How do I submit my tax return?

For the current tax year, the following submission methods are available to you:

1. Online submission with personal certificate 

• You submit your tax return exclusively online using your personal Elster certificate.
• Advantage: No additional printing and postal delivery required.
• Requirement: You must have a valid Elster certificate.
• Tip: Ideal for users who regularly submit their tax returns online.

2. Online submission with identification

• Your tax return is submitted entirely online.
• Postal delivery is also not required here.
• Required: A one-time digital identification is necessary.
• Note: This method is suitable if you do not have your own Elster certificate.

3. Paper submission with electronic data transfer (no longer possible)

• This submission method has not been supported by the tax authorities since the 2021 tax year.
• Please choose one of the convenient online submission options mentioned above instead.