A letter from the Finanzamt, explained
The Finanzamt is the German tax office. Its letters range from harmless requests to the all-important tax assessment. Here is how to tell which is which and what to do.
If it’s a Steuerbescheid (tax assessment) and you disagree, the remedy is Einspruch — usually within one month of notification. The exact date is in the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung at the end.
What kind of letter is it?
- Steuerbescheid — the tax assessment. States your refund or back-payment and carries a one-month objection period.
- Anforderung / Erinnerung — a request for documents or a reminder to file your return. Usually a stated deadline to respond.
- Vorauszahlungsbescheid — sets quarterly prepayments for the current year.
- Mitteilung / Steuernummer — an information notice, e.g. your new tax number.
How to check a Steuerbescheid
- Compare with your return. Line up the figures the Finanzamt used against what you declared — income, work expenses (Werbungskosten), special expenses (Sonderausgaben).
- Read the “Erläuterungen”. If the office deviated from your return, the reason is explained there.
- Check the status. Note whether it was issued “under review” (unter Vorbehalt der Nachprüfung) or provisionally (vorläufig) — this can allow later changes.
- Check the bottom line. Does the refund or back-payment match your own calculation?
How to file an Einspruch
Write to the Finanzamt that issued the assessment (address and tax number are on the letter). A single sentence meets the deadline: that you file an Einspruch against the assessment of [date]. The detailed reasons can follow later. Keep proof of sending.
Frequently asked
Widerspruch or Einspruch against the Finanzamt?
How long do I have?
Do I have to reason the Einspruch immediately?
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