SteuerGo FAQs

(2023) Do I have to apply for the Riester bonuses - even if I want to receive a special expenses deduction?

Yes. If you want to receive the bonuses for the current year, you must take out a Riester contract by the end of the year and transfer your own contribution in good time. The bonuses are not automatically credited by the state; they must be applied for. You have two years after the contribution year to do this, after which the entitlement expires.

It is clear: the sooner the bonuses are credited to your account, the longer the money can work, thanks to the so-called compound interest effect.

In the past, many savers failed to submit their bonus application. The procedure has therefore been simplified. You can now submit a permanent bonus application - also for the future. You will receive the application from the provider of your pension contract. By doing so, you authorise the Riester provider to submit the application independently. This means the annual application procedure runs automatically. However, if there are any changes to the bonus requirements, such as the birth of a child, you must inform the provider.

The Central Pension Bonus Office (ZfA), based in Brandenburg an der Havel, is responsible for paying out the bonuses. Once the saver has completed their bonus or permanent bonus application, the bonuses can be paid directly to the Riester contract provider, who credits them to the relevant account. The bonuses are paid out quarterly on fixed dates.