When is the German tax return deadline for expats?

Short answer: For the 2025 tax year, the German tax return deadline was 31 July 2026 if you were required to file without professional tax advice. If your return is prepared by a certified tax advisor (Steuerberater) or an authorised income tax assistance association (Lohnsteuerhilfeverein), the deadline is 1 March 2027.

Germany generally has two filing deadlines for mandatory income tax returns (Einkommensteuererklärung):

• Filing yourself: The standard deadline is 31 July of the year following the tax year. For the 2025 tax year, this means 31 July 2026.
• Using a tax advisor: The regular deadline is the last day of February in the second year following the tax year. For the 2025 tax return, 28 February 2027 falls on a Sunday, so the deadline moves to 1 March 2027.

If a deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, it generally moves to the next working day. The temporary extended filing periods introduced during the COVID years have now expired, so the standard deadlines apply again.

What happens if you file late? The German tax office (Finanzamt) may charge a late-filing surcharge (Verspätungszuschlag). For annual tax returns, this is generally calculated at 0.25% of the relevant assessed tax per started month of delay, with a minimum of €25 per month in applicable cases. Separate interest or late-payment charges can also arise depending on when tax becomes due.

If you are unsure whether you are required to file at all, see our FAQ on whether expats need to file a German tax return. If you have already missed a deadline, read what happens if you miss the German tax deadline.

Key takeaways:

• 2025 tax return: 31 July 2026 when filing without a tax advisor.
• With a tax advisor: 1 March 2027.
• Standard future deadlines are generally 31 July or the end of February, depending on how you file.
• Late filing can lead to a Verspätungszuschlag and other additional charges.

Need help with your German tax return or a missed filing deadline? Explore our tax services for expats.