Doing your tax return? Sounds complicated. But with the right access to ELSTER – the official online portal of the Finanzämter – you can do it entirely without paperwork. We will show you step-by-step how to log in stress-free and avoid typical pitfalls.
1. What is ELSTER?
ELSTER stands for "Elektronische Steuererklärung" (Electronic Tax Return). Via the portal, you can:
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submit your tax return online,
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view your assessments (Bescheide),
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communicate with your Finanzamt.
Website: www.elster.de
2. Create an ELSTER account (if you don't have one yet)
What you need:
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a valid email address,
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your identification number (ID-Nummer, found on your tax assessment).
Step by step:
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Go to elster.de.
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Click on "Benutzerkonto erstellen" (Create user account).
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Choose the option "Zertifikatsdatei" (Certificate file) – the simplest for private individuals.
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Enter your details – important: correct ID-Nummer and date of birth!
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After confirmation, you will receive an activation link by email and a code by post.
🔐 Security Tip: ELSTER uses so-called 2-factor authentication (2FA). You need your certificate file and your password to log in – a security plus!
3. Logging into ELSTER
As soon as you have activated your account, you're ready to go:
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Click on "Login".
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Select "Zertifikatsdatei".
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Upload your personal file and enter your password.
Important: This file is your "digital key". It is saved when you create it – it is best to keep it safe on your PC or a USB stick!
4. Common mistakes – and how to avoid them
File cannot be found: You must consciously save the certificate file after creation. If you lose it, you have to apply for access again.
Wrong password: There is no password recovery. If lost → create a new access account.
Activation code forgotten: The code sent by post is only valid for 14 days. Act in time!
5. Screenshots (Suggestions for visuals)
Screenshot 1: Home page of elster.de with a highlight on "Benutzerkonto erstellen".
Screenshot 2: Selection window "Zertifikatsdatei erstellen" with explanatory text.
Screenshot 3: Login mask with certificate file upload and password field.
Screenshot 4: Example overview in the ELSTER portal after login (start page "Meine Formulare").
6. Conclusion
With ELSTER, the tax return is faster, paperless, and free of charge. The important thing is to set up your access correctly – then everything runs like clockwork. And if things do get stuck: We at Lexo Tax are happy to help you.
📞 Become a member now & secure tax help
Note
This article serves as general information and was carefully created by the Lexo.Tax editorial team. Personal tax advice can only be provided within the framework of a membership with Lexo.Tax – and exclusively to the legally permitted extent according to § 4 Nr. 11 StBerG (Tax Consultancy Act).