Mail from the Finanzamt — got a tax notice or a request? What to do now

A letter from the "Finanzamt" (tax office) rarely brings joy — even though it sometimes contains good news (a tax refund!). Here's a calm overview of what kinds of mail can arrive and how to respond.

What kinds of mail typically arrive?

Request to file a tax return – the tax office wants you to submit a tax return for a specific year. This often happens if you had multiple income sources, were self-employed, or are otherwise required to file.
Steuerbescheid (tax notice) – the actual decision after reviewing your tax return: either you get money back (a refund) or you owe additional tax.
Reminder for outstanding tax debt – when a payment stated in a tax notice wasn't transferred on time.
Request for information – the tax office asks for additional documents or explanations about something in your return.

What to check first

What kind of letter is this – a request, a notice, a reminder, or an inquiry?
For a tax notice: do the numbers match what you expected?
Was everything from your tax return correctly transferred?
What's the stated deadline?

The deadline that matters: the objection (Einspruch)

If you disagree with a Steuerbescheid, you can file an objection within one month of notification. This is stated in the appeal instructions at the end of the notice. The objection doesn't need to be detailed at first — a short sentence is enough to meet the deadline, and reasoning can follow later.

Important: a notice becomes final automatically once the deadline passes, even if it contains an error.

What if you owe additional tax?

Additional payments are usually due within one month of notification — this date is stated in the notice. If not paid on time, late-payment surcharges apply (1% per month started). If you can't pay the full amount at once, it's worth actively applying for a payment plan or deferral before the deadline passes.

How should you respond?

1. Request to file a tax return – note the deadline and submit the return on time. If that's not possible, request an extension in advance.

2. The Steuerbescheid is correct – nothing more to do, except transfer any additional payment on time.

3. The Steuerbescheid contains an error – file an objection with a short explanation of what was calculated wrong or overlooked.

4. An additional payment you can't pay right away – actively ask for a payment plan or deferral, ideally before the payment deadline passes.

5. Request for documents – submit the requested documents on time, with a short cover note.

Quick example of how an objection can be structured

reference to the notice (date, tax ID number)
a clear sentence: "I hereby object to the tax notice dated ..."
a short reasoning, if you already have one
a request for written confirmation of receipt

This is exactly where BriefMagic helps: describe your situation in your own language – it turns into a clearly structured letter in German, with the right tone for the tax office. You don't need to know tax law or hunt for the right phrasing yourself. There's a translation back into your language too, so you know what's being sent, and the letter stays saved in case the Finanzamt replies.

Quick summary

First figure out what kind of letter it is.
One month to object to a tax notice, from notification.
For additional payments: actively ask for a payment plan rather than staying silent.
A short, timely objection is enough — reasoning can follow.
For complicated cases, a tax advisor can help further.

This article doesn't replace tax or legal advice. For complicated cases or larger amounts, a tax advisor can help further.