Single parents often face financial disadvantages. To support them, there is a special tax allowance: the relief amount for single parents. This article explains when you're eligible, how much the amount is, and how to claim it using the Taxfix app.
📌 Quick & Easy
- The relief amount provides tax benefits for single parents.
- Requirements: you live alone with your child, the child’s main residence is with you, and you receive child benefits.
- Also possible with shared custody – if there's agreement on who receives the child benefit.
- The app automatically applies the relief amount if you qualify.
🚀 Your Guide
- What is the Relief Amount?
- Who is Eligible?
- How Much is the Relief Amount?
- How to Apply for It
- How the Relief Amount is Applied in the App
What is the Relief Amount?
The relief amount for single parents is a tax allowance. It reduces your taxable income and therefore your tax burden. Its goal is to offset financial disadvantages compared to couples.
Who is Eligible?
You can claim the relief amount if you:
- are single and do not live with another adult (e.g. a partner) in the same household,
- have a child whose main residence is registered with you and who actually lives with you, and
- receive child benefit for the child.
👶 The amount is also possible in cases of shared custody. In such cases, the parents must agree on who can claim the relief amount. If no agreement is reached, the parent receiving the child benefit gets it.
How Much is the Relief Amount?
- Base amount: €1,908 per year (since 2015)
- Temporarily raised to €4,008 in 2020 and 2021
- From the second child onward, an additional €240 is added per child
Example Breakdown:
| Children in Household | Relief Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 child | €1,908 |
| 2 children | €2,148 |
| 3 children | €2,388 |
| and so on |
💡 The relief amount cannot be split – only one parent can claim it.
How to Apply for It
There are two options:
-
Via your tax return:
- The amount is considered during the annual tax assessment
- You may receive a refund of overpaid taxes
-
By submitting a request to the tax office:
- You are assigned to tax class II through a wage tax reduction request
- The relief amount is considered monthly via your employer
-
Your net salary increases immediately
How the Relief Amount is Applied in the App
You can enter all relevant details under the "Children" category:
- Your living situation
- Child benefit status
- Custody and care details
💡 The app automatically checks whether you qualify for the relief amount. If you do, it will be shown in your tax summary under "Relief for single parents".
➡️ Important: If you meet the criteria, you don’t need to apply separately – the app calculates and applies everything based on your answers.
🚀 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