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Letter from the Familienkasse (family benefits office): Kindergeld, proof, repayment

The Familienkasse (family benefits office) writes to you when it sets the amount of Kindergeld (child benefit), needs proof or stops a payment. If too much was paid, it demands the money back. Important: against Kindergeld decisions you file an Einspruch (objection) in most cases, not a Widerspruch, because Kindergeld is regulated in the Income Tax Act (Einkommensteuergesetz). Replies to the Familienkasse should be written in German.

Typical letters

Einspruch or Widerspruch: which is right for the Familienkasse?

Kindergeld for most families is regulated in the Income Tax Act (Einkommensteuergesetz, EStG). The procedure therefore follows the Abgabenordnung (Fiscal Code, AO): the legal remedy is called Einspruch (objection, § 347 AO). Only for Kindergeld under the Bundeskindergeldgesetz (Federal Child Benefit Act) and for Kinderzuschlag (child supplement) is it called Widerspruch. Which law applies is stated in the subject line (Betreff) of your decision.

Using the wrong term does no harm. It only needs to be clear that you do not agree with the decision (§ 357 Abs. 1 AO).

What is the deadline for an Einspruch against the Familienkasse?

The Einspruch must reach the Familienkasse within one month after the decision is deemed delivered (§ 355 Abs. 1 AO). A decision sent by post counts as delivered on the fourth day after it was posted (§ 122 Abs. 2 Nr. 1 AO). The deadline calculator works out the end of the deadline.

You can file the Einspruch in writing, electronically or by having it recorded in person (zur Niederschrift, § 357 Abs. 1 AO). The Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) offers an online service called "Einspruch Kindergeld" for this. The Einspruch procedure is free of charge. If the Einspruch is unsuccessful, you can take the case to the Finanzgericht (tax court).

Write your reply in German. German authorities work in German, so a letter in German is the safest way to make sure your reply is understood and processed. The templates (Vorlagen) on this site are in German.

Report changes immediately

If you receive Kindergeld, you must tell the Familienkasse without delay (unverzüglich) about all changes that matter for the entitlement (§ 68 Abs. 1 EStG). These include, for example, the end of training, dropping out of university, or the child moving abroad. If you fail to do this, you must expect a repayment demand.

Common questions

How long do I have for an Einspruch against the Familienkasse?

One month from the date the decision is deemed delivered (§ 355 AO). A decision sent by post counts as delivered on the fourth day after it was posted (§ 122 Abs. 2 AO).

Where do I file the Einspruch?

With the Familienkasse that issued the decision (§ 357 Abs. 2 AO). The address is on the decision. Online, you can use the service "Einspruch Kindergeld" of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit.

How far back can Kindergeld be paid?

After an application, the Familienkasse pays for a maximum of the last six months before the month in which the application was received (§ 70 Abs. 1 EStG).

What can I do if the Einspruch is rejected?

You can take legal action at the Finanzgericht (tax court) against the decision on the Einspruch (Einspruchsentscheidung). The deadline is stated in the Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung (information on legal remedies, usually at the end of the letter).

Sources (German law and official pages)

  1. § 347 AO: Statthaftigkeit des Einspruchs
  2. § 355 AO: Einspruchsfrist
  3. § 357 AO: Einlegung des Einspruchs
  4. § 122 AO: Bekanntgabe des Verwaltungsakts
  5. § 68 EStG: Besondere Mitwirkungspflichten
  6. Familienkasse: Kindergeld, Anspruch, Höhe, Dauer
  7. Familienkasse: Kindergeld oder Kinderzuschlag zurückzahlen
  8. Bundesagentur für Arbeit: eServices (Widerspruch und Einspruch online)

Research as of: 10 November 2026