine, while 23 per cent say they consciously use their tax return to gain a better overview of their financial situation.

"For many people, the tax return is a dreaded to-do. But our data shows that those who file early turn it into a real financial advantage. Early filers don't just get their money back faster – they use their tax return as an annual check-in for their finances. That's exactly what we want to make even easier with Taxfix: making the entry point so accessible that nobody has a reason to put off their tax return any longer," explains Martin Ott.

The study was commissioned by Taxfix and conducted by market research firm Qualtrics, surveying a representative sample of 2,035 individuals in Germany via an online survey in January and February 2026. 1,012 women and 1,018 men, aged 18 or older, who have previously filed a tax return, were surveyed.

Taxfix is Europe’s leading AI platform for digital tax management, with over 8 million tax returns submitted and more than €4.5 billion in refunds reclaimed. Taxfix’s mission is to empower people to take control of their finances and fix finance for all. Powered by scalable technology, integrated AI, and user-centric design, Taxfix turns one of life’s most complex, stressful tasks - filing taxes – into a simple, secure, and personalised experience.

The platform, with its brands Taxfix and Steuerbot, offers AI-powered tax filing for diverse needs: intuitive self-filing with guided Q&A, expert services with certified tax advisors managing the entire process, and specialised financial services for the self-employed and SMEs. For Taxfix’ tax accountant partners, the platform provides smart tools, automation, and AI-driven workflows for efficient, high-quality delivery at scale.

With offices in Berlin, London, Madrid, and Tallinn, Taxfix serves millions across Germany, the UK, and Spain and employs over 400 professionals from more than 50 nationalities. The company is backed by leading investors including Index Ventures, Valar Ventures, Creandum, Redalpine, and Teachers’ Venture Growth (OTPP).