Many employees or seniors are not required to file a tax return. Nevertheless, it can be worthwhile.
You have up to four years to file your voluntary tax return. This is particularly worthwhile in the following cases:
- At Renovations in your apartment or home with high tradesman costs, e.g. bathrooms, kitchens, stair lifts, wallpapering and painting work and much more. Up to 20% of the tradesman’s work can be deducted directly from your taxes. This means that even small amounts can significantly reduce your taxes.
- At high business expenses as an employeee.g. from a distance of 20 km by car, bicycle or motorbike, privately incurred expenses for further training, private expenses for deductible work clothing or the purchase of a private computer that you use for your work in the home office. Memberships in professional associations or unions can also be deducted from taxes.
- At high private health care costswhich have been medically prescribed, such as co-payments for medication, dentures, rehabilitation services or physiotherapy. If the total of all costs in a year exceeds the reasonable personal contribution, you can deduct the excess costs from your taxes. Families, low earners and senior citizens with small incomes exceed the reasonable personal contribution more quickly.
- At a professional relocation You can also deduct many expenses that you have paid yourself, such as real estate agent fees, moving vans, double rent expenses, travel costs, tutoring for your children. Have you started working for the first time or started working after being unemployed or have you simply moved closer to your place of work to reduce your travel time.
- At private removals The costs of the moving company reduce your taxes as a household-related service. Up to 20% of the costs can be deducted directly from your taxes. This means that even smaller amounts can bring noticeable relief. If you commission tradesmen to renovate your apartment, up to 20% of the tradesmen’s work can reduce your tax liability.
These are just a few examples of many of how you can benefit from a voluntary tax return. Anyone who would like to voluntarily file a tax return for 2023 can do so until December 31, 2027. You are not taking any risk. If an unexpected tax demand arises, you can withdraw your voluntary tax return. This must be done within one month of receiving the tax assessment by means of an objection. The Taxpayers’ Association also offers you sample templates for this.
Don’t miss your chance to get a tax refund. Order the tax brochures for 2023 and secure the right information for your voluntary tax return:
- My first tax return 2023 – background and details
- Tax return for employees 2023
- Tax return for seniors 2023
Call or order your brochures by email – Telephone 0211 99175-0 and info(at)steuerzahler-nrw.de
