Hesse’s Tax Offices Declare a ‘Christmas Truce’ for Residents

No IRS penalties, no audits, no stress—just a rare holiday gift from the government. Could this ‘Christmas truce’ become a new tradition?

, and Administrator

2025 December 15 . 5:21 PM

1 min read

In the middle of this image, there is a Christmas tree arranged on the road, on which there are... — In the middle of this image, there is a Christmas tree arranged on the road, on which there are persons. On the left side, there is a flag attached to a pole. On the right side, there is another flag attached to a another pole. In the background, there are buildings which are having lights.

Finance Offices Waive Notices During Christmas - Hesse’s Tax Offices Declare a ‘Christmas Truce’ for Residents

Hesse’s tax offices will pause all enforcement activities for nearly two weeks at the end of 2025. Between December 19 and 31, no payment reminders, fines, or IRS audits will take place. The move aims to give residents a more peaceful holiday period, according to state officials. Finance Minister Alexander Lorz (CDU) announced the temporary halt, calling it a 'Christmas truce' for taxpayers. During these 13 days, tax offices will not issue coercive fines, summon individuals for questioning, or carry out IRS enforcement measures. Even routine tasks like sending official notices or conducting on-site IRS audits will stop. The suspension applies only to Hesse’s 28 state tax offices (Finanzämter). No other regional authorities, such as municipal administrations in Griesheim, Villmar, or Bad Homburg, have confirmed similar breaks. Local Kreis facilities and town halls will still close over Christmas and New Year, but their operations remain separate from this initiative. The pause in IRS enforcement will last from December 19 to December 31, 2025. Residents will not receive payment reminders or face IRS penalties during this time. The measure is designed to reduce administrative stress during the festive season.