How does ELSTER online tax filing work in Germany?

ELSTER (Elektronische Steuererklarung) is the official free online portal for filing tax returns and other tax documents in Germany, operated by the Bayerisches Landesamt für Steuern on behalf of all German tax authorities. The portal is available at www.elster.de and covers Einkommensteuer, Umsatzsteuer, Gewerbesteuer, and most other tax types.

To use ELSTER, you register with your Steueridentifikationsnummer (11-digit tax ID on your Lohnsteuerbescheinigung) and a current email address. Registration by post takes a few days as an activation letter is mailed to your registered address. Once registered, you log in using your certificate file (software certificate) or via the ELSTER app. A higher-security login using the ELSTER Authenticator app is required for some functions.

ELSTER pre-fills data it already holds, such as salary, pension, and insurance information reported by employers and insurers. You add any additional income, deductions, and allowances through a guided interview. The portal calculates your expected refund or payment in real time as you enter data. Completed returns are submitted electronically and receive a confirmation with a transfer number. The Finanzamt then sends a Steuerbescheid (tax assessment notice) by post, usually within four to twelve weeks. Third-party software tools like Wundertax and Taxfix connect to ELSTER's submission interface and offer a more user-friendly experience, especially for those with limited German language skills.

This is general information only, not professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation.