The best way to submit your income tax return to the tax office is electronically. You have the option of submitting your tax return electronically with authentication. You authenticate yourself using the ELSTER certificate. It has the function of an electronic signature and guarantees
- Confidentiality,
- Identity of the sender and
- Immutability of the content
of the data sent.
To obtain a certificate, you must register in the ELSTER online portal. This requires several steps (e.g. sending the registration data, sending a confirmation e-mail via the ELSTER online portal, sending the activation code by post). Register in good time so that you can submit your tax return on time.
Once you have registered on the ELSTER online portal, you can also take advantage of the pre-filled tax return. For example, the tax authorities will provide you with the following personal data and supporting documents:
- Income tax certificates sent by your employer,
- Notifications of receipt of pension benefits,
- Contributions to health and long-term care insurance and
- Pension expenses (e.g. Riester or Rürup contracts)
If you have registered for document retrieval, you can automatically transfer this data to your income tax return.
Please note: You must submit your tax return electronically if you earn or have an interest in the following income:
- Income from business operations,
- Income from self-employment or
- Income from agriculture and forestry
This applies regardless of the type of profit determination for the EÜR annex (income surplus calculation), the balance sheet and the entire income tax return.
You can obtain paper forms from your tax office or on the Internet. Frequently required forms are also available from the local authorities.
You can send the completed and signed tax return to your tax office by post or hand it in in person.
Please note: The tax office does not accept tax returns by e-mail. You must sign your tax return in person in order to submit it on time.