Received a letter from the German tax office? What to do now

First identify the type of letter

A tax assessment notice (Steuerbescheid) sets your tax. A request for information asks for documents or explanations. A reminder (Erinnerung) or late-filing notice means a return is missing. A payment demand states an amount and a due date.

The type decides what happens next. The heading and the last part of the letter, the legal instructions (Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung), usually tell you what you are dealing with.

Deadlines that matter

For a tax assessment, an objection (Einspruch) generally has to be filed within one month of notification. Payment deadlines run separately — an objection does not automatically suspend payment.

For requests for information, the tax office sets its own deadline. If you need more time, ask for an extension before it expires, not afterwards.

• Note the date the letter arrived or was published in ELSTER.
• Check whether a payment is due and by when.
• Do not let the objection period pass while you wait for documents.

When to bring in a tax advisor

If the assessment deviates from your return, the tax office estimated your income, penalties are involved or foreign income is in question, professional review usually pays off.

As a Steuerberater we can communicate with the tax office directly on your behalf — in German towards the authority, in English towards you.