Tax assessment notice returned: these are the steps you need to take now

At first, you're usually happy when your tax assessment is finally returned. On average, every taxpayer receives a refund of around 900 euros. Then the disappointment: the refund is much lower than you expected? It's worth taking a closer look. Because sometimes the tax office makes a mistake, or you have made a mistake with the information yourself.

The data and figures check

First of all, check whether all your personal details and bank details are correct. It is also important to check your church tax details if you have left the church. Has this been calculated correctly? Then take a close look at all the figures: Income, prepaid income tax, contributions to health and pension insurance. Important to know: Sometimes entries are lost during electronic transmission to the tax office!

Read the explanatory notes

This is usually a more extensive document at the end of the assessment notice. There, the tax office explains why it may not have recognized something. Example: Income-related expenses. Did the tax office include all the receipts submitted? If not, the explanations must include a reason. If something is missing, this is also a reason for you to lodge an objection. You should also check whether you have declared all allowances and all extraordinary expenses, such as very high medical bills.

How to lodge an objection

Once you have received your tax assessment notice back, the objection can be made informally - even by e-mail. Include your tax number and identification number and give a date by which you will provide detailed reasons. This should then be sent by post. Or do it immediately. It is important to meet the deadline. The formula for this is: the date of the tax assessment notice plus three days (for the post from the office to you) plus one month.

The second check

If you have lodged an objection, it will again take some time before you are notified. Your tax return will be checked again in detail. If the new calculation is to your disadvantage, you must accept this. However, the tax office must explicitly point this out.