Ask a tax advisor on the topic of Tax classes

Change of tax class necessary?

February 22, 2021 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Steuerberater Knut Christiansen

I have been separated from my wife since February 2020, but I plan to file for divorce in 3 years (2024). Do I have to switch to tax class 1 this year already? Or is it still possible to file jointly for the years 2021-2023 despite living separately?

Steuerberater Knut Christiansen

Hello,

since you no longer have a common residence in 2021 and have been living separately since 2020, you must switch to tax class 1 in 2021. Joint taxation is no longer possible in 2021. If you continue to keep tax class 3, you will be paying too little income tax monthly and would then have to make a high payment when submitting your tax return for 2021.

I hope this answers your question, if not, feel free to ask for further clarification.

I would like to point out that this forum cannot replace a comprehensive and personal tax consultation, but is primarily intended to provide an initial tax assessment. Adding or omitting relevant information could lead to a different legal assessment of your matter.

Best regards,

Knut Christiansen
Tax Advisor