How can you get free tax assistance in Germany?

1. Union and social organization counseling centers (free tax assistance)

Where to find them?

• Low-income initiatives

• Welfare associations such as Caritas, Diakonie, AWO

• Student and youth centers (Studentenwerk)

• Consumer Protection Center (Verbraucherzentrale)

They offer free or low-cost support for:

• Bürgergeld or social assistance recipients

• People with low income

• Students and trainees (Azubis)

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2. Income tax assistance associations (Lohnsteuerhilfevereine)

What are they?
Non-profit associations offering low-cost tax advice for employees — under the condition that:

• You have no income from business or self-employment

• You are an employee, retiree, or trainee

Cost:

• Annual membership fee (usually 50–300 €)

• Fee depends on your yearly income
  → Much cheaper than a private tax advisor (Steuerberater)

Examples:

• Vereinigte Lohnsteuerhilfe e.V. (VLH)

• Lohi

• Einkommensteuerhilfeverein Deutschland

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3. Student support (Studentenwerk)
Most universities offer:

• Free student counseling

• Workshops on how to fill out your tax return

• Some even help with ELSTER

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4. Free online tax tools (self-help)

For low income, some tools are fully free.

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5. Refugee and migrant support projects

Organizations such as:

• Refugee Law Clinics

• Migrant self-help groups

• City counseling centers

→ Offer free support in various languages, sometimes including tax matters.

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When you do NOT need a tax advisor

If your situation is simple, such as:

• Employee with one source of income (no side job)

• No rental, business, or freelance income

• No investments or stocks

→ You can easily use ELSTER or a simple software on your own.

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Useful terms

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Conclusion

• There are many free or low-cost options for tax support.

• Lohnsteuerhilfevereine offer excellent, affordable alternatives.

• ELSTER allows you to file your tax return for free.

• Not everyone qualifies for every service — check your personal situation.

Note: Information is carefully researched but may contain errors. Always consult official authorities for final guidance.