Elster, App, Tax Advisor: Deadline for Tax Return Ends

Deadline is July 31. Submit your tax return quickly now

Many taxpayers still have until July 31 to submit their tax return for 2025. Whether using Elster, apps or a tax advisor: a refund of more than 1,000 euros is often within reach.

The deadline is approaching, yet far from everyone has already completed their tax return for the 2025 tax year. While some have already submitted their documents, others are still putting off the task. Yet the effort can be worthwhile: on average, taxpayers receive around 1,240 euros back, according to the Federal Statistical Office.

For Jörg Leine from the financial advice platform Finanztip, one thing above all is unacceptable: not tackling the tax return at all. "The biggest mistake is simply not doing the tax return. You have nothing to lose," says Leine. Even people who are not required to file often have the chance of a refund. "The hardest part of doing a tax return is finding all the receipts and preparing them. The return itself goes quickly thanks to an app or software," says the tax expert.

Wide selection of apps

The range of options is broad. The tax office offers a free solution with "Mein Elster." In addition, there are numerous tax apps and programs. Those who want personal support can turn to a wage tax assistance association or a tax advisor.

Particularly for people who still need to get started close to the deadline, Leine sees advantages in tax apps on mobile phones. "Anyone who has to submit next week will genuinely find it fastest with a tax app. You get good support with it. And you don't have to worry about how the whole thing gets to the tax office," says Leine. Many programs work with simple questions rather than complicated tax forms.

Elster is different in this regard. The tax office's official offering is aimed more at people who are already familiar with tax matters. Those who know the system can work well with it. "You should already know a little more about taxes. Elster is something for advanced users. Anyone who has taken the time to get to grips with it can use it," says Finanztip expert Leine.

Free providers "surprisingly good"

For beginners, however, apps and modern tax software are often easier to understand, because they phrase questions in everyday language rather than in "tax German," as Leine calls it. The cost of tax apps is usually between 20 and 40 euros. Some providers also offer free versions, which are surprisingly good.

Many applications automatically check whether information is missing and remind users of frequently overlooked expenses. "My personal favorite topic is utility cost statements — for people who rent or live in a homeowners' association. They contain household-related services such as the caretaker or stairwell cleaning. You get 20 percent of those costs back on your taxes," says Leine.

Tax software for the computer plays a role primarily in more complex tax cases. Those who run a business or need to deal with VAT, for example, often require more comprehensive programs. For most employees, pensioners or students, apps are now sufficient.

Help from experts — affordable or somewhat more expensive

Between doing it yourself and hiring a tax advisor, there are income tax assistance associations. They handle tax returns for many employees, pensioners and students, and also help with queries from the tax office or appeals. Membership fees are usually between 50 and 150 euros per year, making them significantly cheaper than a tax advisor.

A tax advisor is particularly worthwhile in complicated cases. These include businesses with employees, extensive commercial activities or special tax situations. "As long as self-employment remains manageable, you can do it yourself. A tax advisor in that case is money thrown out the window," says expert Leine.

The apps' own AI works well

Artificial intelligence is also increasingly being used for tax matters. Services such as ChatGPT and others can help with understanding technical terms or gaining initial guidance. However, experts believe they are not suitable as the sole basis for tax decisions.

"Some providers have their own AI built into their software. These don't use the entire internet, but rather their own accumulated knowledge. They have a huge repository of content that is useful and has passed our practical test with flying colours," Leine advises.

Enough time is the most precious asset

The expert's most important piece of advice, however, is: plan for enough time. Even though many returns can now be conveniently completed on a smartphone, you should not treat them as something to be done on the side.

Anyone who tackles their tax return now therefore has a good chance of finding that the effort pays off. Because often, behind a few hours of work lies a refund of more than 1,000 euros.