Tax returns for employees. Fewer forms. Better overview.
Many employees get a tax refund. taxtastic specifically asks about the commuter allowance, working from home, work equipment, and other income-related expenses.
Your employer withholds income tax. They don’t know your expenses.
Commuting to work, working from home, work equipment, or continuing education can lower your tax burden. Without filing a tax return, many of these expenses go unaccounted for.
The most important topics. Explained and calculated right here.
From your job to your completed tax return. In three steps.
Tell us about your job.
Simple questions about your salary, commute, and personal situation. taxtastic automatically identifies which details and forms are relevant to you.
We’ll find your income-related expenses.
Commuting allowance, working from home, work equipment, and continuing education: You’ll see right away which expenses increase your refund.
Check. Send. Done.
Automatic plausibility check and secure transmission via the official ELSTER interface directly to the tax office.
What employees can claim. taxtastic does the thinking for you.
Commuting Allowance
Starting in 2026, a flat rate of €0.38 per kilometer traveled—whether by car, bicycle, or public transportation. For a 30-kilometer commute and 220 days, that amounts to over €2,500 in income-related expenses.
Calculate the 2026 commuter allowanceWork-from-home allowance
€6 per work-from-home day, up to a maximum of €1,260 per year for up to 210 days. No need for a separate home office.
Calculate the work-from-home allowanceWork Equipment & Technology
Laptop, monitor, office chair, or desk: Purchases used for work can be claimed as income-related expenses.
Continuing Education & Training
Seminars, professional books, language courses, or part-time degree programs: Costs for professional training may qualify as income-related expenses.
Julia has her receipts. taxtastic takes care of the rest.
- Commuting allowance 2026 · 25 km / 220 days €2,090
- Working from home · 80 days €480
- Laptop & monitor: €1,200
- Professional association dues: €180
- Professional development seminar: €690
The actual refund depends on your individual tax situation.
File your tax return without tax jargon. And without unnecessary detours.
Often done in 20 minutes
The questionnaire guides you step-by-step through the relevant points for employees.
Tax Tips
taxtastic highlights applicable tax deductions for you.
Validation check
Before submission, your entries are automatically checked for errors and inconsistencies.
ELSTER Direct Transmission
Your completed tax return is securely transmitted to the tax office via the official ELSTER interface.
GDPR-compliant & secure
Encrypted processing and hosting in Germany.
Try it first, then pay
Create your tax return and view your refund. Payment is due only upon submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth filing a tax return as an employee?
Often, yes. For many employees, the commuter allowance alone already exceeds the flat-rate income-related expenses allowance of €1,230.
What counts as income-related expenses?
Travel expenses, working from home, work equipment such as a computer or office furniture, work clothing, continuing education, professional literature, job application costs, union dues, work-related moving expenses, and maintaining two households.
Can I claim both the work-from-home allowance and the commuter allowance at the same time?
Yes, but not for the same day. On days you work in the office, you claim the commuter allowance; on days you work from home, you claim the daily allowance of €6. taxtastic calculates the breakdown for you.
Work-from-Home Allowance in DetailWhat if my expenses are less than the income-related expense allowance?
The €1,230 flat rate is automatically applied. If your expenses are higher, you can report your actual expenses. taxtastic prompts you for typical expenses.
As an employee, do I have to file a tax return?
Not always. It’s mandatory, for example, for tax class combinations III/V, additional income over €410, or wage replacement benefits such as short-time work allowance. Filing voluntarily may also be worthwhile.
All Tax Deadlines for 2025 / 2026One price per filing. No subscriptions. No tricks.
Try it for free. You don’t pay until you file your return.
For employees, civil servants, retirees, and other individual taxpayers
- Income Tax Return
- Validation Check
- One price—even for married couples
- Previous years: 4 for voluntary returns, up to 7 for mandatory returns
- Valuable tax tips
For self-employed individuals, freelancers, and more complex tax situations
- All features of the BASIC plan
- Trade tax return
- Value-Added Tax Return
- Value-Added Tax (VAT) Estimated Return
- Automatic EÜR (simplified accounting) including depreciation, IAB, and reserves
- Clearly track income and expenses
Get back what you’re entitled to.
Tax Return for Employees – Prepared, Reviewed, and Submitted Directly to the Tax Office via ELSTER. Try it for free; pay only when you file.