What happens if you make a mistake on your German tax return?

The thought of filling out a tax return is daunting no matter where you are. But for internationals living in Germany, this bureaucratic task can feel especially overwhelming.

Between confusing paperwork, complex rules and perhaps a low-key fear of German authorities, many people worry about making a mistake.

Here’s what you need to know to keep those worries at bay.

Who has to do a tax return in Germany?

People who are self-employed and freelancers have to file a Steuererklärung. Employees may also be required to submit a tax return in certain situations, including if they earn certain amount of income in addition to their main job.

For most others, submitting a tax return is voluntary, but can often be worth doing to get some money back from the Finanzamt (tax office).

READ ALSO: A tax expert's best advice on when and why you need to file in Germany

When are the deadlines in Germany?

For those required to submit a tax return, the Steuerfrist or deadline is July 31st 2026 for declaring income received in 2025.

If you choose to work with a registered tax accountant (Steuerberater) or tax association (Lohnsteuerhilfeverein) the deadline is March 1st 2027.

Employees who are not legally obliged to do a tax return can complete one within four years of the tax year in question.

READ ALSO: The German tax deadlines you need to know in 2026

Is it a good idea to file taxes without an accountant in Germany?

It's a personal decision.

People choose to submit a tax return without the help of an accountant in Germany for many reasons. Sometimes their situation is fairly simple, while in other cases it comes down to professional tax services being too expensive.

Nowadays there are plenty of digital services that can help taxpayers file their taxes online. Many of them are in English, making it a lot easier for internationals without fluent German skills. 

Regardless of which path you go down, it's always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the law and deductions you're entitled to.

I've submitted a tax return but I realise I've made a mistake. What should I do?

Before you submit your tax return, you have to pledge that all the information you provide is correct and complete to the best of your knowledge.

But mistakes do happen – even when you've double checked the entries. The good news is it's not usually a big deal if you notice quickly.

You should contact your tax office as soon as possible and explain the error. In many cases, the Finanzamt will allow you to submit corrected information before the return is fully processed.You'll usually be given a deadline to do this. 

If you notice an error just a few days after submitting, some online tax platforms allow users to amend and re-submit a return shortly after filing, provided the tax office has not yet processed it.

What if the tax office queries something?

It's important to be aware that the tax office in general believes that people are submitting tax returns to the best of their ability. In other words: the Finanzamt is not out to get you, they just want the correct information so you can pay taxes or receive the correct refund. 

With that in mind, they can get in touch to query returns.

For example, a tax office employee might flag up an expense or income earned from abroad. You will have to provide any further documentation they ask for, like receipts or an invoice. After that the tax office may state that it needs to be amended or they may not accept an expense. 

In that case you won't usually be penalised – your tax return is simply amended. 

In rarer cases – for example if there are major inconsistencies or unanswered questions – the office can also decide to carry out a full Steuerprüfung (tax audit).

READ ALSO: The top tax deductions often overlooked by employees in Germany

What happens if the tax office believes it is an intentional mistake?

In most ordinary cases, mistakes are resolved by correcting the return or providing additional documents.

Deliberately providing false information, however, is treated very differently.

If errors in your tax return work to your advantage – that is you pay less tax than you actually owe – authorities will investigate whether they believe it was an oversight or made intentionally.

Intentional errors – like not declaring all income or making up expenses – can lead to criminal proceedings, a fine and, in particularly serious cases, even imprisonment.

Experts at Taxfix say: "In the case of tax evasion of less than €50,000, you have to pay a fine: the embezzled taxes and 6 percent interest on evasion."

If the fraud is over €50,000, you could face a prison sentence or a fine, depending on how severe the situation is.

Meanwhile, tax evasion of more than €100,000 is punishable with imprisonment of up to five years.

READ ALSO: The best apps to help you track your German taxes

What if my tax accountant makes a mistake?

Even if you use a tax adviser, you are still ultimately responsible for ensuring your tax return is accurate.

However, professional tax advisers in Germany are required to carry liability insurance, and if an accountant makes a professional error, you may be able to claim damages through them or their insurer.

In practice, though, genuine mistakes by tax advisers are usually resolved by correcting the return with the Finanzamt first.

Please note this article is general advice only. Please contact a tax expert to help with your own individual situation.