From July 1, smartphone-based filing will become available to the first categories of users at the federal level. According to the Bavarian Ministry of Finance, this innovation will be available to unmarried employees without children, as well as individuals receiving pension payments.
Bavaria led the software development and programming on behalf of the federal government and the states, ensuring the service is available nationwide. Registration for the MeinELSTER+ app, which enables this new function, became available on March 31.
Mechanism for Reporting via the App
In July, users will be provided with a pre-filled tax return and a preliminary calculation for the 2025 tax year based on information already held by the tax authorities. The document includes data on:
- Income and withheld income tax.
- Contributions to social insurance funds.
- Information on state benefits and pension contracts.
Upon confirming the accuracy of the data, the taxpayer can submit the return with one click. The system allows for manual adjustments before the procedure is finalized. Future plans include a phased expansion of the user base and the service’s functional capabilities.
Discussions Surrounding the New Digital Tool
Bavarian Finance Minister Albert Füracker noted that approximately 11.5 million citizens now have the opportunity to manage their reporting securely and without unnecessary administrative complexity. He described the project as a significant milestone in the digitalization of tax administration.
However, the simplified approach has faced criticism. Taxpayer advocacy organizations have warned users of potential financial losses. Critics point out that tax offices do not possess exhaustive information regarding individual expenses. Costs related to professional activities, household needs, or children are not automatically accounted for, creating a risk that users may overpay their taxes if they rely solely on the automated one-click system.
Source: Bavarian Ministry of Finance and dpa
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