Ukrainians working in Germany can get back overpaid taxes by filing an income tax return. Learn how to take advantage of this opportunity and get a tax refund even if you do not speak German

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After the start of russia's full-scale invasion, many Ukrainians were forced to flee abroad, seeking protection in European countries. Germany has become one of the most popular countries to move to, with more than 1.1 million Ukrainian refugees living there as of the end of July 2024.

However, the simplified access to the local labor market not only opens up opportunities for Ukrainians, but also raises a number of questions, as the country's taxation system has its own peculiarities. And the refund of overpaid taxes, which is quite common for Europeans, often causes misunderstandings among Ukrainians, as most are unaware of their options. How it works and who can get some of their money back in Germany is described in the article below.

Income tax return and overpaid taxes: what are they and how are they related?

In Germany, every employee pays taxes through his or her employer, and at the end of the year, they have the opportunity to file an income tax return. This is a document that indicates all income received and taxes paid. In 9 out of 10 cases, the amount of taxes paid is higher than the required amount, which makes it possible to receive a refund.

Do I have to file a declaration?

If you have worked in Germany for more than 183 days in a year, you are required to file a tax return. If you worked for less than that, you can decide whether to file a tax return. However, it is important to understand that filing a tax return allows you to receive not only a tax refund, but also additional benefits, such as “child money” for children under 18 years of age, or under 25 years of age if they do not have a permanent source of income or are studying.

At the same time, many Ukrainians currently working in Germany fear that filing a tax return may lead to additional expenses, loss of social benefits, or be considered fraudulent. Some of them believe that companies that help with tax refunds are just trying to get their money. However, it is important to know that the tax refund process is completely legal, does not affect the conditions for receiving financial assistance, and Ukrainians have the same rights as German citizens.

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How do I get my taxes back?

Everyone who works in Germany has the right to file an income tax return and receive a refund of part of the taxes paid. According to average estimates, the refund amount in 2024 is approximately EUR 1,072. You can also calculate the approximate amount of the refund using a special calculator. To file a tax return, Ukrainians need basic knowledge of German, but even if they don't, there are specialized companies that can help.

How can I check the correctness of tax payments?

The problem lies primarily in the fact that the local system is not adapted for use by foreigners. And finding information about the rules for filing a tax return and checking the taxes paid, at least in English, is sometimes very difficult. For Ukrainians working in Europe, there is an opportunity to get help from tax experts who can help verify tax documents and refund money. One of the most well-known companies in this area is RT Tax, which has already helped more than 250,000 employees get their taxes back. Keep in mind that the company offers services without upfront payments - you pay a percentage of the service fee only if you successfully get your tax refund.

Contact RT Tax experts and get your money back!

We remind you! Earlier, we told you how to properly fill out and submit a tax return in Germany. Read who needs to file a tax return and when, as well as the deadlines for filing to avoid penalties in our previous article.

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