When you apply for a new job, you often incur costs – for example, for photos, folders, or travel. Here you’ll learn which expenses you can deduct and how to enter them in the Taxfix app.
📌 Quick & Easy
- You can declare application costs in your tax return in the category "Job".
- Many expenses can be deducted using flat rates.
- Travel costs for job interviews can also be claimed.
🚀 Your Guide
- Which application costs can you deduct?
- How do flat rates for applications work?
- What applies to travel expenses?
- Do I need to submit receipts?
- How to enter your application costs in the app
Which application costs can you deduct?
Application costs count as work-related expenses. You can declare them in your tax return. These include, for example:
- Application folders
- Stationery, envelopes, and stamps
- Application photos
- Application coaching or guidebooks
- Certified copies of certificates
It doesn’t matter whether your application was successful. What’s important is that the expenses are related to your job search.
How do flat rates for applications work?
You don’t need to provide receipts for all expenses. A flat rate applies for each application:
- €2.50 for online applications (e.g. by email)
- €8.50 for postal applications
The tax office usually accepts these flat rates. The Taxfix app automatically includes them for you.
Note: If you had an unusually high number or amount of application costs, it may be worthwhile to submit an itemized list with receipts.
What applies to travel expenses?
If you travel to a job interview, you can also deduct those costs. These include:
- Travel expenses
- Meal allowances
- Accommodation costs
- Other necessary expenses (e.g. parking fees)
The app asks for all required details – and automatically calculates the relevant allowances.
Do I need to submit receipts?
You don’t need to send in receipts with your tax return. But keep them – the tax office may ask for them later.
For flat rates, you don’t need a receipt. A short note on how the costs were calculated is enough.
How to enter your application costs in the app
First, under the category "About You", state what kind of work you did – for example, whether you were employed. Then the "Job" category will appear.
There, enter all important information about your job: your income tax certificate, job title, employer, and commute. If you moved for work, you can also enter your moving costs there.
Next, the app will ask if you had any other job-related expenses.
Then select application costs and enter how many applications you submitted online or by post.
The app automatically calculates the flat rates:
- €2.50 per online application
- €8.50 per postal application with folder
Good to know: Even without receipts, the tax office usually accepts these flat rates.
If you submitted many applications, the tax office may ask for proof – such as an interview invitation or a rejection letter.
🚀 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