You got a letter from the Finanzamt. Now what?

Start at the top right of the letter. You will find your Steuernummer, the tax year in question, and the date. The type of letter is usually printed in bold above the first paragraph: Bescheid (a decision), Erinnerung (a reminder), or Aufforderung (a request for something).

Look for the word Frist. Every actionable letter contains a deadline, usually one month from the date on the letter. That is the only number you must not ignore.

If the letter is a Steuerbescheid you disagree with, you can file an Einspruch (objection) within one month. It can be a short written statement; it does not need to be a legal brief.

If you simply need more time, a one-line request for a Fristverlängerung is normal and usually granted once.

If you are unsure what the letter is, photograph it and get it read by someone who handles them daily. Most Finanzamt problems get expensive only when the deadline passes.