How the 2026 tax refund works in Germany

Commuting counts at €0.38 per kilometre from the first kilometre (2026), home office at €6 a day for up to 210 days; days at work and at home together are capped at 230. Payroll already gives the €1,230 work-cost lump sum and €36 for special expenses. A return is voluntary for most employees and can be filed up to four years back.

Estimate with the most common items only, for one person filing alone; your own return can include more, and the tax office decides the final amount. Not tax advice.

What the calculator includes

• rf_m
• One-way distance to work (km)
• Days you went to work
• Home-office days
• Other work costs: equipment, training, union fees
• rf_don
• Childcare for children under 14
• Household services at home, labour part
• Tradespeople at home, labour part
• Medical costs you paid yourself