Knowledge
Lohnsteuerhilfeverein: what it is, what it can do.
A Lohnsteuerhilfeverein is a regulated, non-profit tax help association under German law. It can advise its members on income tax within the limits of § 4 No. 11 StBerG.
- Regulated by law
- Membership-based
- Non-profit
Who can become a member
- Employees, civil servants, pensioners.
- Recipients of unemployment / parental / sick pay.
- People with rental, investment or PV-system income (within the advisory scope, no caps from September 2026).
What a Lohi can do
- Prepare and file your income tax return.
- Review tax assessments and file objections.
- Apply for wage tax allowances (Freibeträge).
- Advise on common life events: marriage, children, retirement.
What it can't do
- No advice for sole traders, freelancers or companies.
- No VAT, no payroll, no corporate tax.
Frequently asked questions
Lohi vs Steuerberater – which one do I need?
If you're employed, retired or earn only rental / investment income, a Lohi is enough and cheaper. For self-employment you need a Steuerberater.
Is membership mandatory?
Yes. Advice is only available to members – that's the legal model.
Talk to a real advisor.
Free first call, 30 minutes, no obligation. Consultations are primarily in German; English is available on request.
Looking for the full German page? Visit Lohnsteuerhilfevereine – Leitfaden