ELSTER, which stands for “Elektronische Steuererklärung” (electronic tax declaration), is a digital platform provided by the German tax authorities. It allows individuals, businesses, and tax consultants to submit tax returns and other tax-related documents online, directly to the tax office.
What is “ELSTER”?
ELSTER is an online system designed to facilitate the electronic submission of tax returns and other tax documents in Germany. It serves as a bridge between taxpayers and the tax authorities, enabling a more efficient, paperless process. This system is particularly relevant for residents of Berlin and other parts of Germany, as it simplifies the often complex process of tax filing. Whether you are an employee, freelancer, or business owner, ELSTER offers a structured, secure platform for managing your tax obligations.
More information about “ELSTER”
Introduced in 1996, ELSTER has evolved to become the primary method for electronic tax submissions in Germany. The platform is managed by the Bavarian State Tax Office and supports a wide range of tax-related services, including the submission of income tax returns, VAT returns, and business tax returns. One of its key features is the pre-filled tax return, which automatically populates your tax return with data already available to the tax office, significantly reducing the time and effort required to file taxes.
Related to “ELSTER”
Here are some additional terms that are related to ELSTER:
- FinanzamtThe Finanzamt, literally translated as "Finance Office," is a term that newcomers in Berlin will encounter frequently. It refers to... More: The local tax office responsible for collecting taxes and processing tax returns.
- Steuer-IDThe Steueridentifikationsnummer, often abbreviated as Steuer-ID, is an 11-digit number assigned to every registered person in Germany. Its literal translation... More: Your tax identification number, a unique identifier required for tax purposes in Germany.
- Umsatzsteuer: Value-added tax (VAT) that businesses need to manage and report through ELSTER if applicable.
- Einkommensteuererklärung: The income tax return that individuals and businesses can submit via ELSTER.
ELSTER simplifies the tax filing process in Germany, making it accessible and manageable for everyone from individuals to large corporations.