The new authentication is user-friendly, simple and does not cause any costs for the user - the ElsterOnline-Portal.

Therefore ELSTER implemented a new function for online-registration and -authentication to identify the transmitter without using expensive and complicated digital signatures. Nevertheless the safety of eGovernment in taxation must be performed at the highest level of savety for the citizen and the state administration. Description of the way to implement the initiativeĭue to the success story and the wide spread of ELSTER in Germany, the tax administration followed the wish of the citizens to abstain from the personal signature. The popularity within the group of private individuals is rising steadily (doubles every year), reaching 20% in 2005.

Nearly 90% of all German companies use ELSTER, while around 20% of the private individuals use it for their income tax returns. Since 1999 the method ELSTER (ELektronische STeuerERklaerung = electronic tax return) offers to all taxpayers, companies and tax advisors in Germany the electronic transmission of various tax returns and declarations via internet.

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