Do you work or did you previously work in Germany and have children? You may be entitled to financial support called Kindergeld. This is one of the most important family benefits in Germany, designed to support families and help provide stable conditions for raising children. What is Kindergeld? Kindergeld is a child benefit paid to parents who work or have worked in Germany and are raising children who live in the European Union. The benefit can be paid until the child turns 25 years old if they are in full-time education and not employed. Who can receive Kindergeld? You can apply for child benefit if you are: Parents with children up to 25 years old who are in education; A single parent with whom the child lives (if parents are divorced, unmarried, or widowed); A legal guardian or the person with whom the child lives, if the child does not live with their biological parents. You can also apply if your child lives in another EU country, as long as at least one parent works or has worked in Germany. How much is the Kindergeld payment? Since 2023, the system has been simplified and the benefit amount is the same for each child, regardless of the number of children. Current amount: €250 per month for each child. If you already receive child benefit in another EU country, the German Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse) will usually pay only the difference between the German benefit and the amount paid in your country. Important rules The benefit is paid until the child reaches the age of 25 if they are studying and not working. You can usually apply retroactively for the current and previous 6 months. If you stop working in Germany, you must inform the Familienkasse immediately. If you no longer work in Germany, you are generally no longer entitled to the benefit. If you continue receiving payments after you are no longer eligible, you may be required to repay any overpaid amounts. What should you do next? The next step is to complete the registration form . This allows you to start the Kindergeld claim process, and our team will handle everything – from document preparation to receiving your payment. Find more information here .

At the beginning of the year, many people start filing their income tax returns. But what should you do if you worked abroad for all or part of the year? It’s important to know that tax declaration and tax refund for work abroad usually involve two directions: declaring income in the country where you worked and declaring your worldwide income in your home country. This helps avoid penalties and gives you the opportunity to recover any overpaid income tax. Why do you need to declare taxes in two countries? Most countries have signed double taxation treaties with each other. These agreements ensure that the same income is not taxed twice and allow you to claim a tax refund if you have overpaid. When you work abroad, it is usually recommended to declare your income in the country where you worked according to local rules and deadlines, and also declare your worldwide income in your country of residence. Where and when should you submit tax returns? In the foreign country: File your tax return according to the rules and deadlines of that country’s tax authority. In your home country: Declare your worldwide income in the national tax system. In some cases, you may need certificates confirming foreign income and taxes paid. Some tax authorities may also require a certificate of income earned in your home country. The requirements vary by country, so it is recommended to check the rules in advance. How many years back can you claim a tax refund? The tax refund period depends on the laws of each country and is usually 4–5 previous tax years. Once the limitation period expires, it is normally no longer possible to recover overpaid taxes, so it is best not to delay. What documents should you have? In most cases, you will need employer-issued documents showing your income and taxes paid, such as annual summaries and payslips. Some countries use specific official forms. If you are missing certain documents, you can often obtain information by contacting your employer or the foreign tax authority. Will you have tax obligations in your home country after getting a refund? If income tax was paid correctly in the foreign country and a double taxation treaty applies, there are usually no additional tax obligations in your home country. However, each case is individual, so it is recommended to consult specialists if you are unsure. What is important to remember? If you worked abroad, claiming a tax refund can be a great opportunity to get back the money you are entitled to. The most important things are to respect deadlines, collect the necessary documents and carefully submit accurate information in your tax returns. Since rules differ between countries, it is always best to check the requirements in advance or seek help from tax refund specialists. How to get started? The next step is to complete the registration form . This will allow you to start the tax refund for work abroad process, and our team will take care of everything – from preparing documents to submitting your tax returns.

Every year, a large number of people who worked abroad miss out on the opportunity to legally recover millions in overpaid income tax. The most common reasons are a lack of information and widespread myths that prevent people from claiming the money they are entitled to. Millions are lost every year Despite years of labor migration, many people who worked overseas are still unaware of the possibility of claiming a tax refund from abroad. As a result, millions in potential refunds remain unclaimed every year — money that could legally be returned to workers. How does claiming a tax refund from abroad work? The process is simple: while working abroad, income tax is deducted from your salary. After the end of the tax year (or when you stop working and leave the country), you submit a tax return to that country’s tax authority. The authority reviews your information and calculates whether you overpaid tax. If an overpayment is identified, the excess amount is refunded to you. In many cases, you may also need to follow the tax rules of your home country to avoid double taxation. Many people don’t know they can claim Many people do not claim their tax refunds because they don’t know how many years back they can apply, what documents are required, or they assume the process is too complicated. When you understand the deadlines and country-specific requirements in advance, the process becomes much easier. Fear of losses: myths vs reality Some people avoid claiming tax refunds because of myths such as: it will reduce your pension, affect your social benefits, or prevent you from working abroad again. This is not true. Tax refunds are simply part of the tax return process and relate only to income tax. Social security contributions remain separate and are not affected. Time limits for claiming tax refunds The deadline depends on the country, but it is usually 4–5 previous tax years. If you miss the deadline, the overpayment can no longer be refunded. That is why it’s important to check whether your case still falls within the allowed time period. What should you prepare? In most cases, you will need documents from your employer such as annual income summaries and payslips showing your income and taxes paid. If some documents are missing, the information can often be retrieved from your former employer or the relevant tax authority. Where do people make mistakes? Missing deadlines. Always check that your claim is still within the legal time limit. Missing documents. If you don’t have annual summaries, provide payslips or other proof of income. Incorrect information. Mistakes can delay processing, so always double-check your figures and personal details. Unused allowances. Check whether you are eligible for deductions such as work-related expenses or dependants. What is important to remember? Claiming a tax refund from abroad is a legal way to recover overpaid money. To avoid losing your refund, make sure you respect the deadlines, prepare your documents carefully, and submit accurate information. As rules differ by country, it is always recommended to check official requirements or consult with specialists.