Legal and tax made easy

The right advice. A clearer way forward.

Life in Germany comes with unfamiliar rules, paperwork and questions. We listen to what you need, then connect you with suitable tax specialists—or help you look for the right legal professional. Clear explanations, coordinated support and a conversation in a language you understand.

Illustration of a tax adviser discussing documents with an international client in Germany

YOUR LIFE IN GERMANY

Make sense of your German taxes

A tax return is more than a form. The right advice helps you understand your obligations, claim applicable deductions and plan decisions before they become expensive.

Personal tax returns

Get help with employment income, deductible expenses, family circumstances and your first year in Germany. A specialist can check whether you need to file, identify relevant deductions and explain the result in clear language.

Self-employed and business

Find support with income tax, bookkeeping, business expenses and VAT where relevant. Whether you freelance or run a company, your adviser can explain the responsibilities that apply.

Property and investments

Understand how rental income, financing costs, investment income and a future sale affect your position. Discuss the tax treatment, relevant allowances and reporting requirements before committing to a property or investment.

Pensions and life changes

Explore how eligible pension contributions, moving countries or changing employment can affect your taxes. Your personal circumstances determine the relief available and the rules to follow.

LIFE ACROSS BORDERS

Two countries. One coordinated plan.

Moving to or from Germany

Arrival and departure dates, foreign income and continuing ties to another country can all matter. An international tax adviser can help establish your tax residence, assess treaty rules and coordinate the returns you need.

Keep your plans connected

German tax advice should work alongside the advice you receive elsewhere. We help connect the right people around your employment, business, property, pensions and investments, so important decisions are considered together.

AMERICAN OR CONNECTED TO THE U.S.?

Bring both tax systems together

Living in Germany does not automatically end your U.S. tax obligations. We work with partners supporting German and U.S. tax matters, including professionals with experience across both systems.

Returns and double taxation

U.S. citizens and qualifying residents generally report worldwide income, even abroad. Foreign tax credits or exclusions may help, but the correct approach depends on your circumstances.

Accounts and reporting

Foreign account and asset reporting can apply alongside your tax return. FATCA-related Form 8938 and the FBAR are separate requirements, with different thresholds and filing rules.

Investments and PFIC rules

Some non-U.S. funds and ETFs can trigger PFIC reporting and unfavourable U.S. taxation. Have a specialist review your investments: a German tax benefit may not work the same way in America.

KEEP LEARNING

Tax & legal articles

Illustration of someone organising tax documents

Your first German tax return

Tax is deducted from many salaries automatically. That does not mean every eligible expense has already been taken into account.

Understand when you must file, what you may be able to claim and why guidance can help with your first German return.

Read the article →

Browse all articles & guides →

Own a rental property? Read what can be deducted, when tax relief arrives and how the ten-year rule works →

COMMON QUESTIONS

A few things worth knowing

Does everyone need to file?

No. Some people must file; others can choose to do so voluntarily. Your income and circumstances determine the position. A tax adviser can check the requirements that apply to you.

Will I receive a refund?

A refund is possible, but never guaranteed. The outcome depends on tax already paid, income, deductions and personal circumstances. Your return may also show that additional tax is due.

Can you help in English?

Tell us your preferred language and the support you need. We seek a suitable professional with relevant experience and confirm availability. Fees and the engagement are agreed directly with them.

What should I prepare?

Start with a short description of your question, countries involved and any deadlines. After introduction, the specialist will tell you which documents they need and how to share them securely.

FIND YOUR NEXT STEP

Let’s make the next step clearer

Tell us what is happening in your life and where you need help. We will discuss your needs and look for the right connection within our growing network.

Unconfuse connects you with independent professionals; tax and legal advice is provided by the appointed specialist. U.S. references: IRS filing requirements abroad · Form 8938 and FBAR · PFIC and Form 8621.