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Tax return deadlines (Steuererklärung)

Pick the tax year to see when your return is due: without an adviser, with a tax adviser or aid association, or as a voluntary return.

  • Every year since 2021
  • With and without adviser
  • Voluntary returns
  • No sign-up

Tax return deadline

  • Without a tax adviser

    Fri, 31 July 2026

  • With a tax adviser / tax aid association

    Mon, 01 March 2027

  • Voluntary return

    Mon, 31 December 2029

Mandatory return: deadline without or with an adviser. Voluntary return: 4 years (until 31 Dec of the fourth following year). If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next working day (§ 108(3) AO).

Which deadline applies?

  1. STEP 01Mandatory or voluntary?Mandatory e.g. with tax class III/V, side income over €410 or several employers.
  2. STEP 02Without adviserBy 31 July of the following year – 31 July 2026 for 2025.
  3. STEP 03With adviserBy the end of February of the second following year – 1 March 2027 for 2025.
  4. STEP 04VoluntaryFour years – the 2022 return until 31 December 2026.

FAQ

Q01When is the 2025 tax return due?

Without an adviser by 31 July 2026; with a tax adviser or aid association by 1 March 2027.

Q02What if I miss it?

The tax office can charge a late-filing surcharge (at least €25 per month started, § 152 AO). Voluntary returns have no surcharge – only the 4-year limit.