Finanzamt letter explained in English
Tax office. Handles your income tax and other taxes.
Letters you may get
- Steuerbescheid — the result of your tax return
- Aufforderung zur Abgabe der Steuererklärung — a reminder to file your tax return
- Mahnung or Säumniszuschlag — you paid tax late
What to do
- You can object (Einspruch) within one month after the letter counts as delivered.
- Your tax number (Steuernummer) is on every letter. Use it whenever you contact them.
- Find the deadline. Look for “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innerhalb”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“Einspruch”, “Widerspruch”). See the template.
Words you may see
- Bescheid
- Official decision. It becomes final if you don’t object in time.
- Einspruch
- Objection. Used for tax offices, fines and court orders. It must be sent before the deadline.
- Mahnung
- Payment reminder. You paid late or not at all.
- Säumniszuschlag
- Late payment charge, added for every month you are late.
- Forderung
- Claim. Money someone says you owe.
Questions
What is the Finanzamt?
Tax office. Handles your income tax and other taxes.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Finanzamt?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “Frist”, “bis zum”, “innerhalb” — they mark the deadline. In Germany, a posted official letter usually counts as delivered on the 4th day after it was sent. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“Einspruch”, “Widerspruch”).
Can I read a Finanzamt letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in German. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in Germany
Hauptzollamt · Jobcenter · Agentur für Arbeit · Ausländerbehörde · Bürgeramt · ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice · Krankenkasse · Familienkasse