Tax Refund Calculator 2026
How much will you get back from the tax office? Find out in 2 minutes.
Updated for 2026
100% free
Instant results
1
2
3
4
5
Basic Info(1/5)
EUR
No
Also calculate your monthly net salary
Guides
Latest articles about tax returns and tax refunds in Germany
Featured Guide
Maximize Your Tax Refund: The Complete 2026 Guide
All deductions, flat rates and tips for the maximum tax refund. Explained step by step.
14 min read
Commuter Allowance 2026: Calculation, Increase and Tips
How to correctly calculate the commuter allowance and get the maximum refund.
6 min read
Home Office Tax Deduction: How to Claim It Correctly
Everything about the home office deduction 2026: requirements, calculation and combination with commuter allowance.
5 min read
Work Expenses You Can Deduct: The Complete 2026 Checklist
From work equipment to second home: all work-related expenses you can deduct.
7 min read
How to Deduct Craftsman and Household Service Costs
Direct tax savings through craftsmen and household help. What counts, what doesn't, and how to do it right.
5 min read
You might also find useful
Frequently Asked Questions
The average tax refund is around EUR 1,063. Employees with commuter allowance, home office costs and work-related expenses above the flat rate of EUR 1,230 often receive significantly more.
In most cases, yes. As soon as your work-related expenses exceed the flat rate of EUR 1,230, you get money back. Commuters, home office workers and parents almost always benefit.
Since 2026 the commuter allowance is a flat EUR 0.38 per kilometer from the first kilometer (one-way distance). It applies for each working day, regardless of transport mode. At 25 km and 220 working days, this amounts to EUR 2,090.
You can deduct EUR 6 per home office day, up to 210 days (EUR 1,260) per year. The deduction applies even without a separate home office room. It is offset against the commuter allowance -- you cannot claim both for the same day.
Work-related expenses include everything related to your job: commuting costs, work equipment, training, professional literature, work clothing. The flat rate is EUR 1,230. Once your actual costs exceed this, itemizing pays off.
You can deduct 20% of labor costs (not material costs) for craftsmen, up to EUR 1,200 per year. This includes renovation, repairs, maintenance -- all in your own home. The invoice must be paid by bank transfer.
Riester contributions are deductible up to EUR 2,100 as special expenses. Ruerup/basic pension contributions are fully deductible since 2023. Both reduce your taxable income and increase your refund.
For tax year 2025, the deadline is July 31, 2026 (with tax advisor: February 28, 2027). A voluntary return can be filed retroactively for up to 4 years.
Medical expenses are only deductible above the reasonable personal burden, which is 1-7% of total income depending on your situation. For a single person with EUR 45,000 income, the threshold is about EUR 2,700.
The calculator provides a good estimate based on current 2026 tax formulas. Deviations may occur due to special circumstances (e.g. side income, capital gains, foreign income). For exact calculations, we recommend ELSTER or a tax advisor.