Tax Return for Retirees. Easy to Understand. Simple. Secure.
Don’t worry about technical terms or complicated forms. taxtastic guides you step by step through your retirement tax return.
Are you required to file a tax return?
3 questions · 60 seconds · No login required. You’ll immediately see your tax liability and whether you need to file a return.
Your Pension
The information is listed on your pension adjustment notice from the German Pension Insurance.
About You
Your marital status and church tax liability affect your basic exemption and the calculation.
Marital statusAdditional InformationWhat can you deduct?
These expenses reduce your tax burden. The sliders are preset with typical values for retirees.
- 1An interview instead of a form. We guide you step by step—no tax knowledge required.
- 2All flat-rate deductions are applied automatically. Pension allowance, flat-rate deduction for income-related expenses, §35a—everything is automatically applied, so nothing is forgotten.
- 3Health insurance fully deductible. Your health and private pension contributions are accurately recorded and fully claimed.
- 4Sent directly to the tax office via ELSTER. No need to print or mail anything—we transmit your return securely and directly.
- 5Only €29.99 upon filing. View the results completely free of charge. You only pay when you actually file.
- 1Claim refunds on advance payments. Did the tax office set quarterly advance payments? These will be offset—you’ll get back any overpayments.
- 2Get a refund on capital gains tax. Interest or dividends? If your income is below the basic exemption amount, you’re entitled to a refund of the withholding tax.
- 3Up to 4 years retroactively. You can file voluntary tax returns for several past years at once—refunds are possible for each year.
- 4Check first, then decide. With taxtastic, you can view your complete tax return for free—you only pay once you actually file.
Try for free • Only €29.99 upon filing • No subscription
* Non-binding estimate. Not a substitute for tax advice. Actual tax liability may vary.Designed specifically for retirees
As a retiree, you have special tax options. taxtastic specifically asks about them.
Deduct medical expenses
Medications, trips to the doctor, medical aids, dental prostheses—as a retiree, you can claim many healthcare expenses as extraordinary expenses for tax purposes.
Take Advantage of the Pension Exemption
A portion of your pension remains tax-free for life—depending on when you begin receiving your pension. If you start receiving your pension in 2026, 16% is tax-free. taxtastic automatically calculates your personal tax-free allowance.
Tradespeople’s Services
For repairs to your house or apartment, you can deduct 20% of the labor costs directly from your taxes—up to €1,200 per year. This also includes yard care and housekeeping services.
Disability flat-rate allowance
If you have health limitations or a disability, you’re entitled to flat-rate allowances without having to provide individual proof—starting at a GdB of 20. taxtastic calculates the correct amount.
Keep Track of Advance Payments
No more surprises on your tax return: Since the pension insurance system does not withhold income tax, many retirees are required to make quarterly advance payments. taxtastic shows you which expenses you can claim so you know what to expect.
Real-Life Example
Whether it’s a refund or an additional payment: Here’s what a pensioner’s tax return might look like.
- Health and long-term care insurance: €2,610
- Medications and medical expenses: €850
- Home repair services: €1,800
- Church tax: €320
- Donations: €250
Why retirees use taxtastic
Easy-to-understand language
No tax jargon. taxtastic explains everything in simple terms—perfect for anyone filing a tax return for the first time.
Tax Tips for Retirees
Automatic prompts on tax deductions specifically for retirees—medical expenses, home repairs, insurance, and more.
Validation Check
Before you submit, taxtastic checks your entries for errors and inconsistencies.
ELSTER Submission
Your completed tax return is securely sent to the tax office via the official ELSTER interface.
GDPR-compliant & secure
Your data is encrypted and hosted in Germany. SSL-protected and GDPR-compliant.
Register and try it for free
Create your tax return for free and see your results. You only pay when you file.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a retiree, do I have to file a tax return?
Yes, if your taxable income exceeds the basic exemption amount (2026: €12,348 for single filers, €24,696 for married couples). Due to the increasing tax rate on pensions, more and more retirees are affected.
As a retiree, will I get a tax refund?
That depends on your situation. Unlike employees, the German Pension Insurance does not withhold income tax—instead, you make quarterly advance payments. Filing a tax return is always helpful: Either you’ll receive a refund, or your deductions will be taken into account on your tax return.
What is the pension tax exemption?
A portion of your pension remains tax-free for life. The percentage depends on when you start receiving your pension: If you start receiving your pension in 2026, 16% is tax-free; if you start in 2025, it’s 16.5%. This amount is set once and remains the same permanently.
What expenses can I deduct as a retiree?
Health and long-term care insurance premiums, medical expenses such as medications, eyeglasses, dentures, or trips to the doctor, services provided by tradespeople, household-related services, donations, church tax, and—if you have a disability—the disability allowance.
What is the “active pension” starting in 2026?
The “active pension” is intended to allow retirees to continue working while receiving tax benefits during retirement. The exact tax treatment will depend on the final statutory regulations.
Can I file a tax return retroactively?
Yes, you can file a voluntary tax return retroactively for up to 4 years. If you’ve never filed a tax return as a retiree, it’s often worth reviewing several years at once.
How much does taxtastic cost?
You can use taxtastic completely free of charge until you submit your return. Depending on the type of 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 and expenses