Tax return 2025: 10 tips for maximum refund!

Tax return 2025: 10 tips for maximum refund!

For many citizens in Germany, the tax return is a challenge that is often associated with stress and uncertainty. On July 13, 2025, the Ministry of Finance of Saxony-Anhalt reminds you of the importance of the accuracy and completeness of the information in the tax return. Mistakes can not only lead to delays, but also financial disadvantages.

The recommendation to submit the tax return online via the Elster portal shows a way in which taxpayers can ensure that their information is plausible. This reduces the risk of errors and speeds up the editing process. In addition, there are many points that need to be taken into account to avoid common mistakes.

Important deadlines and deadlines

Adhering to the filing deadline is crucial in order to avoid late fees and interest on back taxes. For the 2024 tax return, self-employed people must submit their documents by July 31, 2025, while the deadline for filing with professional help is April 30, 2026. Taxpayers should mark these dates on their calendar to ensure timely filing. Failure to do so can be expensive as it can result in both late payment surcharges and reminder fees drpa.de out.

Common mistakes when filing taxes

Ignorance and negligence often lead to common mistakes that can cost time, money and nerves. The most common include:

• Fristversäumnis: Abgabefristen sind gesetzlich festgelegt, und das Versäumen kann teuer werden.
• Nicht genutzte Werbungskosten: Viele Arbeitnehmer vergessen, beruflich bedingte Aufwendungen wie Fahrtkosten oder Fortbildungskosten anzugeben.
• Fehlende Belege: Ohne Nachweise, wie Spendenquittungen oder Rechnungen, können steuerliche Ausgaben nicht angesetzt werden.
• Freibeträge nicht genutzt: Steuerzahler versäumen oft, Grundfreibetrag oder Kinderfreibetrag geltend zu machen.
• Unvollständige Angaben: Fehler bei Kontodaten oder Steuerklassen können die Bearbeitung der Steuererklärung verzögern.

Jana Bauer from the Federal Association of Wage Tax Assistance Associations advises carefully documenting and listing work-related expenses such as advertising costs, special expenses and extraordinary burdens. Other deductible expenses include, for example, childcare costs and household-related services. Taxpayers should also ensure that they pay bills without cash in order to avoid problems with documentation.

Tips to avoid mistakes

To avoid common mistakes, it is recommended to collect receipts throughout the year. Digital tools for document storage or keeping your own folder can help you manage the necessary evidence properly. Furthermore, all relevant allowances should be checked annually and adjusted if necessary.

The issue of choosing a tax class is also important. A wrong approach can lead to financial disadvantages, especially for married couples. Tax advice can often provide clarification and help find the optimal combination.

To ensure that the tax return is processed without problems, correct information is essential. Incorrect information, particularly regarding bank details, can significantly delay the tax refund. Careful checking of the tax return before filing is therefore another important step.

A correct and timely tax return is not only required by law, but can also bring financial benefits while avoiding hassle. Every taxpayer should strive to approach this task diligently and informedly.