Have you been using the Elster online tax office for a long time using a certificate file? Then you should check when the file expires and renew it in time.
Elster is one of the best-known tax programs in Germany. But if you want to use the software to settle your finances, you need access. Activation takes place at Elster with the activation ID sent by e-mail and the activation code that users receive by letter. After entering the activation data, you will receive a certificate file (file extension .pfx) protected by a personal password, with which all subsequent logins can be carried out. But the certificate file for Elster expires after a certain period of time. TECHBOOK reveals what to do next.
Extend Elster certificate file
Users can request the said activation data for downloading the certificate file via the online mask. Due to the two-part and therefore secure transmission of the data by e-mail and post, obtaining the file is a bit tedious. In addition, it loses its validity after three years. If you don’t want to go through the activation process for the certificate file again and wait for e-mails and letters before you can use Elster, you have to take action beforehand. Because the certificate can be extended in just a few steps.
- Step 1: 90, 40 and 2 days before the expiry of the period, e-mails remind you that the certificate file is about to expire. After the third reminder at the latest, those affected should become active and dial in to Elster with their previous access data and current certificate.
- Step 2: After logging in, the new certificate file is automatically offered for download. Save this file and make an additional copy to be on the safe side. With the renewal of the certificate, the old file is locked, logging in is only possible with the new certificate.
Also read: 4 apps that make tax returns quick
When the certificate has expired
If the deadline for the extension has already expired, those affected click under the Elster login mask on the field “Certificate file lost or certificate expired?”.
The “Enable log-in again” page opens. Enter your email and username there. You will then be sent an activation code by post and an activation ID by email. With these two pieces of information, you can download a new certificate file that will give you access to your existing Elster account.