Tax Help in Berlin for Expats:
Get Professional Support from a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein
Are you working in Berlin as an expat or international employee and confused by the German tax system? You're not alone. Many newcomers to Germany are unsure what expenses they can deduct or how to file a tax return properly.
A Lohnsteuerhilfeverein (Income Tax Assistance Association) in Berlin offers affordable, reliable help – often in English – for employees, retirees, and families. And best of all: you may be entitled to a large tax refund.
What Is a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein?
A Lohnsteuerhilfeverein is a legally authorized association in Germany that helps members with their income tax declarations. It’s perfect for:
- Employees (non-self-employed)
- Pensioners
- Civil servants
- Expats with salary income only
For a fixed annual membership fee, you get full support – including personal tax advice, filing your return, and help with correspondence from the German tax office (Finanzamt).
Good to know: Many Berlin-based Lohnsteuerhilfevereine offer English-speaking advisors or work in partnership with tax advisors specialized in expats.
Top Tax Deductions for Expats in Germany
As a foreign employee or expat, there are many costs you can deduct to lower your taxable income and increase your refund. Two major areas are double housing costs and supporting family abroad.
1. Double Household / Second Home Deduction (Doppelte Haushaltsführung)
If you live in Berlin for work but your main home and family are elsewhere (either in Germany or abroad), you may claim double household deductions.
What’s deductible?
- Rent for your second apartment in Berlin (up to €1,000/month)
- Weekly trips home to visit your family (travel costs)
- Moving expenses
- Daily meal allowance (up to €28/day in the first 3 months)
2. Sending Money to Your Family Abroad (Unterhaltszahlungen)
If you send money to support relatives outside Germany – for example, parents or children in your home country – you may be able to deduct those payments as foreign support.
Requirements:
- The recipient must be financially dependent
- You must provide official documentation and bank transfer proof
- Max. deductible amount: up to €10,908/year per person (2025 value)
Your tax advisor or Lohnsteuerhilfeverein can help you file the “Unterhaltserklärung” (support declaration) correctly.
Other Common Tax Deductions for Expats
- Work-related commuting costs (public transport, car, bicycle)
- Home office flat-rate (for remote work)
- Language courses (if job-related)
- Work tools (e.g. laptop, phone, desk, software)
- Health & retirement insurance (even from foreign providers)
- Childcare costs (Kita, nanny, after-school programs)
English-Speaking Tax Help in Berlin
Navigating taxes in German can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many Lohnsteuerhilfevereine in Berlin offer:
- Personal consultations in English
- Simple explanations of German tax law
- Support from expat-friendly advisors
If your case is more complex (e.g. income from multiple countries or investments), they may refer you to a certified tax consultant specializing in expats.
Why Choose a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein in Berlin?
- ✔ Affordable, income-based membership fees
- ✔ Full support with tax returns and claims
- ✔ Focused on employees, pensioners & families
- ✔ Specialized knowledge of expat tax situations
- ✔ English-speaking services available
- ✔ Save time and maximize your tax refund
Get Started with Your Tax Return Today
Don't lose money by skipping deductions or filing late. Join a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein in Berlin and get peace of mind – and more of your hard-earned money back.
👉 Need a referral to a trusted English-speaking tax consultant near you? click here
