By submitting their tax returns electronically, citizens themselves can contribute to the speedy processing of their returns because the data is thus directly and digitally available to the tax office. To submit the tax return paperlessly, a user account must be created at www.elster.de using the tax identification number. Detailed instructions can be found on the ELSTER website.
When using "My ELSTER", data can also be transferred from the previous year. Furthermore, it is possible to carry out a non-binding tax calculation and to use the offer of the pre-filled tax return. In addition, electronic filing makes it possible to include notes and explanations on individual matters directly in the tax return. This saves the tax office from having to ask questions. Receipts are only requested if necessary and should not be sent along. It is sufficient to keep them for possible queries.
For general questions about tax returns, such as tax returns and short-time allowances, the chatbot of the Baden-Württemberg tax administration is available for support. The chatbot is a virtual assistant for explaining tax-related topics.
In addition, the tax administration offers Baden-Württemberg explanatory videos on various tax law topics. Here you will also find a video on the topic of wage replacement benefits, which include short-time allowance. The offer is constantly being expanded.
The chatbot and the explanatory videos are available on the websites of Oberfinanzdirektion Karlsruhe and the tax offices.