Did your spouse move to Germany during the year?
For married expats, the date a spouse joins Germany can materially change the annual tax position even when payroll withholding during the year did not reflect the later marital situation.
Request my free preliminary check →Payroll tax class is not the final annual tax
German wage tax classes determine payroll withholding; they do not by themselves determine the final annual income tax. A joint assessment can therefore produce a different result from the tax already withheld through salary.
A low-income or non-working spouse can be especially relevant
Where the requirements for joint assessment are met, the splitting tariff can be particularly valuable when the spouses have very different income levels. The residence and income facts of both spouses must be reviewed.
What to send
Tell us when each spouse moved to Germany, whether the spouse had income in Germany or abroad, and—if available—upload the relevant Lohnsteuerbescheinigungen. We will review the situation before you decide whether to proceed.
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
Does tax class I or IV prevent a joint tax return?
No. Payroll tax class and annual assessment are separate concepts. Whether joint assessment is available depends on the statutory requirements and the couple’s circumstances.
Should I include my spouse’s certificate?
Yes, if your spouse had German employment income. You can upload both spouses’ certificates together.
This page provides general information only. The tax result and filing requirements depend on the individual facts and applicable law.