Download this and keep it somewhere safe on your computer (it may also be worth saving it on a USB stick, as you will need it every time you want to log in to ELSTER). Get your ZertifikatsdateiĪfter you have successfully activated your account, a digital signature ( Zertifikatsdatei) will be automatically generated for you. Enter both the activation codes you received by email and by post. Once you have it, open your activation email and click the link to be taken back to the ELSTER website. It will arrive in the post within 14 days.
Keep this safe while you wait for another activation code to be sent to the address where you are registered. You will receive an email with an activation code in it. You will be asked to verify your email address.
Once you have submitted all your personal data, you will receive a confirmation that your registration is being processed.
For most people a Zertifkatsdatei (digital signature) is the best option - it is free and simple to use. Choose your login-methodįor this first step, you need to select how you would like to log in in the future. This step-by-step guide walks you through the registration process. The online application form is fairly simple but it is all in German. To do this, visit the ELSTER website and click the button that says “ Benutzerkonto erstellen” (create an account). If you regularly do your tax returns online, ELSTER can also automatically retrieve a lot of your personal information, making the process a lot faster.īefore you can use ELSTER to submit your annual tax return, you need to register for a free account. If you are a freelancer or own your own business, you are most likely obliged to use ELSTER (along with around 90% of businesses in Germany) to submit monthly VAT returns and employee tax statements.Īn increasing number of private individuals are also using ELSTER to submit their annual tax returns and request tax refunds: doing so online saves having to print out and post your tax forms to your local tax office ( Finanzamt).
What is ELSTER ( Elektronische Steuererklärung)?ĮLSTER ( ELektronische STeuerERklärung = electronic tax declaration) is a German online tax office system designed by the Federal Central Tax Office ( Bundeszentralamt für Steuern) to enable anyone to submit their tax returns online.
Many expats living and working in Germany will use ELSTER to do their taxes online, especially those who are freelancers or self-employed.