For retirees
Calm, expert tax help for pensioners.
Many German pensioners are unexpectedly drawn into the income tax system. We explain what's actually taxable, what isn't, and make sure you don't pay a cent too much.
What we handle
- Statutory pensions (DRV): Including widow/widower's pensions and orphan's pensions.
- Occupational pensions: Direktversicherung, Pensionskasse, Pensionsfonds, Unterstützungskasse.
- Riester & Rürup: Correct taxation share and Wohn-Riester adjustments.
- Private pensions: Ertragsanteil rules for life-long private annuities.
- Side income: Mini-jobs, honorary work, small rental income.
Deductions retirees often miss
- Altersentlastungsbetrag: Age-related allowance for taxpayers from 64+.
- Extraordinary medical costs: Care, glasses, dental, retirement-home costs above your reasonable burden.
- Household-related services: Cleaner, gardener, care services – 20% directly off your tax.
- Disability allowance: Behindertenpauschbetrag, especially after recent reform.
Do I even have to file?
You are usually required to file if your taxable pension exceeds the basic allowance (Grundfreibetrag). Even when not required, voluntary filing often results in a refund. We check both for free in your first call.
Frequently asked questions
I never filed before – can you do prior years?
Yes. Voluntary filings are possible for the past 4 calendar years.
Is my entire pension taxed?
No. Only a percentage based on the year you started drawing it (Besteuerungsanteil). For 2023 retirees: 83%.
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 Steuerhilfe für Rentner