2026 Tax filing campaign: couples' strategies for optimizing deductions
The 2026 tax filing season is just around the corner, with the campaign set to kick off on April 8th. For the next three months, taxpayers will be required to account for their fiscal year 2025 income and settle any discrepancies between their paid income tax and what they're actually owed. This is especially crucial for couples, who need to carefully consider the best approach to save extra money.
Key dates for the 2026 tax filing campaign
The key dates for the 2026 tax filing campaign are as follows:
April 8th to June 30th, 2026: Online filing will be available.
May 6th to June 30th, 2026: The phone filing period will open, requiring advance appointments.
June 1st to June 30th, 2026: In-person filing will be possible with prior appointments.
Presentation options for couples: joint or individual filings
Couples face a critical decision when it comes to filing taxes: whether to present their tax returns jointly or individually. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, a crucial threshold of €3,400 in annual income provides a clear guideline.
If both partners earn less than €3,400 per year, it's generally more beneficial for them to file jointly. This is because the tax law grants a non-taxable benefit of €5,500 to all taxpayers, plus an additional €3,400 deduction for joint filers. With children factored in, couples can also claim up to €4,500 in deductions for each child beyond the third.
However, couples should carefully weigh their individual situations and consider filing separately if one partner's income significantly exceeds the €3,400 threshold. It's essential to prepare a provisional joint return and an individual return to compare the outcomes before making a final decision.
Common faqs and misconceptions
Some frequently asked questions and misconceptions about joint and individual tax filings for couples include:
- If one's partner earns exactly €3,400 per year, they should still consider other factors when deciding between joint and individual filings.
- Only married couples can file jointly; unmarried partners cannot.
- It's possible to switch from joint to individual or vice versa after submitting a return, but this process can be complex and is not recommended.
By carefully considering these factors and taking the time to prepare and compare different filing scenarios, couples can make informed decisions that optimize their tax benefits and minimize their liabilities.