German tax law is brutal to read —
and generous once you can.
Most Indian professionals in Germany hand back money they never had to pay. This page shows you where the money sits, what you are allowed to deduct, and which filing route fits your case.
You don't save at your average rate
Two rates matter: the effective rate — what you actually pay on everything — and the marginal rate, charged on your last euro earned. Deductions always come off the top, so every euro you deduct saves at the higher marginal rate.
Tick what applies to you
€2,660 deductedIllustrative estimate using the current Grundtarif incl. solidarity surcharge — no church tax, no individual review. Not tax advice.
Your tax year, in four dates
Collect Lohnsteuerbescheinigung, receipts, Indian interest statements.
Deadline if you file yourself (mandatory filers, tax year 2025).
Extended deadline when a Steuerberater files for you.
Voluntary returns are still possible — 2022 is claimable until end of 2026.
Three ways forward
There is no single right route — it depends on how complicated your year was. Pick the honest one.
Talk to us first
A short, honest call: we look at your situation and tell you straight whether a tax app is enough or an advisor pays for itself.
Book the free callFile it yourself with an app
Works well for a single employer, no foreign income and no property. Our guides walk you through the German fields in plain English.
Read the tax guidesGet matched with a Steuerberater
Indian income, NRE/NRO accounts, RSUs, rental property, freelancing on the side or a move mid-year — that needs a human.
Request a matchQuestions we get every week
Do I have to file a tax return in Germany?+
As an employee with one job, usually not — but almost everyone gets money back, so filing voluntarily is worth it. It becomes mandatory with side income above €410, multiple employers, tax class combination III/V or IV with factor, or foreign income.
I still have income in India. What happens?+
German tax residents are taxed on worldwide income. The India–Germany double taxation agreement prevents you from paying twice, but the Indian income still influences your German rate (Progressionsvorbehalt) and must be declared.
What about my NRE/NRO accounts and Indian mutual funds?+
Interest is tax-free in India on NRE accounts, but not in Germany. Indian funds are treated as investment funds under the German InvStG and need to be reported — this is one of the most common mistakes we see.
Can I deduct my move to Germany?+
Yes, in many cases: flights, shipping, temporary accommodation, broker fees and even German lessons can qualify as work-related relocation costs in your first year.
Not sure which route is yours?
- Honest 20-minute assessment
- Indian income & NRE/NRO covered
- Advisor match if you need one
- No cost, no obligation