Refund of taxes from Germany

The German tax system attracts the attention of many Ukrainians who work or have income in this country.

However, many of them may not be aware of the possibility of refunding part or all of the taxes paid in Germany.

Such a procedure is possible based on the existence of a signed agreement between Ukraine and Germany.

The convention between Ukraine and Germany on issues of avoidance of double taxation is an important document aimed at ensuring the effective functioning of international taxation and preventing tax disputes between countries.

This document establishes rules for the distribution of tax rights between participating countries, and mechanisms for avoiding double taxation – both in the country of residence and the country of citizenship and activity (for example, credits for paid tax).

In addition to familiarization with the provisions of international agreements, it will be important to take into account a number of other factors.

First, you need to understand the current status in Germany.

Before starting the process of tax refund from Germany, it is important to find out whether the person has the status of tax resident or not. Obtaining the status of a tax resident may affect a person’s tax obligations.

Currently, the main criteria for determining tax residency in Germany include:

• Place of residence. A person is considered a tax resident if he has a permanent residence in Germany. This means that the person resides in Germany for a certain period, which may be determined by law.
• Center of interests. In addition to permanent residence, an important factor is the presence of a center of interest in Germany, such as family, work, business, or other personal and professional connections.
• Place of taxation of important incomes. Another factor that can affect tax residency status is where income such as wages, business income, or investment income is taxed.

Secondly, it is necessary to take a responsible approach to collecting the necessary documents for submitting an application for a tax refund.

These documents may include:

• Declaration of income. To receive a tax refund in Germany, a person must submit a declaration that must contain information on income and expenses for the relevant fiscal year.
• Employment documents. The person will need to provide documents that prove their employment, such as a contract or payment details from the place of work.
• Documents on taxation in other countries. In addition, it is necessary to properly prepare documents confirming the taxation of income in other jurisdictions (tax declaration for the reporting year).

Finally, after collecting all the necessary documents, you need to apply for a tax refund. This can be done by submitting an electronic declaration or in person at a local tax office in Germany.

It may be beneficial to use the services of a qualified tax specialist to assist in the correct completion and submission of such a return in Germany.

The Legal Company “Prikhodko and Partners” will help you in the return of taxes from Germany by providing high-quality advice on the issue of double taxation, the peculiarities of income declaration, and help in the preparation of appropriate documents for the return of your taxes.

Conclusions.

Getting a tax refund from Germany can be a complicated process, but with a proper understanding of the procedures and gathering the necessary documents, the process becomes much easier.

Given the complexity of German tax legislation and the understanding of double taxation agreements between this country and Ukraine, it is important to get professional advice from a specialist.

This will help determine the most effective strategies to avoid double taxation and ensure compliance with all relevant rules and restrictions in order to properly repatriate taxes from Germany.