Can I also file an income tax return as a student?
February 7, 2022 | 45,00 EUR | answered by Andreas Stricker
Dear tax advisor,
my name is Benjamin Müller and I am a student in the final semester of my bachelor's degree. In the past few years, I have worked as a working student alongside my studies, earning an income. Now I am wondering if I am also obliged to submit an income tax return as a student.
I am unsure because I have never filed a tax return before and I am not exactly sure how it works as a student. Additionally, I am concerned that I may be doing something wrong or not taking advantage of tax benefits that I may be entitled to.
Could you please explain to me if I am required to submit an income tax return as a student? If so, what documents do I need and how should I proceed to fill everything out correctly? Are there any opportunities for students to receive tax benefits or refunds, and how can I make use of them?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Müller
Dear Mr. Müller,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the income tax return as a student. It is indeed possible that students are also required to submit an income tax return, especially if they have earned income from employment. As a working student, you have earned income that is taxable, and therefore you must submit a tax return.
To correctly fill out your income tax return, you will need various documents, such as your wage tax certificates from your employer, receipts for business expenses (e.g. commuting costs to work, professional literature), receipts for special expenses (e.g. tuition fees, health insurance contributions), and possibly also certificates for received BAföG or scholarships. These documents are important to accurately capture your tax obligations and potential tax benefits.
As a student, you generally have the opportunity to claim tax benefits such as the standard deduction of 1,000 euros annually. Under certain conditions, you can also deduct education expenses, such as tuition fees or professional literature, as special expenses. Additionally, you can also deduct contributions to health and long-term care insurance as special expenses if you can no longer be covered by family insurance.
To take advantage of tax benefits and refunds as a student, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional tax advisor. A tax advisor can help you gather all relevant documents, fill out the tax return correctly, and optimize potential tax benefits. Additionally, a tax advisor can assist you with any tax-related questions and keep you informed about current tax regulations.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or would like individual advice, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Andreas Stricker
Tax Advisor
