Overview

• Rhineland-Palatinate’s tax offices took an average of 43 days to process returns in 2024, placing them seventh and above the 42.2-day national average.
• Thuringia led all states with the quickest turnarounds at 39.1 days, while Saarland remained slowest at 53.8 days.
• Berlin’s tax offices have slowed by three days since last year, dropping to fifth place after years of topping the rankings.
• Nationally, 11 states now process returns in under 50 days, up from seven in 2023, reflecting an overall acceleration.
• The Bund der Steuerzahler highlights that office practices and case types drive regional variations in wait times, urging more uniform procedures.