Ask a tax advisor on the topic of Income tax return

Tax office demands proof of livelihood.

February 25, 2012 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Oliver Burchardt

Hello,

For the income tax return for 2010, the tax office is requesting proof of how I finance my livelihood.

I earned 3887 euros in honorary work in 2010, nothing else. After deducting for health insurance, I am left with 1100 euros from this income.

My partner is responsible for supporting my livelihood. The problem is that I can mention my partner as the source, but we (my partner and I) do not want her to be asked by the tax office to disclose her income.

Could you please inform me if the tax office will contact her if I mention my partner?

I have no documents to provide, as I am simply privately supported. How can I prove this without involving my partner in my affairs with specific information about her?

Thank you and regards.

Oliver Burchardt

Dear inquirer,

Thank you for your inquiry, which I am happy to answer as part of an initial consultation.

The tax office is requesting disclosure of your income because they want to check if you may have income from capital assets or other sources that you use to cover your living expenses but do not report for taxation.

Unfortunately, in your case, I do not see any possibility of not answering the inquiry, to which the tax office has a legal right under § 90 of the tax code. Providing a truthful answer to the question will not necessarily result in inquiries to your partner if she has declared her income to the tax office.

However, if your partner also does not claim any income in your tax return, you can expect inquiries in this regard as well.

Sincerely,

Oliver Burchardt
Tax advisor