Tax assistance options and refund trends for taxpayers

Taxpayers have various options for assistance with tax returns, primarily choosing between professional tax consultants and wage tax assistance associations (Lohnsteuerhilfevereine). While tax consultants are available to the general public, wage tax assistance associations specifically target employees, civil servants, and pensioners.

Recent data for the 2022 tax year indicates that out of 15.2 million taxpayers with income solely from non-self-employed work and potential capital gains, 13.2 million received refunds. On average, these filings resulted in a refund of 1,240 euros. Starting in September 2026, wage tax assistance associations will be permitted to provide advice to a significantly larger number of people than previously allowed.