Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Germany to Deliver Tax Assessment Notices Digitally by Default Starting in 2026

Under the Bureaucracy Relief Act, appeal periods run from four days after posting to the Elster inbox.

Overview

  • The change applies to assessments issued in 2026, including notices for 2025 tax returns and other administrative tax acts such as measurement and determination notices.
  • Paper delivery remains available only by objecting to electronic service in Elster, with options for a one-time or lasting switch that takes effect for future notices.
  • A hardship rule exists for people without reasonable electronic access, but affected taxpayers must proactively apply because tax offices do not know these circumstances automatically.
  • Email alerts serve only as a courtesy; the legal date is the posting in Elster, which triggers the one‑month objection window after the four‑day rule.
  • Tax authorities and advisers urge users to enable notifications and check their Elster mailbox or connected tax software promptly to avoid missing deadlines.