Filling out the 2024 Tax Form: Crucial Dates and Changes to Know
2024 Tax Filing Essentials: Important Points to Remember - Filing Your 2024 Taxes: Important Considerations to Bear in Mind
filing, taxes, deadlines, 2024, return, guide
Get a jump on your taxes and file that 2024 return before it's too late. Need a speedy refund? Start now! For the tax year 2024, there's a host of tax breaks available, some automatic, others requiring an application. Here's a snapshot of deadlines, updates, and handy tips.
When is the deadline for submitting the 2024 tax return?
Dates matter, and the deadline for submitting your tax return has moved a smidge this year. Compared to last, it's been bumped forward by one month: The 2024 tax return must be filed no later than Thursday, July 31, 2025 (since August 31 falls on a weekend).
If you enlist the help of a tax advisor or tax assistance group, you'll have more time. In such cases, the deadline is April 30, 2026. However, the tax office might ask for an earlier submission in unusual situations.
Folks can submit their tax return much later if they do so voluntarily, even if they aren't compelled. The deadline for the tax year 2024 is December 31, 2028. Noteworthy: Up until the end of 2025, one can still file a voluntary tax return for 2021. The same applies to future years too.
If a tax return isn't filed on time, the tax office may levy a late fee. This amounts to 0.25 percent of the assessed income tax - at least €25 per month slipped past.
Can I extend the deadline?
A deadline extension is only possible under special circumstances. If you want to submit your tax return later, you can apply for this informally at the responsible tax office. Reasons could include illness, extended stays abroad, or missing documents. The tax office will notify you in writing whether it will grant the extension, and if so, what the new deadline is. It can also demand that the tax return be submitted on time, with reference to missing documents - a "preliminary" notice can then be corrected retroactively.
Who needs to file a tax return?
You're required to file a tax return if you're, for instance:
- Couples with tax classes 3/5 or 4 with a factor
- Employees with tax class 6
- Self-employed with income from freelance activities or a business
- Persons who received unemployment benefits (unemployment benefit I, short-time work allowance, parental allowance, sick pay) or untaxed secondary income of more than €410
- Pensioners whose income exceeds the basic allowance of €11,784
Filing a tax return voluntarily can also be advantageous. Many times, it leads to a refund of overpaid taxes. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the average tax refund is around €1,100.
More than a quarter of taxpayers still submit their forms in ink-on-paper format. In theory, mailing forms via the post is still an option for employees and pensioners without business income. However, tax offices favor the digital route. The tax declaration can be completed and sent digitally and at no cost via the online portal "Elster" of the tax offices. For a few years now, receipts no longer need to be sent directly but should only be shown upon request from the tax office.
Various tax programs or apps can help with the fill-out and guarantee, with tips and suggestions, that essential items aren't missed. These usually cost between €20 and €45, but they quickly pay for themselves. The test winner at Stiftung Warentest is Wiso, but other tax programs also perform well.
Those who lack the confidence to navigate tax software can seek aid from a tax assistance group or tax consultant**. This usually costs a three-digit figure, with the exact cost depending on the complexity of the case and income. Tax assistance groups are less expensive but are only available to employees, civil servants, and pensioners (not self-employed).
A heads-up: The costs for a tax consultant or tax software can be deducted from the tax in the following year.
What's new in the tax year 2024?
The federal government has decided on new tax breaks for the tax year 2024. The tax offices will automatically factor in the increased basic allowance, up to which no taxes need to be paid on income - it has climbed from €10,908 to €11,784. The benchmark values have been adjusted accordingly, at which a higher tax rate applies.
The child allowance will rise by €600 for the tax year 2024 to €6,612 (€3,306 per parent). Alternatively, parents can benefit from child allowance of €250 per child. The tax office will automatically determine which option is more advantageous.
The child allowance and the allowance for care, education, and training expenses of children, the BEA allowance, will no longer be reduced if the child lives in an EU member state. This follows a ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ).
The mini-job threshold will increase to €538 per month for the tax year 2024. This change is based on the increase in the minimum wage to €12.41 per hour (2025: €12.82).
Finally moved for professional reasons after February 29, 2024? You can claim higher costs as deductible business expenses. The removal allowance has been increased to €964. For each additional family member who moves (partner, children), €643 can be claimed as a flat rate.
The costs for tutoring can now be claimed as deductible business expenses up to €1,286. This is €105 more than in 2023.
For those affected by the floods in the year 2024, there are various relief measures, including deferrals, special depreciation for replacement acquisitions, and simplified evidence for donations.
Donations for Corona and Ukraine aid can be deducted as special expenses up to 20 percent of income.
- Tax return
- Deadline
- Tax year
- Tax assistance group
Changes in Select States
In some states, tax laws have also undergone changes. For example, California taxpayers may now claim a $250 credit for certain military service members and veterans. Additionally, the Maine and Massachusetts income tax rates will change. It's always wise to familiarize yourself with your state's specific tax laws.
- Maine
- New tax rates for 2025-2026
- College tuition credit adjustments
- Massachusetts
- Additional tax replacement for certain municipalities due in 2024
- Increased filing thresholds for both standard and itemized deductions
Stay informed, stay ahead, and be ready to file your 2024 tax return without stress!
In the 2024 tax year, the personal-finance aspect of filing a tax return efficiently can be facilitated by aid schemes such as utilizing tax programs or apps, which can help with the fill-out and ensure essential items aren't missed, usually at a cost between €20 and €45. On the other hand, seeking assistance from a tax assistance group or tax consultant may incur a three-digit figure, with costs potentially being deductible from the tax in the following year. Meanwhile, the community aid offered by tax offices favors the digital route for submitting tax returns, eliminating the need for paper filing.
