What is the deadline for submitting the tax return?

If you prepare your tax return for the year 2025 yourself – for example, with Lohnsteuer kompakt – the following legal deadline applies:

Submission deadline: 31 July 2026

Your tax return must be received by the tax office by this date.

The deadline is legally regulated in Section 149, Paragraph 2 of the Fiscal Code (AO). If you miss the deadline, a late fee may be imposed according to Section 152 AO.

If you miss the deadline, a late fee may be incurred.

Apply for an extension – but in good time!

• An extension is possible if you are obliged to submit.
• The application must be submitted before 31 July 2026.
• As a rule, an extension is granted until 30 September 2026.

Basis: Section 109 AO (Extension of deadline by the tax office in individual cases)

Voluntary submission: More time for your return

If you are not obliged to submit, you can submit your tax return voluntarily – and even up to four years retroactively.

For the tax year 2025, this means: Voluntary submission possible until 31 December 2029

Legal basis: Section 169, Paragraph 2, Sentence 1, No. 2 AO.

Tip: Contact the tax office if in doubt

Are you unsure whether you are obliged to submit? Then ask your relevant tax office. They will provide you with reliable information.