Can I as a student also submit an income tax return?
February 14, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Andreas Stricker
Dear tax consultant,
my name is Paula Schreiber and I am currently enrolled as a student at the university. This year, alongside my studies, I have been working as a working student, earning a regular income. Now I am wondering if I, as a student, am required to file an income tax return.
I am unsure if I am obligated to file an income tax return as a student. Additionally, I am questioning whether it is worth it to file an income tax return if I have only worked as a working student and have not earned a high income. Furthermore, I am uncertain about which documents and receipts I need for the income tax return as a student and how to best organize them.
Could you please help me and let me know if I, as a student, need to file an income tax return? If so, what documents and receipts do I need and how should I organize them? Are there any specific regulations or tax benefits that I, as a student, can take advantage of in my income tax return?
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Best regards,
Paula Schreiber
Dear Ms. Schreiber,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the income tax return as a student. As a tax advisor specializing in income tax returns, I am happy to assist you.
In general, students, like other taxpayers, are required to file an income tax return if they have earned income above the basic tax allowance. The basic tax allowance for 2021 is €9,744 for single individuals. If your income as a working student exceeds this amount, you are obligated to file an income tax return. So, in your case, it is definitely worth submitting the income tax return to take advantage of potential tax benefits and possibly receive a refund for overpaid taxes.
For the income tax return as a student, you will need the usual documents such as your employer's tax certificate, certificates for tuition fees or expenses, possibly certificates for donations made, and documents for other income such as interest earnings. It is important to organize all documents and receipts properly to be able to complete the income tax return accurately and completely. It is best to create a folder where you can collect and organize all relevant documents.
As a student, you may be able to benefit from certain tax advantages, such as carrying forward losses if your deductible expenses exceed your income. Expenses for specialized literature, work materials, or commuting costs to the workplace can also be claimed for tax purposes. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully keep all receipts and include them in the income tax return.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need assistance with preparing your income tax return, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Andreas Stricker
