Tax Refund Calculator 2026
How much will you get back from the tax office? Find out in 2 minutes.
Updated for 2026
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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
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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.
The commuter allowance is EUR 0.30 per kilometer for the first 20 km and EUR 0.38 from the 21st 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 1,694.
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.