Checklist
Everything you need for your tax return.
Use this checklist as a starting point. Don't worry if something is missing – we'll ask for anything else we need.
Basics (everyone)
- Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) – 11 digits.
- Bank account (IBAN) for refunds.
- Last year's Steuerbescheid, if you have one.
- Marital status and, for couples, your spouse's tax ID.
- Children: birth dates, tax ID, child-care receipts.
Employees
- Lohnsteuerbescheinigung (annual wage statement) from each employer.
- Commuting distance to work (in km, one way).
- Home-office days.
- Work equipment receipts (laptop, books, tools).
- Training, certification or further education costs.
- Union or professional association fees.
Retirees
- Pension statements (Rentenbezugsmitteilung) – statutory, occupational, private.
- Riester / Rürup contracts.
- Health and long-term care insurance contributions.
- Extraordinary medical expenses.
Landlords (Anlage V)
- Rental income per property, broken down by month.
- Operating costs and management fees.
- Loan interest (annual mortgage statement).
- Property tax, repairs and maintenance invoices.
- Depreciation basis (purchase price, year, % building share).
Investors (Anlage KAP)
- Steuerbescheinigung from each German bank.
- Foreign broker statements, in original currency.
- Sauren / Loss-pots (Verlustbescheinigung) if you switched broker.
- Church-tax election (if applicable).
Other deductions
- Insurance contributions (private health, disability, liability).
- Donations to recognised charities.
- Household-related services (handyman, cleaner, gardener).
- Energy-efficient refurbishment invoices.
Talk to a real advisor.
Free first call, 30 minutes, no obligation. Consultations are primarily in German; English is available on request.
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