Your first German tax return after moving to Germany
The year you relocate is often the most interesting German tax year because residence, foreign income and German payroll all begin or change during the calendar year.
Request my free preliminary check →Keep your relocation date
Your arrival and residence facts help determine the relevant German tax period and how foreign income may interact with the German calculation.
Keep your Lohnsteuerbescheinigung
Your employer normally provides the annual wage tax certificate after year-end or employment termination. It is the central payroll document for the preliminary employee-tax review.
Do not assume payroll withholding equals final tax
Lohnsteuer is withholding during the year. The annual income tax assessment can produce a different result, particularly where German employment covered only part of the calendar year.
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 a German tax return always mandatory in my first year?
No. Filing obligations depend on the facts. A voluntary filing may nevertheless be worthwhile.
Can I ask for a check without uploading documents?
Yes. The document upload on our contact form is optional.
This page provides general information only. The tax result and filing requirements depend on the individual facts and applicable law.