Vehicle tax notice from the Hauptzollamt: calculate the objection deadline
The Hauptzollamt sets the vehicle tax for your vehicle.
How to recognise the letter
- The sender is the Hauptzollamt (not the Finanzamt).
- It states the vehicle, period and tax amount.
- At the end, the instructions on legal remedies: objection within one month.
Which deadline applies?
Objection (Einspruch): one month after notification (§ 355 Abs. 1 S. 1 AO). If the end falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline ends on the next working day (§ 108 Abs. 3 AO). The calculator on this page works out the exact day – step by step.
Without or with incorrect instructions on legal remedies: one year (§ 356 Abs. 2 AO).
What happens if you do nothing?
Once the objection period has passed, the notice becomes final; the tax is due by direct debit or on the stated date.
Your options
- Check vehicle, period and keeper
- After deregistration or sale: send proof to the Hauptzollamt
- Object (Einspruch) – possible without reasons at first
Who can help?
Hauptzollamt (ask), tax adviser
Frequently asked questions
I sold the car – why another notice?
The tax runs until the vehicle is deregistered or re-registered. Send the Hauptzollamt proof; if necessary, object as a precaution.
How much time do I have?
One month after notification (§ 355 Abs. 1 S. 1 AO). If the end falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline ends on the next working day (§ 108 Abs. 3 AO). The calculator above shows the exact day with every step.
Who can help me?
Hauptzollamt (ask), tax adviser.
General information, not legal advice. Whether this decision is correct and what is right in your case is for an advice centre or a lawyer to say. Laws link to the official German text at gesetze-im-internet.de.