German tax return: this is how long it really takes

We regularly hear of offers that promise to complete your German tax return in three weeks. Can that be true? We did a reality check!

The Bund der Steuerzahler e.V. is an independent German organization that campaigns for the interests of taxpayers. It regularly carries out a processing check in which it records the time it takes to process tax returns from submission to the tax assessment notice in all 16 federal states. And the latest figures show: The claim of “three weeks” is a fantasy figure that is obviously being used to attract customers.

Because even the fastest tax authorities – in this case in the federal state of Berlin – took 40 days to process the tax assessment in the period under review. Bremen brought up the rear with 62 days. So: in Germany, it takes the authorities alone between 40 and around 60 days to process a tax return. This does not even include any delays caused by processing at the submitting providers.

So beware of big promises – and trust reputable providers instead. We will be happy to advise you.

Source: statista