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Guide

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.

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First things first

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 (see how to read a Bescheid).

What kind of letter is it?

How to check a Steuerbescheid

  1. Compare with your return. Line up the figures the Finanzamt used against what you declared — income, work expenses (Werbungskosten), special expenses (Sonderausgaben).
  2. Read the “Erläuterungen”. If the office deviated from your return, the reason is explained there.
  3. Check the status. Note whether it was issued “under review” (unter Vorbehalt der Nachprüfung) or provisionally (vorläufig) — this can allow later changes.
  4. 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.

Dates without guarantee. The binding source is the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung in your letter. Note that an Einspruch can lead to a full review — the office may also correct in its favour, but must warn you first and let you withdraw.
This guide is general information and not tax or legal advice. For complex cases, contact a Steuerberater (tax adviser), a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein, or a lawyer.

Frequently asked

Widerspruch or Einspruch against the Finanzamt?
Against the tax office it is Einspruch, not Widerspruch. The correct remedy is stated in the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung.
How long do I have?
Usually one month from notification. A posted letter counts as delivered four days after posting (since 2025). The Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung is binding.
Do I have to reason the Einspruch immediately?
No. To meet the deadline the Einspruch itself is enough; the reasons can follow.
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