German taxes - various quick questions and answers

Quick questions about the filing of German tax returns can be posted to this discussion topic. Maybe there is someone reading this forum who can help you with your query. Note, however, in almost all cases it is better to simply see a professional tax advisor.

See below for contact details for some English-speaking tax advisors. Remember, however, that tax advisors do not provide an e-mail "question and answer" service for free. So do not send them all your questions and expect them to email you back with solutions. But do feel free to tell them your problem and they will be glad to give you a free quote for an appointment or for online assistance.

Tax advisors:

• Thomas Zitzelsberger - German and international tax advice.
• Mark Summers - Filing of US taxes from Germany.

Being a tax amateur, I will be thankful if you could answer these questions.

1) Can I use the 'Vereinfachte Einkommensteuererklärung' (the simplified tax return form which you can download from the website) in place of the normal long green form obtainable from the Rathaus? I have a very simplified return to file.

2) Is there some minimum limit to the yearly bruto/netto under which you get all you income-tax back? (and you don’t need to claim individually)...I might fall in this bracket.

3) Which address should I send the form to...there are tens of addresses on the finanzamt München website...Is there one general common address where everyone can send his form?

Hi Guys,

I need some info.

I get allowance (Amount after tax) here in Germany and my employer files tax returns on my behalf. (However I am suppose to sign tax forms and submit my lohensteurkarte to them). I also get Salary in India and I myself file my Income tax there.

I contacted the consultant who had filed tax return on my behalf (read: my company's behalf) for a copy of filed tax return. And he said that as my company is filing tax return, so he can't give copy of the same to me.

Now, my question is that is this behaviour of my company legal to refrain me from accessing data for which I have given Income Tax?

Is that consultant correct in providing me information that he can't give access to my financial status?

Is there any way I can get information about my filed Income Tax copy from any of the authorities?

Thanks in advance.
BG

I am going to start a contract of "six months" with a German company as their contractual employee.I am not a German resident & neither does double tax treaty exist between the two countires.My question is which of the following taxes is applicable to me
[1]Solidarity Surchage:
[2]Pension Insurance:
[3]Unemployment Insurance:
[4]Health Insurance:
[5]Nursing Care Insurance:

Please advise