Daňové Přiznáni in the Czech Republic: How to Make It Work for You (if you already must)
Whether you're an employee or a business owner, whether you work full-time, part-time, seasonally, or freelance—this time of year means one thing: it's time to submit your tax report.
There are different deadlines depending on your tax situation. You can always find the current timelines and relevant details (like where to file in person) on the official site: financnisprava.gov.cz. Keep in mind that some details change from year to year. For instance, I just found out that as of this year, all foreigners in Brno can submit their taxes at the Cejl facility, where English-speaking clerks are available. Previously, the place of submission was based solely on your registered address.
The key takeaway? You should be familiar with the system—and any updates—before the tax year begins. That way, you can make informed decisions and maximize your returns.
Here's one example: as of 2024, the spousal tax benefit is only available if your spouse (husband, wife, or registered partner) lives in the same household with you and either requires care themselves or is actively caring for a child under the age of three. Previously, you could claim this benefit simply if your spouse wasn't working, regardless of the reason. Now, it's specifically tied to caregiving responsibilities—so if your spouse is staying home but not in one of those roles, you are no longer eligible.
To stay with the same thematic, let's say your spouse is home with your one-year-old and thinking of taking on part-time work or a brigada. If they earn more than 68,000 CZK during the year, you lose eligibility for the 24,000 CZK tax reduction. So, unless they plan to earn significantly more, it might make more financial sense to stay under the threshold. Knowing this in advance allows you to plan smarter.
There are many such examples—and just as many opportunities to boost your returns. Last year, I helped a person with their taxes and they got 70,000 CZK back. They took the whole family on vacation with that! It's not small change.
One thing many people don't realize is how easy it can be to overlook benefits if your employer handles your tax filing ("daňové přiznání") for you—as is usually the case when you're a regular employee without any special circumstances. You might be, for example, paying 1,500 CZK/month into a "third pillar" pension insurance (penzijko), which nearly qualifies for the maximum state contribution—but doesn't earn you a tax deduction. As of July 1st, 2024, you need to contribute at least 1,700 CZK/month to be eligible (up from 1,000 CZK previously). If you'd known, wouldn't you have added that extra 200 CZK?
Again, there are lots of little things like this. The more you know, the more you save. And when you do know, chances are you'll want to handle your taxes yourself—because you won't trust anyone else to do it as carefully 😄
Which brings me to my last point:
I've never seen a more intuitive and user-friendly tax submission tool than mojedane.cz! It's completely free, and there are two ways to use it:
If you have a datová schránka, you can use the online interface—no need to even look at a paper document. Just answer the questions, upload the documents they request, and enjoy an extra month to file compared to the paper deadline!
If you don't have a datová schránka, you can still use the online interface to answer questions, then switch to "pink slip mode," copy the info line-by-line onto the official paper form, and submit it in person with your confirmations from your employer or elsewhere.
I submitted my own taxes digitally and helped a friend file theirs in person—both were as easy and painless as it gets!
