Hey bunqers 🌈,

When is bunq asking for an Einkommensteuererklärung?

When opening your Business account in Germany, we might ask you for an Einkommensteuererklärung. We ask for these documents as part of our business verification and compliance process. ​As a German business owner, you can download the necessary forms for your Einkommensteuererklärung (income tax return) through ELSTER, the online tax office in Germany. Here's how you can proceed:

1. Access ELSTER's Forms Section: Visit the ELSTER website's forms page to find all available tax forms. ​Elster

2. Select the Appropriate Form: For individuals with unlimited tax liability, the primary form is the "Einkommensteuererklärung unbeschränkte Steuerpflicht (ESt 1 A)". Depending on your specific situation, you may also need to download additional annexes (Anlagen) such as:

   - Anlage G: For income from trade or business.​

   - Anlage S: For income from self-employment.​

   - Anlage V: For income from renting and leasing.​

3. Download the Forms: Click on the desired form to download it in PDF format. You can then print and fill it out manually.​

How can I use Mein ELSTER?

1. Register for an Account: Go to the Mein ELSTER portal and create a user account. The registration process involves several steps for security purposes, including receiving an activation code by mail.

2. Log In and Access Forms: Once registered, log in to your account. Navigate to the "Forms & Services" section to find and complete the necessary tax return forms online.​

3. Submit Electronically: After filling out the forms, you can submit them directly through the portal. This method is efficient and allows for quicker processing by the tax authorities.​

Why is bunq asking me for an Einkommensteuererklärung?

When opening a business bank account, we want to verify: - The legitimacy and performance of your business - That you're registered and paying taxes

This information helps us verify just that.

I don’t use Elster, where could I retrieve this document alternatively?

• WISO Steuer (by Buhl)

• Smartsteuer

• Taxfix

• SteuerGo

• Lohnsteuer kompakt