Do I have to file a tax return as a student?
July 29, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Anneliese Schaaf
Dear tax consultant,
my name is Konrad Melzer and I am a student in the final semester of my bachelor's degree. So far, I have never filed a tax return as I thought it was only necessary for working professionals. However, I have heard from fellow students that it may also be beneficial for students to submit a tax return in order to possibly receive a tax refund.
I am unsure whether I am required to file a tax return as a student and whether it would be worthwhile for me to do so. My income mainly consists of BAföG (federal financial aid for students) and occasional part-time jobs, which however fall below the threshold for tax liability. Nevertheless, I had some deductible expenses last year, such as travel costs for internships and academic literature for my studies.
I am concerned that I may be missing out on money by not filing a tax return. At the same time, I am unsure whether the effort and cost of hiring a tax consultant would be worth it if I only have low income.
Could you please tell me if I am required to file a tax return as a student and whether it would be worthwhile in my case? What documents would I need to prepare and what costs would I incur if I were to seek your assistance?
Thank you in advance for your support.
Best regards,
Konrad Melzer
Dear Mr. Melzer,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding filing a tax return as a student. It is understandable that you are unsure whether it is worthwhile for you as a student to submit a tax return. I would be happy to help clarify and provide you with all relevant information.
First and foremost, it is important to know that students may be required to file a tax return under certain conditions. In general, as a student, you are required to file a tax return if you have income that exceeds the basic tax allowance. For the year 2021, this basic tax allowance is 9,744 euros. Since you have stated that your income from BAföG and occasional part-time jobs falls below this threshold, you are not obligated to file a tax return.
However, it may still be beneficial to voluntarily file a tax return in order to potentially receive tax refunds. Especially if you had deductible expenses such as travel costs for internships or academic literature for your studies last year, these expenses can be used to reduce your taxable income. This could potentially result in a tax refund for you.
Regarding the costs of hiring a tax advisor, it depends on various factors. For individuals with low income and simple tax circumstances, the costs can be manageable. In many cases, students can also avail the services of tax advisors at a reduced fee. Therefore, it is advisable to inquire directly with a tax advisor about the exact costs.
If you decide to file a tax return, you should typically prepare the following documents: your wage and salary statements, evidence of your deductible expenses (e.g. receipts for academic literature, travel expense reports), certificates of BAföG payments, and any other relevant documents related to your income and expenses.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need assistance with preparing your tax return, I am here to help.
Kind regards,
Anneliese Schaaf, Tax Advisor
