20% off for our customers
Your tax return in the parental year – simply done yourself
If you receive parental allowance (Elterngeld), you usually have to file a tax return. With the SteuerSparErklärung software from Steuertipps you do it step by step – clearly explained, checked before sending and submitted directly to the tax office.
To SteuerSparErklärung Continue to shop.steuertipps.de (opens in a new tab)
Parental allowance and tax: what you should know
Parental allowance is tax-free, but it is subject to the so-called progression proviso: it increases the tax rate on your other income. Anyone who received more than €410 in parental allowance or other wage replacement benefits (e.g. maternity allowance) in a year usually has to file a tax return.
The good news: especially around the birth there are many expenses you can claim – such as medical costs, childcare costs or tradespeople’s services. A careful tax return can significantly reduce a possible additional payment.
Exclusive for customers of Einfach Elterngeld: 20% off
You save 20% on SteuerSparErklärung for the 2026 tax year – in all versions (standard, plus, self-employed and online), as a subscription or a one-off purchase.
SteuerSparErklärung at a glance
Guided: step by step through all entries – clearly explained
Checked: the plausibility check spots missing or inconsistent entries before you send
Live refund: you immediately see how each entry affects the result
Pre-filled tax return: import data the tax office already has (e.g. payslip certificates) via ELSTER
Tax AI “Alma”: answers questions directly in the software – based on more than 4,500 pages of Steuertipps guidance
For couples: joint returns are possible
Windows, Mac or directly in the browser
Direct submission to the tax office via ELSTER
How it works
Choose the right version and start it in your browser or download it.
Retrieve data from the tax office via ELSTER and add your details – the software guides you through every section.
Have everything checked and send your tax return directly to the tax office.
Book tip: optimising your family budget with benefits and tax advantages
Which benefits is your family entitled to – and how do you combine them with tax advantages? This German-language guide covers maternity allowance, child benefit, child supplement, parental allowance, housing benefit, free family health insurance and tax relief. For each topic you will find requirements, contact points, deadlines, documents and the steps to apply.
2nd updated edition (as of May 2026), 185 pages, paperback or e-book. To the guide in the Steuertipps shop
More guides for couples and families (in German)
Alleinerziehend auf der sicheren Seite – maintenance, support, child and parental allowance, tax advantages and protection for single parents
Gleich & Gerecht – arranging finances, property, care work and provision fairly as a couple
Heiraten? Ja – Nein – Vielleicht – marriage or cohabitation: differences in rights, taxes and protection
Finanzen für Anfänger – from budgeting and an emergency fund to ETFs and insurance
Franz von Firlefinanz – the Steuertipps children’s book: taxes explained for children aged 8 and up
Free: tax calculators, e.g. tax class and gross/net calculators, and articles in the parents, family & marriage section
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to file a tax return if I received parental allowance?
Usually yes: anyone who received more than €410 in parental allowance or other wage replacement benefits in a year is obliged to file.
Is parental allowance taxed?
No. Parental allowance is tax-free. However, it is taken into account when calculating the tax rate on your other income (progression proviso), which may lead to an additional payment.
When is the tax return due?
For the 2026 tax year by 31 July 2027 if you file it yourself without a tax adviser.
When will the version for the 2026 tax year be available?
The versions for the 2026 tax year have been available in the Steuertipps shop since 6 November 2026. The customer discount is valid until 31 December 2027.
How do I redeem the discount code?
Confirm your order number and email address in the box “Exclusive for customers” – then you will see the code. Add the version you want to your basket in the Steuertipps shop and enter the code; the 20% discount is deducted.
Start saving tax now
Do your tax return in the parental year yourself – securely, clearly and directly to the tax office.