WARNING, you are in the Elster4Konsens test environment!

Please note that this page is a test environment for a limited user group, and no support is provided for external parties. Registration ("create user account") is not possible here, as this is purely a test system. No legally binding submissions or activities can be conducted through the test system. Please complete your registration again in the productive environment at https://www.elster.de. The Elster4Konsens test environment is designed solely for testing purposes. There is no connection to the live operation. Tax returns or other official processes cannot be submitted here.

Help

Videos

Image films and video tutorials

ELSTER: Your online tax office


This video introduces the "Mein Elster" platform. It explains how to use it easily on a computer and on mobile devices, the registration process, and how to navigate to the tax forms. It also explains helpful features such as the validity check, encrypted online submission, and the option to import data from the previous year.

Registration with Mein ELSTER for private individuals


Video on registering with "Mein Elster": An explanation of the free and secure registration process. The video walks you through each step: from selecting the registration method (recommended: certificate file) through data entry and verification via email, all the way to receiving the activation code by mail. Finally, it explains how to create your personal certificate file and save it for future Logins.

User Account Selection


Video comparing Elster user accounts: An explanation of the differences between the account for individuals (ideal for employees, retirees, or landlords, with a focus on the pre-filled tax return) and the account for organizations (for businesses, associations, or employers). The video also explains why the strict separation of personal and business data is essential for protecting privacy—especially during audits or changes in job roles.

Access renewal for Mein ELSTER


Video on restoring Elster access: Explanation of the steps to take if you’ve lost your password, your certificate has expired, or you’ve lost your mobile device. The video walks you through the process of requesting new login credentials via Mein Elster, verification via email and mail, and the subsequent setup of new login options (e.g., ELSTER Secure or alternative providers).

Property tax with Mein ELSTER


Video on the new property tax: An explanation of the property tax reform and instructions for filing your tax return via “Mein ELSTER.” The video explains who is required to file a return (owners of real estate, condominiums, or farms), that a separate return must be filed for each property, and how to find the forms in “Mein Elster,” fill them out correctly using the fill-in assistance tool, and submit them.

einfachElster


Video about the “einfachElster” Service: An explanation of the simplified online process for retirees and pensioners. The video shows how paperwork is replaced by an online guide with step-by-step instructions and how electronic data (e.g., pension payment notices) are automatically processed. It also explains the registration process using an identification number and how to receive the access number by mail.

Submit my receipts digitally together with my income tax return


Video on Digital Document Management: An explanation of how documents can be linked in an income tax return to allow the tax office to view them digitally and to support the audit process.

Call-off certificate / pre-filled tax return


Video on Retrieving Electronic Certificates: An explanation of how to retrieve data already on file with the tax office (both for yourself and for others) and import it directly into your tax return to simplify the filing process.

meinElster+


Video about the “meinElster+” app: Explanation of the process for digitizing receipts. The video walks you through the setup (Download, pairing via QR code), using the scan feature—including marking amounts and categorizing receipts—and uploading them to your user account. An important note clarifies that uploaded receipts are not automatically sent to the tax office but must be submitted as needed using the “Submission of Receipts for Tax Return” form.

simplyELSTERplus


Video on using “simplyELSTERplus”: Explanation of the requirements (e.g., type of income, residence in Germany, no children listed on the tax return) and the simplified digital filing process. The video walks you through the registration process (via certificate or Elster Secure), the automated data import, answering simple questions, verifying the information, and completing the process by submitting your return online and downloading a tax calculation as a PDF.

Login Options


Video on choosing the right login option: A comparison of the various login methods—from the traditional certificate file to the modern ELSTER Secure app and identification via ID card, all the way to hardware solutions such as security tokens or signature cards for organizations. The video explains the respective technical requirements and provides guidance on which option is best suited for individuals or businesses.