If your an American citizen, you might have already started thinking about how the tax season is upon us. Indeed it's time again to collect your payslips, bank statements and deductible receipts.
For US citizens tax day comes quite a bit earlier than for Germans, or most other foreigners living in Germany.
This is because US citizens have the additional obligation to also file taxes back home, as well as in any foreign country where they reside.
What's more is US taxpayers are generally advised to file their German taxes first, because having that sorted allows you claim the Foreign Tax Credit, which exempts people from owing further income tax to the states in most cases.
Here are the most important tax deadlines that Americans in Germany should be aware of this year:
US tax deadlines to know in 2026:
- US standard tax deadline and deadline and deadline for paying any owed taxes: April 15th
- Automatic extended deadline for Americans filing from abroad: June 15th
- Extended filing deadline if you request an extension (Form 4868) and FBAR deadline: October 15th
Note that the extensions apply to filing paperwork only. Any taxes owed are still due on April 15th.
Americans abroad are required to file a tax return (Form 1040), even if they owe no US tax.
German tax dates to know in 2026:
- German standard tax deadline: July 31st
- German extended deadline for those filing with a tax advisor: March 1st, 2027
In Germany, many employees do not need to file a tax return at all because taxes are deducted automatically, but some people choose to file taxes to claim deductions.
Filing is also mandatory in Germany in some situations, for example if you have multiple employers, freelance or rental income above a certain amount, or if you are married and in tax class 3 or 5. More information on Germany's tax deadlines is HERE.
READ ALSO: A tax expert's best advice on when and why you need to file in Germany
When should I submit my tax return?
The US and Germany have a tax treaty designed to prevent double taxation, but Americans still need to file in both countries.
In many cases, Americans living in Germany are advised to file their German taxes before doing their US return, because this allows them to easily apply the Foreign Tax Credit. The credit effectively allows you to avoid paying tax on all income that was already taxed in Germany.
Of course, gathering documents can take time – especially if you have multiple income sources or need to request missing paperwork – so starting early is advisable.
If you wait to file your German taxes by the standard July 31st deadline, you'll already have missed the US deadline for Americans abroad, which is set on June 15th.
If having both your German and US taxes sorted by June 15th isn't feasible, you can extend your US deadline to October 15th by filing a request for an extension (Form 4868).
READ ALSO: Should I use Germany's new 'one click' tax return service from Elster?
What else Americans abroad should know
In addition to the Foreign Tax Credit mentioned above, Americans living overseas, including in Germany – with an income lower than $130,000 in 2025 – are eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. This means a portion of their foreign income can be excluded from US taxation.
In addition to filing an income tax return, Americans abroad may also need to report foreign bank accounts.
For example, the FBAR filing requirement applies if the combined balance of your foreign financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any point during the year. This report is filed separately from your tax return.
Some taxpayers may also need to file more forms under FATCA if their foreign assets rise above certain thresholds.
For more complex cases, speak to a tax advisor.
If you are unsure about where to find an English-speaking tax advisor with experience in filing taxes in both Germany and the US, the US Embassy keeps a list on their website.
EXPLAINED: How US consulates help American citizens living in Germany
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