Submitting a tax return is an annual obligation for many – for others, it is an opportunity to get money back from the state. However, many questions consistently cause uncertainty: How long does it actually take until the assessment notice arrives? What needs to be considered when moving house? And do you really still have to submit physical receipts?
We answer the most important questions regarding your tax return – simply, understandably, and up to date.
How long does it take until I receive my tax assessment notice?
The processing time varies depending on the effort and complexity of your case. Queries, missing documents, or staff shortages at the Finanzamt can extend the duration. As a general rule: Anyone who submits their declaration digitally via Mein ELSTER significantly speeds up the processing.
💡 Our tip: Electronic transmission = faster assessment notice
When will the tax refund arrive?
If you receive a tax assessment notice (Steuerbescheid) showing a refund, the money is usually already on its way. This is because the payment is initiated on the day the assessment is created – you often have the money in your account before you even read the letter.
Where can I find the forms for the tax return?
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In paper form at your local Finanzamt
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Digitally on the website of your Finanzamt under "Formulare" (Forms)
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Directly online at: www.elster.de
Important: Anyone earning income from self-employment, business, or rental properties is mandatory required to transmit the declaration digitally.
Can I submit my tax return online?
Yes – with ELSTER (www.elster.de). Whether via the Mein ELSTER portal or using commercial tax software – digital submission saves time, avoids transcription errors, and speeds up processing.
Do I have to submit receipts?
Generally, no. Receipts are only required upon request. If you nevertheless submit receipts, please do so electronically via ELSTER or as a copy – do not send originals. Paper documents are scanned and subsequently destroyed.
Important: Keep all receipts until the expiry of the objection period (Einspruchsfrist). Donation receipts should even be kept for one year after the announcement of the tax assessment.
How long must receipts be kept?
⏳ Generally: Until the end of the objection period
📂 In case of legal dispute: Until the conclusion of the proceedings
💡 For invoices relating to tradesmen's services (Handwerkerleistungen) or household-related services, a 2-year retention period applies (from the end of the year of the invoice date)
Can I save my entries on the PC & use them again later?
Yes – with so-called FFW forms (FormsForWeb).
You can save your entries as an XML file and upload them again later – e.g., at Mein ELSTER or on the Finanzamt's form page.
I have moved – which Finanzamt is responsible?
The Finanzamt of your place of residence at the time of submission is always responsible. If you move after the tax year and submit your return later, the Finanzamt at your new place of residence is responsible.
Tip: Report your new address to your previous Finanzamt in advance so that your case can be handed over in good time.
Which address do I provide in the declaration?
Always your current address – i.e., the one at the time of submission. Additionally, provide your old tax number (Steuernummer) so that the Finanzamt can uniquely identify you.
What applies in the case of a second residence?
If you have multiple residences, the location where you predominantly stay counts. For married couples or civil partnerships, this is the common centre of life.
Do I also have to report my move to the Finanzamt?
Yes – the Finanzamt does not automatically receive your new address from the residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). An informal notification to your previous Finanzamt is sufficient – this allows your data to be forwarded in time.
📌 Conclusion: Well prepared = faster assessment
With digital submission via ELSTER, clear information, and well-prepared receipts, your tax return will run much more smoothly. This way, you will get your tax assessment notice faster – and in the best case, your refund too.
Do you have any further questions about the tax return, the assessment, or Elster? We can help you personally.
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**Note
**This article serves for general information purposes 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 permissible extent according to § 4 Nr. 11 StBerG (Tax Consultancy Act).