Filing Deadlines for the 2024 Tax Return
📅 Important Dates at a Glance
Regular Filing Deadline
31 July 2025
For taxpayers preparing the return themselves
Members of Lohnsteuerhilfe e.V.
30 April 2026
Automatic extension for all members
Regular Filing Deadline
As a general rule: anyone obliged to file an income tax return for 2024 must submit it to the tax office by 31 July 2025. This deadline corresponds to the statutory standard and applies to taxpayers who prepare the return themselves.
Extended Deadline for Members
For members of Lohnsteuerhilfe e.V., an extended filing deadline applies until 30 April 2026. This extension is granted automatically when the association is commissioned to prepare the return and is based on the regulations for taxpayers receiving professional assistance.
Your Benefits as a Member:
- ✓ Automatic deadline extension of 9 months
- ✓ Professional preparation of your tax return
- ✓ No worries about deadlines and dates
- ✓ Maximum tax savings through expert knowledge
Deadline Extension for Non-Members
Non-members who require a deadline extension must contact the responsible tax office themselves and submit a reasoned application. Plausible reasons such as illness, relocation, or missing documents from third parties increase the chances of approval, but there is no legal entitlement.
Possible Reasons for a Deadline Extension:
- Severe illness
- Relocation abroad
- Missing documents from third parties
- Extraordinary personal circumstances
Note: An application for a deadline extension should be submitted in good time before the original deadline expires.
Voluntary Tax Return
Important: These deadlines only apply to mandatory tax assessments. Anyone filing a voluntary tax return generally has four years. For the 2024 tax return, this deadline therefore runs until 31 December 2028.
When Is a Voluntary Tax Return Worthwhile?
- With high employment expenses (over EUR 1,230)
- With extraordinary burdens
- With craftsman services or household-related services
- With donations or church tax
- With several employers in one year
⚠️ Consequences of Missing the Deadline
If the filing deadline is missed without an extension, the tax office may impose a compulsory fine. In addition, a late-filing penalty of 0.25% of the assessed tax per month may be charged, with a minimum of EUR 25 per month.
Possible Penalties:
- Compulsory fine: Up to EUR 25,000
- Late-filing penalty: 0.25% per month of the assessed tax
- Minimum amount: EUR 25 per month
Our Advice
Avoid stress and possible penalties! As a member of Lohnsteuerhilfe e.V., you not only benefit from the automatic deadline extension, but also from the professional preparation of your tax return. Our experts ensure that you take full advantage of all opportunities for tax savings and meet all deadlines.