Abolish tax returns, the German Tax Union calls for

Shortly before the departure period, the German Tax Union (DStG) wants to abolish the tax return for employees.

“We demand that tax law become easier – less forms, less evidence, more digital solutions. Flat rates instead of individual bills, wherever possible,” said union manager Florian Köbler of the Funke Mediengruppe. In his opinion, that would save a lot of time, nerves and money.

“We also specifically request the abolition of the tax return for employees. Instead, the tax return is created automatically and only has to be checked and supplemented by the employee,” said Köbler. Technically, this is not only possible, but has already been successfully established in countries like Austria.

In his opinion, pensioners should also be freed from the obligation of the tax return. This should “be replaced by an automatic source deduction directly by the pension fund”.

In the coalition agreement between the CDU, CSU and SPD, the government speaks for a “tax simplification through typing, simplifications and flat rates”. Pensioners should therefore be relieved of explanatory obligations as much as possible.

In addition, the black and red coalition plans to gradually mandatory the digital submission of tax returns. “For simple tax cases, pre -filled and automated tax returns are to be gradually expanded.”

The tax return for the calendar year 2024 must be submitted by July 31, 2025. For people who can be advised for tax advice, the deadline is extended to April 30, 2026.

The German Tax Union is the union advocacy of the tax administration staff.