Tax return 2023: Use flat rates without receipts

Tax return 2023: Use flat rates without receipts

Filing your annual tax return can be a nerve-wracking chore for many. The deadline for filing a tax return without the help of a tax advisor or income tax assistance association is August 31, 2024, which falls on a Saturday. In this case, taxpayers have until September 2, 2024 to file their 2023 tax return. While many documents are required when entering your tax return, there are certain expenses that can be claimed without supporting documents.

Some flat-rate amounts can be deducted directly from taxes without the tax office needing concrete evidence. For example, the flat rate income tax allowance of 1,230 euros for the 2023 tax year is automatically recognized as soon as a tax return is submitted. The home office flat rate of 1,260 euros can also be claimed annually, based on 210 home office days. The distance allowance generally does not require any documents if it is less than 4,500 euros.

It is advisable to keep receipts and evidence for all expenses, even if they fall under the non-disclosure limit. This limit allows tax officials to forego detailed scrutiny of small amounts. Costs such as account management fees, applications or washing costs for work clothes can fall below this limit. However, naming these costs correctly is important in order to be able to allocate them, as some tax offices may remove the non-recovery limit. It is therefore advisable to carefully keep all relevant documents in order to be well prepared in the event of a request from the tax office.