Why Filing a Tax Return Is So Valuable While in College
In a second degree program (master’s, second degree, dual study program following initial training), educational expenses count as income-related expenses. However, a loss carryforward only arises if your deductible expenses exceed your taxable income—or if, for example, you only have a mini-job taxed at a flat rate. In that case, the tax office can carry forward the loss and offset it against your income later.
basic exemption
for investment income
for a second degree (master’s)
How to Save Money as a Student
Even without income, filing a tax return can make sense—especially if you’re pursuing a second degree.
Specify your student status
First or second degree? Part-time job, student job, or mini-job? taxtastic automatically recognizes which options are available to you.
Enter your educational expenses
Tuition, transportation costs, laptop, textbooks, semester abroad—taxtastic tracks all tax-deductible expenses.
Check for tax loss carryforwards or refunds
taxtastic checks whether a loss carryforward applies or if your expenses have a direct impact. The key factor is: Your education expenses must exceed your taxable income—or your part-time job must be taxed at a flat rate.
As a student, you can deduct these expenses
Especially for a second degree (master’s, second vocational training), nearly all educational expenses are deductible as income-related expenses.
Tuition & Semester Fees
Semester fees, tuition, exam fees, and costs for materials are deductible as income-related expenses during a second degree program.
Laptop, Tablet & Software
Laptops, tablets, software, and accessories for your studies can be considered work-related expenses. Computers and software can be fully deducted in the year of purchase, regardless of the purchase price.
Travel Costs to University
Commuting allowance to college: €0.38/km starting in 2026 (one-way). Alternatively, the full cost of a semester pass is deductible.
Semester Abroad
Tuition fees abroad, travel expenses, and additional costs for room and board—all are tax-deductible for study-related stays abroad.
How Tax Filing Works While in School
Example of a master’s student with a part-time job. In this case, there is no tax loss carryforward because the income exceeds the cost of attendance—but the expenses can still directly impact your taxes.
- Tuition: €640
- Laptop & software: €1,100
- Textbooks: €280
- Commuting costs to university (18 km, 180 days): €1,231
- Study materials & photocopies: €150
Why Students Use taxtastic
Check for tax loss carryforwards
Record the costs of your second degree and check whether this results in a loss carryforward for your career start.
Done in 15 minutes
Just a few simple questions. Perfect for students who are short on time.
Tax Tips for Students
taxtastic shows you exactly which expenses you can deduct—even things you might not have thought of.
Automatic Check
Your tax return is checked for errors before you submit it.
ELSTER submission
Direct, secure transmission to the tax office.
Try it for free
Create your return completely free of charge. You only pay when you file.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a first degree (bachelor’s degree without prior vocational training), costs are only deductible as special expenses (max. €6,000/year, no loss carryforward). For a second degree (Master’s, second vocational training, dual study program following initial vocational training), tuition costs are considered income-related expenses—with no limit and the ability to carry forward losses.
For a second degree: Yes. If you have no taxable income, your educational expenses may result in a loss. The tax office can carry forward this loss and offset it against your future income.
A loss carryforward does not occur automatically. If your taxable income for the year exceeds your deductible educational expenses, no loss remains after offsetting. Example: If you have a student job with payroll tax withholding and your income exceeds your educational expenses, the expenses do not result in a loss carryforward.
If your income-related expenses (e.g., tuition costs for a master’s degree) exceed your taxable income, a loss results. The tax office records this amount and offsets it against future income—you’ll then pay less tax later on.
Yes, if income tax was withheld from your working student job, your tuition costs can have an immediate effect. However, a loss carryforward only occurs if your deductible expenses exceed your taxable income.
For a minijob taxed at a flat rate, your wages are normally not included in your income tax return. In this case, educational expenses for a second degree are more likely to result in a loss carryforward. If, on the other hand, the minijob is processed using your payroll tax deduction details, it is treated like other earned income.
Yes, but only as special expenses (max. €6,000/year). This only helps if you also have taxable income in the same year. Unfortunately, a loss carryforward is not possible for your first degree.
Student-Friendly Prices
- Loss carryforwards automatically reviewed
- Tuition costs as income-related expenses
- Commuting expenses & semester ticket
- Part-time jobs, working students, and mini-jobs taken into account
- ELSTER submission included
*A loss carryforward only arises if your deductible education expenses exceed your taxable income or if your wages—for example, from a part-time job—were taxed at a flat rate. The actual tax impact depends on your specific tax situation.