Moving & tax
How to deduct moving costs in your German tax return: job-related moves, lump sums, § 35a for moving companies and which receipts you need.
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! Moving & tax: the key facts
- 01
Filing deadline
If you're obliged to file, the tax return is due by 31 July of the following year; with a tax adviser the deadline is later. Voluntary returns are possible up to four years back.
§ 149 AO
- 02
ELSTER
You file your tax return for free online via ELSTER. Many details such as salary and insurance contributions are pre-filled.
- 03
Work-related expenses
Commuting, work equipment, training and job-related moves reduce your tax. Without receipts, an automatic employee allowance applies.
§ 9 EStG
- 04
Household services
For tradespeople, cleaning or movers you can deduct 20 % of the labour costs directly from your tax – up to maximum amounts, paid by bank transfer.
§ 35a EStG
- 05
Tax ID
You receive your tax identification number by post from the Federal Central Tax Office after your first registration in Germany. It stays the same for life.
- 06
Objecting to a tax assessment
If the assessment is wrong, you can object within one month – informally, also via ELSTER.
§ 355 AO
Moving & tax: what you should know
Whether you can deduct moving costs depends mainly on why you moved. Job-related moves count as work expenses; for private moves § 35a EStG helps.
Our tax guides are general information and do not replace individual tax advice.
? FAQ
Q01Can I deduct a private move?
Partly: 20 % of a moving company's labour costs count as household services under § 35a EStG.
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