If you’re a foreign worker, student, or expat living in Germany, you might not realize you could be eligible for a tax refund of up to €1,000 or more every year. Many international residents overpay taxes without even knowing they can reclaim a big chunk of it.

In this 2025 guide, we break down everything you need to know about getting your tax refund as a foreigner in Germany , in plain English, no boring tax talk. Let’s get your money back!

Why Do Foreigners in Germany Get Tax Refunds?

Germany operates under a progressive income tax system, and if you’ve worked part of the year, had job-related expenses, or didn’t earn much overall, you probably paid too much tax. The good news? You can file a Steuererklärung and get that extra money back — legally.

Common reasons foreigners get refunds:

Worked for part of the year only
Paid for relocation or travel
Had double rent or a second household
Paid tuition or job-related courses
Used your own money for work tools
Didn’t reach the full taxable income threshold

What You Need to File Your German Tax Return (Steuererklärung 2025)

Before you jump in, gather this information:

• Tax ID (Steuer-ID)
• Lohnsteuerbescheinigung (Your annual income statement from employer)
• Rent and utility bills if you paid them
• Receipts for any job-related expenses
• Health insurance documents
• Bank account details for your refund
• (Optional) German tax software or a tax advisor

Most Common Tax Deductions for Foreigners in Germany

Germany has many deductible expenses (Werbungskosten) that can lower your taxable income. That means a bigger refund for you. Some top 2025 deductions: - Home Office Costs: €6/day - Commuting Allowance: €0.30/km up to 20 km; €0.38/km after - Education Expenses: up to €6,000 - Moving Costs: up to €964 - Work Tools & Gear: Computers, phones, etc. - Language Courses or Integration Classes - Second Household (double rent) if your family lives elsewhere - Childcare Costs

👉 Want a full list? Check out our free deduction checklist at taxtip24.com

Deadline for Your Tax Refund in Germany (2025)

• Voluntary filing: You have up to 4 years to file (e.g., in 2025, you can file for 2021–2024).
• Mandatory filing: Deadline is July 31, 2025. This applies if you had multiple income sources or freelance income.

Don’t wait! The sooner you file, the sooner you get paid.

How to File a Steuererklärung as a Foreigner

Option 1: Online Tax Software Use platforms like taxtip24.com — built for expats, with English support. Easy, fast, and secure.

Option 2: Tax Advisor (Steuerberater) Good for complex cases but often more expensive.

Option 3: ELSTER (Official Tool) Free, but only available in German and not beginner-friendly.

Tips to Maximize Your Tax Refund in Germany

1. Save receipts: Especially for anything work-related.
2. Track travel: If you traveled for interviews, work events, or moved cities.
3. Use a smart tax calculator to preview your refund.
4. File early to avoid delays and beat the rush.

Conclusion: Don’t Leave Money on the Table

If you worked or studied in Germany, there's a strong chance the Finanzamt (tax office) owes you money. Foreigners often leave hundreds or even thousands of euros unclaimed simply because they didn’t file a tax return.

👉 Need help? Visit taxtip24.com to file your 2025 German tax return easily in English and claim your refund now.