Tax return 2024: How to save money and stress!

Tax return 2024: How to save money and stress!

Filing a tax return is a tedious chore for many citizens, but one that can be important for their financial situation. The Ministry of Finance of Saxony-Anhalt emphasizes the importance of correct and complete information in the tax return. An incorrect or incomplete return can not only cause delays, but also hinder tax refunds.

For self-employed people, the 2024 tax return must be submitted by July 31, 2025. Anyone who seeks professional help has until April 30, 2026 to do so. Jana Bauer from the Federal Association of Wage Tax Assistance Associations recommends submitting your tax return online via the Elster portal. This option offers the advantage of a plausibility check that can identify errors before submission.

Important deduction options

Many employees do not know that business-related expenses can be deducted from tax. These include advertising costs such as training costs, travel costs and union fees. In addition, there are also other tax-reducing expenses, such as special expenses for donations or childcare costs, and extraordinary burdens such as medical or nursing costs. Services that are provided directly in the household and tradesmen's services are also deductible, although it is important to pay for these non-cash, for example through bank transfers.

Particularly noteworthy is the importance of the correct bank details in the tax return. Mistakes here can delay tax repayments and lead to further problems.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Filing your tax return can be challenging, especially for people without daily tax law experience. Loud DRPA Common mistakes can cost a lot of time, money and nerves. An overview of the most common mistakes and tips for avoiding them shows:

• Fristversäumnis: Termine im Kalender markieren oder Steuerberatungssoftware nutzen.
• Nicht genutzte Werbungskosten: Belege sammeln und berufsbedingte Ausgaben auflisten.
• Fehlende Belege: Ordnung halten und digitale Tools zur Belegaufbewahrung nutzen.
• Vergessen von Freibeträgen: Jährlich relevante Freibeträge prüfen.
• Unvollständige Angaben: Steuererklärung vor Einreichung sorgfältig kontrollieren.
• Doppelte Werbungskostenangaben: Überprüfen, dass Ausgaben nur einmal aufgeführt sind.
• Falsche Angaben bei Selbstständigen: Vorab von einem Steuerberater prüfen lassen.
• Nicht genutzte Sonderausgaben: Alle Sparpotenziale berücksichtigen.
• Nicht geltend gemachte haushaltsnahe Dienstleistungen: Belege aufbewahren und angeben.
• Fehler beim Ansatz von Steuerklassen: Steuerlich beraten lassen, um optimale Konstellationen zu finden.

Filing your tax return correctly can not only save money, but also avoid unnecessary stress. It is therefore advisable to obtain comprehensive information in advance and possibly seek professional support.