For many people, doing their tax return is a task they like to postpone. Those who have not yet completed their 2025 return should keep the submission deadline of July 31, 2026, in mind.
From July 1, 2026, smart support will be available. The income tax return can then be submitted directly via the smartphone app "MeinELSTER+" – in many cases with just one click.
This is made possible because the tax authorities already have numerous tax-relevant information electronically available. Instead of filling out forms and entering data, users can in the future review the pre-filled declaration and confirm it if necessary, as long as no additional information is required.
Finance Minister Jakob von Weizsäcker: "We are making the tax return simpler step by step. For many people, this will mean in the future: open the smartphone, check the information, submit. The tax return has never been easier."
The new offer is initially aimed at:
From July, these groups of people will automatically receive a pre-filled tax return for the 2025 tax year in the app.
It's that simple:
The app accesses the data already available to the tax authorities, such as from employers, pension insurance providers, or health insurance companies. Users also receive a preview of the expected tax assessment notice.
Anyone who wishes to provide additional information can still add it. Once all information is correct and, if applicable, completed, a single click is enough to securely transmit the tax return electronically to the tax office.
The new feature is another step towards a more citizen-friendly tax administration. Even today, users can have many data automatically transferred via ELSTER. With the one-click submission, this approach is taken one step further.
A prerequisite is an ELSTER user account. Those who already use ELSTER can use the new function directly from July 1st. Those who do not yet have a user account must first register at www.elster.de. Activation data is provided for secure identification. Depending on the chosen registration method (by mail or online), the activation may take a few days. Interested parties should therefore register as early as possible.
About ELSTER
ELSTER is the free online platform of the German tax administration. Through a personal user account, tax returns, applications, and notifications can be securely submitted digitally. Additionally, ELSTER serves as a direct communication channel to the responsible tax office.
