Every year, the time comes to settle accounts with the tax office. This takes place by completing the relevant forms and submitting the tax return. For a large proportion of taxpayers, the question arises: How long does tax processing take in Germany? How long is the wait for a tax refund from Germany? The speed of the refund depends on several factors. This aspect is examined in greater detail in the following section. The following outlines how much time the processing of the tax return by the German tax office requires.
When can a tax refund from Germany be expected?
Before addressing the main point—namely, how long it takes to process the tax return and thus receive a tax refund from Germany—it must first be clarified who is actually entitled to such a refund.
It should be noted that every employer in Germany, that is, every wage tax payer, is required to make wage tax advance payments to the relevant tax office for their employees. Wage tax is calculated as a percentage—the higher the income, the higher the salary deductions. It may occur that employers have paid excessive contributions—in this case, there is a claim to a tax refund from Germany. Conversely, if wage tax prepayments were too low, the tax office will demand an additional tax payment.
Information on who is required to submit a tax return to the German tax office and which deadlines apply for submission can be found in the previous article titled Who is required to submit a tax return?
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How long does German tax processing take?
How long does it take to process the tax return in Germany? This varies. It must be noted that currently no strictly defined payment deadlines exist. As mentioned at the outset: the duration of tax processing depends on several factors. These include, among other things, the complexity of the case, the taxpayer’s place of residence, as well as the time of submission of the tax return to the German office.
How long does tax processing take? The tax assessment notice is generally issued within 4 to 12 weeks. In exceptional cases, processing time may extend up to 5 months.
According to experience, the waiting time for a tax refund from Germany is often several weeks; however, the decisive factors are the relevant tax office, the time of submission, and the completeness of the documents. As a rule, it is advisable not to postpone the tax process until the last moment and to submit the return electronically. E-returns are generally processed more quickly, and well-prepared documents reduce the risk of queries from the tax office,
How long does tax processing take in Germany?
The duration of tax processing in Germany has already been described. It should also be noted which steps should be taken if the tax refund from this country is delayed. The funds should be credited to the account at the latest six months after submission of the tax return to the tax office. However, this period may for example, due to corrections (submission of additional documents) be extended.
There are, however, cases where taxpayers wait longer than six months for the refund. In such situations, it is advisable to first inquire about the status of the procedure at the responsible tax office in Germany. If the tax office still does not respond or does not provide a justified reason for the delay, a so-called inactivity objection may be filed, that is, a legal remedy for inaction of the authority. If this is also ineffective, the next step is to file a inactivity lawsuit with the tax court.
Tax processing in 2026 – Deadlines, ELSTER and waiting period for refunds
Regarding the tax processing for the year 2025, which is submitted in 2026, the relevant deadlines and the organization of the entire process should be observed. The regular submission deadline for self-filers ends on 31 July 2026, while—if a tax advisor is used—this deadline is usually extended until the end of February 2027, with the possibility of a further extension in justified cases. The tax forms for 2025 are available in the ELSTER system from March 2026, making online submission possible from that time.
In practice, the waiting period for the tax assessment notice averages 46 to 56 days, with differences depending on the federal state—for example, Berlin is among the quickest when it comes to processing tax returns.
How can a tax refund from Germany be accelerated? Consider e-tax returns
In addition to the question of how long the income tax assessment takes, the possibility of accelerating the overall process is also of interest. The most effective measure is, of course, the early submission of documents—the tax office processes returns in the order they are received.
Are there any other possibilities to speed up the tax refund? It is advisable to submit the tax return electronically, for example with the application Taxando. How long does the tax office need to process the tax return? Based on experience, e-returns are processed more quickly than their traditional, paper-based counterparts. If support is required, the consultation or use of a tax advisor-based, intuitive application for tax processing may be considered.
FAQ
How long does it take to process a tax return in Germany?
The processing time for a tax return in Germany is typically 4 to 12 weeks. Depending on the tax office, completeness of documents, and case complexity, the duration may be shorter or longer.
How long is the wait for a tax refund from Germany?
The tax refund from Germany is generally paid after the tax assessment notice is issued. In practice, many receive payments within a few weeks after submitting the return, but the process may be prolonged in cases of deficiencies or corrections.
What factors determine the waiting time for the tax assessment notice?
The waiting time depends, among other factors, on the federal state, the workload of the respective tax office, the time of submission, and the necessity for further documents. Simple, complete, and electronically submitted tax returns are usually processed more quickly.
Does electronic submission accelerate tax refunds from Germany?
Yes, electronically submitted returns are generally processed more quickly than paper forms. Online submission reduces the risk of technical errors and enables the tax office to analyze the return more rapidly.
What should be done if the tax refund from Germany is delayed?
Contact should first be made with the relevant tax office to inquire about the status of the procedure. If the office takes no further action over a longer period, an inactivity objection may be filed, i.e., a legal remedy for authority inaction.
Can the tax office request additional documents?
Yes, the German tax office may request additional documentation if confirmation of costs, allowances, or information stated in the declaration is required. Such a request generally results in an extension of the processing time and the payout of the refund.
By when must the tax return be submitted in Germany in 2026?
For self-employed taxpayers, the regular deadline for submitting the return for the year 2025 is July 31, 2026. If a tax advisor or wage tax assistance association is engaged, the deadline may be extended.
Maciej Wawrzyniak
In his private life, Maciej enjoys sporting challenges, playing the guitar, and swimming in the lake. He is also the proud father of three sons.
