What is the average tax refund in Germany?

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.

Is it worth filing a tax return?

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.

What is the commuter allowance and how is it calculated?

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.

How does the home office deduction work?

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.

What are work-related expenses and when should I itemize?

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.

Which craftsman costs can I deduct?

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.

What tax benefits do Riester and Ruerup pensions offer?

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.

When is the deadline for filing a tax return?

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.

What is the reasonable personal burden for medical expenses?

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.

How accurate is this calculator?

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.

Work Expenses You Can Deduct: The Complete 2026 Checklist | Tax Refund Calculator

What Are Work-Related Expenses?

Work-related expenses (Werbungskosten) include everything connected to your professional activity. The tax office grants a flat rate of EUR 1,230 -- only above this does itemizing pay off.

The Complete Work Expenses Checklist

Commuting Costs

Commuter allowance (EUR 0.30/0.38 per km), business travel (EUR 0.30 per km or actual costs), parking fees at the workplace.

Home Office

Home office deduction (EUR 6/day, max EUR 1,260) or actual costs for a dedicated office room (proportional rent, utilities, furnishing).

Work Equipment

Computer/laptop (immediate deduction up to EUR 800 net, otherwise 3-year depreciation), monitor, printer, desk, office chair, headset, smartphone (business share), software.

Further Training

Courses, seminars, workshops, tuition fees (job-related), professional literature, trade magazines, learning apps.

Application Costs

Application photos, postage, travel to interviews, application folders.

Work Clothing

Typical work clothing (uniforms, protective gear, lab coats), cleaning costs. Regular everyday clothing is NOT deductible.

Other Deductible Items

Union/professional association dues, bank fees (EUR 16 flat rate without proof), job-related moving costs, double household, accident costs on the way to work.

Tips for Maximum Refund

Consistently collect all receipts. Use an app or folder for documentation. Even small amounts add up over the year. And remember: From EUR 1,231 in work expenses, you save more tax than with the flat rate.