VLH (Vereinigte Lohnsteuerhilfe)

VLH (Vereinigte Lohnsteuerhilfe) is Germany’s largest income tax assistance association, with over a million members and more than 3,000 advisory offices across the country. As a non-profit Lohnsteuerhilfeverein (wage tax assistance association), VLH provides affordable tax return help for employees, pensioners, and certain other income groups — regulated under German law to ensure quality and accountability.

For expats who are employees in Germany and want professional help with their Einkommensteuererklärung, VLH offers a compelling combination of expertise and affordability. Unlike a full Steuerberater, VLH advisers are authorised to prepare returns for wage earners and handle most common expat tax situations at a significantly lower cost.

VLH’s nationwide network of local offices means that clients can work with an adviser in person — bringing their documents and receiving face-to-face guidance. This is particularly reassuring for expats who prefer to discuss their tax situation directly rather than filing digitally without professional support.

Membership is paid as an annual flat fee, which covers unlimited advice and return preparation for the year. For those who need help year after year with their German tax return, VLH’s membership model is very cost-effective compared to per-return pricing.