The German Tax Union (DSTG) has advocated for the elimination of tax returns for employees.

Instead, automatically generated documents should be introduced that employees only need to review and, if necessary, supplement, DSTG head Köbler told Funke Media.

In countries like Austria, this has long been technically established.

They are calling for simpler tax law with fewer forms, less documentation, and more digital solutions. Wherever possible, lump sums instead of individual statements are necessary.

This would save millions of people a lot of time, stress, and money.

According to Köbler, pensioners should be exempted from the obligation to file tax returns altogether. Alternatively, he suggests an automatic withholding tax deduction by the pension fund.

Tax returns for the 2024 calendar year must be submitted by the end of July. For individuals seeking tax advice, the deadline is extended to the end of April 2026.

The German Tax Union is the trade union representing the interests of tax administration staff.