Tax return tips: How to get the most out of it in a short amount of time

Hardly anyone wants to do it - it can be worthwhile to submit the tax return. The following tax return tips can help you fill them out quickly and effectively. "Many shy away from the effort and are afraid of making mistakes and getting problems with the tax office," says Juliane Kutzke, tax expert at the Taxfix app. Those who make the effort are usually rewarded: "On average, you get back 1,051 euros through the tax return."

It can help to approach the tax return pragmatically. "The first step is to put the intention into action and start with the tax return," says the expert. "Depending on the time and previous knowledge, there are various ways to get support to successfully and correctly file the tax return." (Also read: Artificial intelligence – Anders Indset reveals 5 tips for the coexistence of man and machine in the video)

Flat rates should be taken into account automatically

This includes, for example, the official Elster program. "This is particularly suitable for people who like to read up on background information," says Kutzke. There is also software for the PC and apps such as Taxfix, which work on mobile devices or the web and guide users through the tax return.

"It should be emphasized that the apps and programs query all important information in a short time and ensure that no tax relief option is forgotten," says the expert. “So you can claim work equipment at a flat rate of 110 euros, even if your own expenses were not that high. In the same way, application costs of EUR 2.50 per e-mail and EUR 8.50 per folder can be specified quickly and easily. Ideally, programs should automatically take these flat rates into account.” (Also interesting: Why too much free time is also unhealthy for our work-life balance)

Benefit from the home office flat rate

The advertising costs also play a major role. There is a fixed flat rate of 1,000 euros for employees. It is often exceeded by the trip to work and the costs. "If, for example, you have to travel 20 kilometers to work and work a five-day week, this alone can add up to 1,380 euros," says Kutzke.

The corona pandemic meant that many people worked from home in 2020 and 2021. In order to compensate for this for tax purposes, a home office flat rate of five euros per day and a maximum of 600 euros was introduced. Every employee is entitled to a flat-rate allowance of EUR 1,000 for income-related expenses. If you have higher costs, you can claim them. "So if the travel costs are more than 1,000 euros, you can also use the 600 euros if you have worked from home for at least 120 days," says the expert. However, if the total professional costs including home office flat rate are less than 1,000 euros, this flat rate has no effect. (Also worth reading: How much salary you can ask)

Think of the costs for training and services

Also good to know: If you have invested in work equipment for the home office, for example in a desk, chair or monitor, you can tax these expenses in addition to the home office flat rate assert. "In this way you can get even more out of the tax return," emphasizes the expert.

In addition, you should also remember to state the costs for further training or courses. Special expenses, such as donations or insurance, are also relevant. Overall, according to Kutzke, you can minimize your taxable income and thus your tax burden immensely. (Also read: Jeff Bezos – This is the secret of his success)

In particular, costs that initially do not appear relevant to the tax are often forgotten. These include, for example, so-called household-related services and medical expenses. "The services include many costs that are included in the utility bill, for example tradesman services such as maintenance of an elevator or the heating system, but also cleaning services," says Kutzke. It's worth it: 20 percent of these costs are deducted directly from the tax.

Check medical expenses as extraordinary expenses

This item also includes the costs for services that you commission yourself, for example for a cleaner or for a craftsman. "It is important that only the labor costs and travel costs are deductible, material costs are not included," says Kutzke. (Also interesting: Glossy Seams at DHDL – A pen that is supposed to make white sneakers look new again)

One of the tips for tax returns is to think about medical expenses. They fall under the so-called extraordinary burdens, provided these costs have not been reimbursed. These include, for example, the costs for visual aids, tooth cleaning or dentures as well as for prescribed medication and treatments. However, these only have an effect if the reasonable burden is exceeded. "That's a percentage that is between one and seven percent of the total income, depending on your personal situation," says Kutzke. "This can be high, but it's always worth calculating."

In some cases, a tax consultant can be of good service

Some people do not dare to do their tax return because they are afraid that they will accidentally make a mistake and get into trouble with the tax office. "For most employees, however, the tax return is uncomplicated," says the expert. Tax programs such as Taxfix can guide you through the tax return and thus help to save on the expenses of a tax consultant. (Also read: Almost everyone makes this mistake in their emails)

In some cases, however, professional advice from a tax advisor can be useful: This applies, for example, if you are self-employed or run a trade, have inherited or receive income from abroad. "Tax advice can also be important for several types of income, for example employment, trade and rental income," says Kutzke.

Most errors can be corrected

But what happens if, despite all due diligence, an error does occur? "If you notice that you've made a mistake, regardless of whether it's to your own advantage or disadvantage, it's best to inform the tax office directly," advises the expert. Ultimately, there are four ways to react to incorrect tax returns and tax assessments: