Got a Steuerbescheid? Here's what it means.

Germany's tax office sent your annual tax decision. Learn the key figures, deadlines, and your options before you pay or object.

What is a Steuerbescheid?

A Steuerbescheid is the Finanzamt's binding tax assessment for a year. It shows whether you owe money (Nachzahlung) or get a refund (Erstattung), based on your return and advance payments.

What to check first

Find the Nachzahlungs- or Erstattungsbetrag, the Fälligkeitsdatum for any payment, your Steuernummer, and the tax year. If anything looks wrong, you can file an Einspruch within one month of the letter date.

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