Tax Returns for Civil Servants. Made Easy.
As a civil servant, you have special tax deduction options. taxtastic specifically identifies them and guides you through the process step by step.
What Makes Civil Servants Unique from a Tax Perspective
Civil servants have a unique tax profile: no employee contribution to social security, but instead a state health subsidy (Beihilfe) and private health insurance. This opens up special deduction options. taxtastic specifically asks about civil servant-specific details.
expenses
deductible as special expenses
allowance starting in 2026
Your civil servant tax return in 3 steps
taxtastic guides you through all relevant points—from salary and allowances to civil servant-specific deductions.
Enter Salary & Allowances
Base salary, family allowance, and other allowances—taxtastic automatically identifies which components are relevant for tax purposes.
Enter civil servant-specific items
Private health insurance premiums, business trips, professional literature—taxtastic takes into account typical tax deductions specific to civil servants.
Review & Submit via ELSTER
Automatic plausibility check and secure transmission to the tax office. Everything from a single source.
What Civil Servants Can Deduct
taxtastic specifically identifies these deduction options for civil servants.
Report Private Health Insurance & Allowances Correctly
Premiums for private health and long-term care insurance (basic plan) are fully deductible as special expenses. taxtastic automatically distinguishes between basic and optional benefits.
Deducting work attire
Typical work attire such as uniforms, robes, or work clothes is deductible as income-related expenses—including dry-cleaning costs.
Business Trips & Meals
Correctly claim travel expenses, lodging, and additional meal expenses for business trips. taxtastic automatically calculates the flat rates.
Union & Association Dues
Dues paid to the Civil Servants’ Federation (dbb), GEW, police unions, or other professional associations are deductible as income-related expenses.
A Real-Life Example
A realistic example for a civil servant in the middle service.
- Commuter allowance for 2026 (22 km, 220 days): €1,839
- Private health insurance premiums (basic plan): €2,400
- Work equipment & professional literature: €450
- Union dues (dbb): €240
- Account maintenance fee: €16
Why civil servants use taxtastic
Often done in 25 minutes
Quickly covers all civil servant-specific points—no unnecessary clutter.
Tax Tips for Civil Servants
Automatic suggestions for civil servant-specific deductions you might not be aware of.
Validation check
Check for errors and inconsistencies before submitting.
ELSTER Submission
Secure transmission directly to the tax office via ELSTER.
Data protection “made in Germany”
GDPR-compliant, SSL-encrypted, hosted in Germany.
Register and try it for free
Create your tax return for free. You only pay when you file.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a civil servant, do I have to file a tax return?
In many cases, yes—for example, if you’re in tax class III or V, have additional income over €410, or if the tax office requests it. Filing voluntarily can be worthwhile.
How do I claim my private health insurance premiums as a deduction?
The basic premiums for private health and long-term care insurance are fully deductible as special expenses. Additional services (chief physician, private room) are considered separately.
Can I claim the health allowance as a tax deduction?
The allowance itself is tax-free and does not need to be reported. However, the private health insurance premiums for the portion not covered by the allowance are deductible as special expenses.
Are moving expenses deductible in the event of a job transfer?
Yes, a work-related move due to a job transfer is fully deductible as income-related expenses. This includes moving costs, double rent, and a flat rate of €964 (2025) without receipts.
What about the pension allowance?
Retirees receive a pension allowance, the amount of which varies depending on when the pension begins. taxtastic automatically calculates the correct amount.
How much does taxtastic cost?
You can use taxtastic completely free of charge until you file your tax return. Depending on the type of tax returns you want to file, you’ll pay one of our two rates, so you can see exactly in advance whether it’s worth it or not.
For employees, civil servants, retirees, etc.
- 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, etc.
- All features of the BASIS plan
- Trade tax return
- Value-Added Tax Return
- Advance sales tax return
- Automatic EÜR. Includes depreciation, IAB, and all reserves.
- Clearly track income & expenses
Find out in under 1 minute how much you’ll get back!
Our free quick check gives you an initial, non-binding estimate in just a few steps—no registration required.
Are you an active civil servant or a retiree?
This determines the type of income and tax-free allowances.
What is your marital status?
Determines the type of assessment and the basic exemption.
Annual Income and Tax Withholding
Gross income and tax already withheld.
Private health insurance premiums
Private health and long-term care insurance is deductible as special expenses.
Income-related expenses
Work clothing, travel expenses, professional literature, union dues, etc.
Tax Deductions
Contractors, donations, and household-related services.