Need expert guidance on your German tax return as a UK citizen? In this guide, our certified advisors explain how to file step-by-step, ensuring you navigate the process correctly and efficiently.
Not every resident is required to file, but most should. You trigger a Mandatory Filing Obligation (Pflichtveranlagung) if you received wage replacement benefits (like Elterngeld), are married with Tax Class III/V, or had foreign income over €410 (such as rental income from a UK property). If you fall outside these rules, your filing is Voluntary, allowing you to claim expenses and potentially receive a significant refund.
Generally, no. Germany taxes worldwide income, but the UK-Germany Double Taxation Agreement prevents double liability. For example, tax paid to HMRC on UK rental income can typically be credited against your German tax bill. We analyze your specific situation keeping in mind the different tax years to ensure the treaty is applied correctly and you only pay what is fair.
Many Brits retain a “buy-to-let” property or their former home. This creates a dual filing obligation:
Germany’s taxation of foreign pensions is complex. While the Double Taxation Treaty typically grants the country of residence (Germany) the right to tax your private pension (SIPP), there are nuances. Crucially, the famous UK “25% Tax-Free Lump Sum” is NOT automatically tax-free in Germany. Without correct structuring, the Finanzamt may treat this withdrawal as fully taxable income. We advise on the timing and classification of pension drawdowns to mitigate this risk.
Despite Brexit, the Protocol on Social Security Coordination ensures you don’t pay double social security. If you are posted to Germany temporarily (up to 24 months), we ensure you have the correct A1 Certificate to remain in the UK National Insurance system. For permanent moves, we manage the transition to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, ensuring your UK contributing years are recognized for your future state pension entitlement.
Navigating German bureaucracy requires precision. We start by analyzing your specific situation to define the most effective legal and fiscal strategy for your case.
Once your strategy is set, we guide you through the paperwork. We identify exactly which documents are needed and prepare everything on your behalf to ensure a flawless application.
We handle the final submission to the local tax office (Finanzamt). We manage all communication to ensure full compliance and secure the fastest possible result for you.
At Agroup Consulting, we work with certified German tax advisors (Steuerberater) specializing in international taxation. With over 15 years of experience, a proven track record of results, and the trust of more than 500 expats in Germany, our firm delivers trusted services that help you navigate the complex German fiscal system with complete confidence.
The mismatch between the UK tax year (April 6 to April 5) and the German calendar year (Jan 1 to Dec 31) is the leading cause of reporting errors for British expats. You cannot simply copy the figures from your HMRC Self Assessment into your German return. To file compliant returns in Germany, you must:
Strictly Pro-Rate Income: You must recalculate your UK income streams (such as rental profit or dividends) to align exactly with the German calendar year.
Daily Exchange Rates: Income received in Sterling must be converted to Euros using the official exchange rate on the specific date of receipt, not just a yearly average.
Split-Year Treatment: If you moved mid-year, we ensure the “Split Year Treatment” is applied correctly so you are not taxed in Germany on income earned while you were still a UK resident.
Generally, no. This is a critical trap for British investors. Germany does not recognize the tax-sheltered status of Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs). Whether it is a Cash ISA or Stocks & Shares ISA, all interest and capital gains generated within the wrapper are fully taxable in Germany annually.
The Pension Warning: Similarly, the famous UK “25% Tax-Free Lump Sum” from your pension (SIPP) is not automatically tax-free in Germany. Without careful planning before you withdraw, the Finanzamt may treat this lump sum as taxable income, subjecting it to your full marginal tax rate. We analyze your pension clauses under the Double Taxation Treaty to mitigate this risk.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
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No. Filing is only mandatory for freelancers or Tax Class III/V. However, voluntary filing is highly recommended and often yields an average refund of €1,072.
Yes. Voluntary filers can submit returns up to 4 years retroactively. This is ideal for claiming high deductions from your initial relocation year.
Not always. We utilize standard lump sums (Pauschalen) which allow you to deduct €1,230 for work expenses without needing physical proof.
Most clients receive their tax assessment and refund within 2 to 6 months, depending on the local tax office’s current workload.
