Starting July 1, income tax filing via smartphone with just a single click is set to become available nationwide for the initial user groups. Initially, this option is available to single, childless employees and pensioners. The Free State of Bavaria developed and programmed the feature on behalf of the federal and state governments, and it is available nationwide.
Tax offices will provide taxpayers with a pre-filled tax return and a preview of the tax assessment notice for the 2025 tax year, utilizing tax data already held by the authorities. With the taxpayer’s consent, this return can be submitted with just a single click. Naturally, changes can be made before consent is given. Plans are in place to further expand the available functions and the user base. According to the current Finance Minister of the Free State of Bavaria, this allows many taxpayers to handle their tax returns simply, securely, and straightforwardly—directly from their smartphones. He described it as „another milestone in the digitalization and user-friendliness of the tax administration.“ However, the concept of filing a tax return via app with a single click is not without controversy. Experts warn of potential financial losses, noting that most taxpayers simply lack the ability to adequately assess complex tax matters. Germany would be the first country in the world to effectively gift tax money to citizens through such a service.