Tax return without stress? With flat rates and non-objection thresholds, you can deduct certain expenses without submitting receipts. We explain what these terms mean, which amounts apply, and what you should pay attention to.
- Flat rates are fixed amounts you can deduct from your taxes without individual receipts.
- Non-objection thresholds mean the tax office won't request proof up to a certain limit.
- Keeping receipts is still advisable in case the tax office asks later.
🚀 Your Guide
- Deducting costs without receipts
- What are flat rates?
- What are non-objection thresholds?
- The most important flat rates and non-objection thresholds
Deducting costs without receipts
Normally, you must provide receipts for all expenses you want to claim in your tax return. If you can't, the tax office may reject the costs.
However, there are exceptions: flat rates and non-objection thresholds. If you use these, the tax office generally won't ask for receipts.
💡 Tip: If you don't use flat rates, keep your receipts safe. If you lose them, a bank statement often helps as proof.
What are flat rates?
Flat rates are fixed amounts you can deduct for certain costs without proving each individual expense. This simplifies things for both you and the tax office.
Some flat rates are applied automatically (e.g., employee standard deduction). Others must be declared in your tax return if you've incurred related costs, e.g., moving or commuting expenses.
💡 Did you know? The Taxfix app automatically considers many flat rates relevant to you.
What are non-objection thresholds?
A complicated word for a simple rule: If your expenses don't exceed a certain limit, the tax office often won't require receipts.
Example: Account maintenance fees up to 16 euros per year are usually accepted without proof. If you declare higher amounts, the tax office might request proof.
🚨 Important: Non-objection thresholds aren't legally binding. That means you don't have a legal claim, but many tax offices still recognize them.
😇 Don't worry: If the tax office requests receipts anyway and you don't have them, there are no legal consequences—but the expenses won't be accepted.
The most important flat rates and non-objection thresholds
Work equipment
- What's included? Stationery, computers, work clothing, specialist books, etc.
- Non-objection threshold: 110 euros per year
- 💡 Tip: Most tax offices accept this threshold, but there's no legal entitlement. Keep your receipts anyway.
Account maintenance fees
- Non-objection threshold: 16 euros per year
- 📌 Important: Even with a free checking account, this amount is usually accepted without proof.
Employee standard deduction
- Every employee can deduct a standard amount of 1,230 euros for work-related expenses without providing proof.
- 📌 Note: Only if your work-related expenses exceed 1,230 euros must you provide proof for the higher amount.
Commuter allowance & travel expense allowance
- Commuter allowance: 30 cents per kilometer for your commute to work. From the 21st kilometer: 38 cents per kilometer.
- Travel expense allowance: Kilometer rate for business trips
⚠️ Attention: If you prefer deducting train or flight tickets instead of the allowance, receipts are necessary.
👉 Not deductible: The purchase cost of cars or bicycles usually isn't tax-deductible. However, there are exceptions for certain professions.
Moving expense allowance
If you relocate for job-related reasons, you can use a moving expense allowance. Alternatively, you can claim your actual costs—but receipts are required in this case.
Meal allowances
If you're traveling for business purposes, you can claim additional meal expenses. The amount depends on how long you're away. The advantage is you don't need individual meal receipts.
⚠️ Important note about receipt storage:
You only need to submit receipts, invoices, and proofs if the tax office requests them. Keep them safe—this saves stress.
If you don't have a receipt: A bank statement often suffices. If that's not enough, explain to the tax office why the costs arose—they're often accommodating.
💡 Taxfix tip: Submitting receipts via Taxfix is currently not possible. Please send your receipts to the tax office by mail.
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Still have questions?
We're here to help! Contact our support team: support@taxfix.de