Hesse’s Tax Offices Declare a Two-Week Christmas Truce for 2025

Forget IRS deadlines—Hesse’s tax offices are gifting a rare holiday pause. No fines, no audits, just peace of mind until the new year.

, 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 Two-Week Christmas Truce for 2025

Hesse’s tax offices will pause most enforcement activities for nearly two weeks this Christmas. The annual Weihnachtsruhe—or Christmas truce—runs from December 19 to 31, 2025. Finance Minister Alexander Lorz has stressed its role in ensuring a peaceful holiday period for residents and businesses alike.

The tradition, maintained by all 28 of Hesse’s tax offices, suspends a wide range of administrative actions. From December 19, authorities will halt tax payment reminders, coercive fines, and enforcement proceedings. They will also stop summoning taxpayers for hearings, conducting on-site audits, or issuing fines.

The Christmas truce offers a brief respite from bureaucratic demands for thousands in Hesse. Taxpayers facing ongoing disputes or overdue payments will not receive new demands or face enforcement until January. The policy reflects the state’s commitment to easing administrative burdens during the holiday period.