Families benefit from tax relief through child benefit and the child tax allowance. The tax office automatically checks which is more advantageous for you via the so-called "Günstigerprüfung" (most favorable assessment). The Taxfix app does this too. Here's how the two differ and how to enter them in the app.
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Child benefit is paid monthly; the child allowance reduces your taxable income.
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The Günstigerprüfung decides which is better for you.
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The app automatically calculates both for you.
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Children are entered in the "Children" category, activated by a selection in "About You".
🚀 Your Guide
Difference Between Child Benefit and Child Tax Allowance
Child benefit is a monthly payment that supports your child's basic needs. The child tax allowance reduces your taxable income but is not paid out directly.
You can't benefit from both fully. The tax office and the Taxfix app automatically apply the option that’s most advantageous for you.
Entitlement and Amount of Child Benefit
Child benefit is not income-dependent:
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Generally paid until the child turns 18
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Up to age 25 if the child is in education
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Up to age 21 if the child is unemployed
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No age limit for children with disabilities (if disability occurred before age 25)
Current amount (since 2023):
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€250 per month per child
📆 Corona child bonus (2020: €300, 2021: €150) is treated like regular child benefit.
Apply through the family benefits office (Familienkasse). Each parent is generally entitled to half, even if only one receives the payment. This does not affect the tax result.
What Is the Child Tax Allowance?
The child tax allowance is a tax-free amount that reduces your taxable income. It's considered if it's more favorable than child benefit.
Current value (for jointly assessed couples):
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€9,312 per child
You’re eligible as long as you qualify for child benefit.
How the Allowance Is Displayed and Changed
The allowance appears on your annual payslip (usually 0.5 per child).
It’s automatically recorded via the tax office. For adult children, you can apply for the allowance directly in your tax return.
Change to 1.0 possible if:
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One parent is deceased
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Father is unknown
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Other parent pays less than 75% of maintenance
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Other parent lives abroad or is a stepparent who adopted the child
The app recognizes these cases and asks accordingly.
The Günstigerprüfung Explained Simply
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The tax office calculates your tax with and without the child allowance.
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If the allowance is more favorable, it’s applied – and the child benefit is added back in.
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If child benefit is more favorable, nothing is applied.
➡️ Your child must be entered in the tax return even if you didn’t receive child benefit. Eligibility is what counts.
💡 For children over 18 in education (up to age 25), specify the period for which you were entitled.
How to Enter the Details in the Taxfix App
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Go to "About You" and select that you had children.
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This unlocks the "Children" category.
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Enter all relevant information about your child(ren).
The app:
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Automatically calculates your child benefit entitlement (including bonuses)
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Automatically performs the Günstigerprüfung
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Shows the calculated benefit amount – you can confirm or adjust it
👉 If child benefit is more favorable, neither the benefit nor the allowance appears in your return
👉 If the allowance is more favorable, both values appear:
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The allowance reduces your taxable income
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The child benefit is added as received income
📄 For proof of child benefit entitlement, contact your Familienkasse.
🚀 Fill out the simple question-answer flow - we'll take care of the rest!
Still have questions?
We're here to help! Contact our support team: support@taxfix.de