MyELSTER+ makes tax returns even easier

With the help of Elster, it has been possible for several years now to complete tax returns without the need for annoying and confusing paperwork. Instead, the necessary reports to the tax office can now largely be completed online. However, it is still not possible to file a tax return completely online. Especially when submitting receipts, there is no way to avoid sending them by mail or going to the tax office in person. In order to further promote digitization in this sector as well, Elster now has a new feature to offer. With the help of the new app MeinElster+, it will in future be possible to scan receipts conveniently using a smartphone and send them directly.

MeinElster+ enables digital receipts

The tax office surprises with an innovation that should please all those who take care of their tax returns without a tax advisor. The new app MeinElster+ not only enables a mobile and convenient interface to the local tax office via smartphone or tablet. On top of that, receipts can now be submitted digitally here. It doesn’t matter whether the receipt is in digital form or traditional written form. For example, if you have received an invoice in PDF format by e-mail, you can easily upload it. However, this feature is not really new. After all, it was already possible to upload digital receipts via the Elster website. What is really practical, however, is the scan function that the new app offers.

If you receive a paper invoice or receipt, you can easily scan it using your smartphone camera and upload it directly to the app. If you already have an account with Elster, you can quickly and easily register for MeinElster+. To do this, simply generate a QR code on the Elster website on your PC. First of all, log in to the website. Then simply go to the “My user account” tab and click on “Pair MeinElster+”. Once you have installed the app on your smartphone, all you have to do is scan the code with your smartphone. This is sufficient proof of identity and allows you to access your Elster account on your smartphone as well. Now simply enter the password in the app that you also use on the computer and you’re ready to go.

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Step in the right direction

The MeinElster+ app should make so-called “filing” easier for many. After all, the new scanning feature not only allows you to quickly submit receipts. On top of that, this is a better way to keep track of things. It should also be possible to name the individual receipts and adjust them if necessary. In addition, individual categories can be created. For example, groups such as “craftsmen’s invoices”, “hospitality receipts”, “fuel invoices” or “donation receipts” can be created in this way. The uploaded receipts are not forwarded directly to your tax office. Only when you submit your income tax return do you decide which receipts you want to forward. Here, the tax offices are showing how digitization works in the public sector.