Year 2006, I worked in Munich for 7 months and then in köln for 3 months, in total 10 months. I was in class I (not married) throughout the year. For initial 2 months i was working as student(not paying any tax).
I have contacted a steuerberater to file my tax return for last year. After working for 2 weeks , he told me that I will not get anything back from the finanzamt. He told me that I lived very near to work place and do not have expenses last year.
Though I bought a laptop, which he says will be considered for 36 months. I am not sure if he is calculating it correctly.
Can you guys tell me , if it can be true, that i dont get any thing back.
or should i change the steuerberater(pay fees agian)
I will be thankful if someone can share his experience or expertise.
regards
vivek

My tax consultant from a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein talked to me for about an hour, told me what to expect and asked me whether I want to file the returns through him. I said yes, paid him his fees and sent him the required papers!

How come your guy asked you to pay before his service???

-Fred

Someone out there has taken you for a ride.

You should surely get some money back:
1. Since you didn't work for a complete year.
2. You bought the laptop, the cost could be split into 2 or 3 and claimed in 2-3 years.
3. travel expense to office
4. Pauschbetrag fuer Arbeitsmittel, you could claim up to 110 EUR, even without any bills

there are few more, you could check here:
http://trust7faq.wik.is/Tax

Its better to file your tax returns on your own, with the help of your colleagues or so. In that case you save fees for a steuerberater.

Or you could consult a good tax consultant. Try one of the Lohnsteuerhilfefereins.

The fees you pay for the Steuerberater could be claimed next year.

Edit: ok, #3 that I mentioned above might not apply to you, if you stay close to your office.
when did you buy the laptop ? If its too old, you might not get anything on it too.