Servus, several items today need quick attention: July 31 is the deadline to file 2025 income tax returns if you want to claim commuting costs, home office days or moving expenses, and proposed Wohngeld cuts would mostly hit families with children. Expect months of S-Bahn replacement buses after work at Kreuzstrae1e, check supermarket recall lists for frozen berries before eating them, and take heat precautions at night because clinics warn younger people are also at risk.

1. Tax return deadline July 31: many people still eligible for big refunds

Until July 31 taxpayers can still file their 2025 German income tax return. You can file via Elster (the government tax portal), third-party tax apps, or a Steuerberater (tax adviser), and many filers see refunds of more than €1,000. If you have deductible expenses such as commuting costs, work-from-home days, or moving costs, file now to claim them.

Why this matters: If you work and pay taxes in Germany, submitting a Steuererklärung (tax declaration) before the deadline could get you a substantial refund or correct overpaid taxes.

Source: Tagesschau

2. Proposed housing benefit cuts would mostly hit families with children

The government plans major cuts to Wohngeld, the housing allowance for low-income renters and some homeowners, which would affect almost all current recipients. An analysis shows families with children are among the most affected groups, meaning many households would see reduced or lost support. The proposal would change eligibility and payment levels across the board, not just for a few cases.

Why this matters: If you rent in Bavaria and receive or might qualify for Wohngeld, the changes could reduce your housing support or make you ineligible, so check your entitlement and budget accordingly.

Source: Augsburger Allgemeine

3. Long bus replacement incoming as S-Bahn line to be suspended for months

After recent restoration work at Kreuzstraße, a new construction phase will replace the S-Bahn with buses for several months. Commuters and students should expect longer travel times, bus transfers instead of direct trains, and timetables that differ from normal S-Bahn service. Local transport operators will run Ersatzverkehr (replacement services), so check MVV or DB updates before traveling.

Why this matters: If you commute, go to school, or rely on regional trains around Munich, plan extra time and monitor schedules to avoid missed connections and longer journeys.

Source: Abendzeitung München

4. Aldi and Netto join Lidl in recalling frozen berries over illness risk

Following an initial recall by Lidl, Aldi and Netto have now pulled certain frozen berry products after the manufacturer warned of a risk of gastrointestinal illness, including diarrhea. Stores advise customers to check product lists and return affected items for a refund, or throw them away if in doubt. Watch supermarket websites and official recalls for specific product names and batch numbers before consuming frozen fruit.

Why this matters: Many expats use frozen berries in smoothies and baking, so check your freezer and receipts now to avoid foodborne illness and to get a refund if you bought an affected product.

Source: Spiegel

5. Experts warn heatwave threatens younger people too and nights are dangerous

Doctors at the University Clinic Augsburg say hospitals are seeing rising patient numbers and warn that this summer’s heatwave could cause thousands of heat-related deaths, not only among the elderly. They highlight that nighttime temperatures failing to drop increase risk because bodies cannot recover, making the heat a danger for younger, active people as well. Health measures such as hydration, shade, and cooling sleeping spaces are recommended to reduce risk.

Why this matters: As a resident in Bavaria, especially if you live in apartments without air conditioning, take heat precautions for yourself and household members, and be prepared for possible impacts on public services and transport.

Source: Augsburger Allgemeine

Before you go: File your 2025 tax return by July 31 if you have deductible commuting, home office or moving costs.