Can you file a German tax return retroactively?
Many employees who were not required to file may still be able to request an assessment for previous years. This can be especially relevant for expats who started work during a year or have already left Germany.
Request my free preliminary check →Why older years can still be valuable
German tax law generally provides a four-year assessment limitation period for taxes such as income tax. The exact deadline depends on whether filing is voluntary or mandatory and on the individual facts, so older years should be checked rather than assumed to be available automatically.
Check several years at once
You can send Lohnsteuerbescheinigungen for multiple years in one request. We can identify which years appear worth reviewing and whether a filing obligation changes the applicable deadline.
Former residents can request a remote review
You do not need to be living in Germany today. The preliminary review can be handled remotely, including for expats who have returned home or moved to another country.
You can use the contact form without a Lohnsteuerbescheinigung and send your question first.
Ask a question or request a free check →Frequently asked questions
Is every German tax return available for four years?
No. Filing deadlines depend on whether the return is voluntary or mandatory and on the specific circumstances.
Can I send certificates for several years?
Yes. You can upload several Lohnsteuerbescheinigungen in one request.
This page provides general information only. The tax result and filing requirements depend on the individual facts and applicable law.