Overview
- Hesse, Hamburg, Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania, Schleswig‑Holstein and Thuringia announced Thursday a wider pilot that will send automated income tax proposals to roughly half a million people.
- Tax offices compile a draft using data they already receive by law from employers, pension funds and insurers, and the draft only becomes final if recipients consent by QR code or a reply form.
- The offer targets straightforward cases such as employees and pensioners, including some parents of minors, while self‑employed people and landlords are out for now.
- Hesse expects about 200,000 recipients, Mecklenburg‑Western Pomerania about 78,000, and Hamburg will start with 5,000 to 7,000 cases at the Hamburg‑East office.
- A separate MeinELSTER+ one‑click app is planned from July 2026 for very simple cases, and the taxpayers’ association urges people to check drafts so they do not miss deductible costs like extra work expenses or craftsperson bills.