Money & Taxes

Questions on this topic

• Any recommendations for a Turkish-speaking tax adviser (Steuerberater) in Berlin?You can go to Melek Kötük, whose office responds quickly when there is a problem. For income, tax and pension paperwork connected to Turkey, try Okan İş or Pektax.
• Does my tax class (Steuerklasse) change when I get married, and which one should we choose?When you marry, you both move to tax class IV automatically. You can switch to III/V or IV/IV with factor; the choice affects monthly net pay and benefits such as Elterngeld, not your annual tax.
• How can I save on electricity, heating and everyday costs?Comparing electricity and gas providers, heating and airing correctly, and checking your service charge statement save the most. Berlin also offers discounted public transport and free energy advice for people on a low income.
• How do I find a reliable tax adviser for my tax return, and how much does it cost?You can work with a Steuerberater (tax adviser), a Steuerkanzlei (tax firm) or, if you're only on a salary, a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein. Fees vary a lot with the work involved. Ask for a written contract before you hand over your documents.
• How do I get Kindergeld (child benefit)?You apply for Kindergeld to the Familienkasse. You need the tax ID of the parent and of the child.
• How do I register for the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag), and what if I don't know my number?The Rundfunkbeitrag is paid once per home, not per person. If someone else in your home already pays, you do not, but you need to report it. If you do not know the number, write the payer's name on the form.
• How does the pension work in Germany, and do my working years in Turkey count?You need at least 5 years of contributions to get a German pension. Thanks to the agreement between Germany and Turkey, periods in both countries are added together for these conditions; each country pays its own pension for its own periods.
• I did my Anmeldung but my tax ID (Steuer-ID) hasn't arrived. How can I get it quickly?You do not have to wait. You can get your Steuer-ID from the Bürgeramt or from the Finanzamt nearest your home. Once it is your turn, it can take just a few minutes.
• I'm a freelancer. How do I register for tax and get a VAT number?You open an ELSTER account and activate it with a code that comes by post. Then you fill in the tax registration form in ELSTER, and your tax number arrives by post.
• Is there an insurance adviser in Berlin who helps in Turkish? Who do you recommend for supplementary dental insurance?For insurance advice you can go to Irmak Arslan, or to Okan Bey at Ertas Versicherungen. For supplementary dental insurance, look at Allianz and Barmenia, and at Envivas if you are with TK.
• Should I file a tax return (Steuererklärung), and what can I deduct?In some cases a tax return is mandatory; even when it isn't, most employees get money back. You can file voluntarily for up to 4 years back, and you can do it for free with ELSTER.
• What should I look out for when taking out legal expenses insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung)?Before you sign up, check what the policy covers and whether the insurer helps you find a lawyer. If you have to find a lawyer yourself and get the insurer's approval, the insurance can be hard to use.
• What's the best way to send money from Germany to Turkey?Sending money by SWIFT from a bank can be expensive, so look at online transfer apps such as Remitly, Wise or Revolut. Fees and exchange rates differ between apps, so compare before you send.
• Which additional insurances do I really need? (Haftpflicht, Hausrat, etc.)Health insurance is compulsory; personal liability insurance (Privathaftpflicht) is cheap and recommended for everyone. Household contents insurance (Hausrat) can make sense depending on what you own; many small insurances are unnecessary.
• Who can get Jobcenter support / Bürgergeld (Grundsicherung), and how do I apply?Since July 2026, Grundsicherung has replaced Bürgergeld. People able to work who cannot support themselves, and employees topping up low pay, can apply to the Jobcenter; the basic rate for a single person is 563 euros a month.