Hey bunqers 🌈,

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
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