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What does Steuererklärung mean?

In the Steuererklärung (tax return), you tell the Finanzamt your income and expenses. It then calculates your tax.

die Steuererklärung · die Steuererklärungen (plural)

Some people must file a tax return, for example with several jobs or as self-employed. Many employees do not have to.

Even without an obligation, it is often worth it, because you get money back, for example for travel to work.

You usually file it online through ELSTER. The Finanzamt then sends you a Steuerbescheid (tax assessment).

If the Finanzamt asks you to file a tax return, keep to the date it gives. Otherwise a surcharge can follow.

Example sentence

Bitte reichen Sie Ihre Einkommensteuererklärung für 2025 bis zum 31.12.2026 ein.

Please submit your income tax return for 2025 by 31.12.2026.

What you can do

Collect receipts in one folder all year. You get the Lohnsteuerbescheinigung (annual wage tax statement) from your employer.

  • Finanzamt The Finanzamt (tax office) is the office for taxes. It checks your tax return and sends you the Steuerbescheid.
  • Steuerbescheid A Steuerbescheid (tax assessment) tells you how much tax you must pay or will get back. It usually comes from the Finanzamt.
  • Steuer-ID The Steuer-ID (tax ID) is your personal number for taxes in Germany. It has eleven digits and stays the same for life.
  • Steuernummer The Steuernummer (tax number) is your number at your Finanzamt. It is at the top of the Finanzamt's letters and notices.
  • Lohnsteuerbescheinigung The Lohnsteuerbescheinigung (annual wage tax statement) shows what you earned in the year and how much wage tax was deducted.