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Guides for Berlin

Practical guides checked against official sources. Filter by topic to find what you need next.

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TaxesFiling a German tax return as an employeeWho must file an income tax return in Germany and who usually benefits from filing voluntarily, the deadlines for the 2025 and 2026 returns, how to file for free with ELSTER, typical deductions such as commuting, home office and job-related moving costs, and when a wage tax help association or tax adviser makes sense.Two to four hours for a simple employee return once you have your documents. ELSTER registration takes extra time because the activation code is sent by post.
TaxesGerman income tax basics for employeesHow wage tax works in Germany in 2026: the six tax classes, what married couples can choose and the status of the planned class III/V reform, what is deducted from your payslip, solidarity surcharge, church tax in Berlin and how to leave the church, the 2026 basic allowance and your annual wage tax certificate.About 20 minutes to read; checking your tax class and payslip takes a few minutes each month
TaxesYour German tax ID (Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer)What the 11-digit tax ID is, when and how it arrives after you register your address, what to do if it does not arrive or you lose it, and how it differs from the tax number and the social security number.Nothing to do for the first letter; a few minutes to request it again online