Thousands of Danes still need to check their preliminary tax assessment before the deadline on January 20. New 2026 tax rules could significantly affect final payments if information is outdated.
Danes urged to update their preliminary tax assessment
Every January many Danes are surprised when their first paycheck does not match what they expected. According to the Danish Tax Agency, most of those surprises could be avoided simply by reviewing and updating the preliminary tax assessment, known as the *forskudsopgørelse*, before the deadline on January 20.
Currently, more than one million people have already updated their forms, but many still have not. Each year thousands face unexpected *restskat*, or back taxes, because the information they submitted earlier no longer reflects their current financial situation. Last year about 800,000 people had to repay an average of 10,000 kroner.
Common reasons for incorrect estimates include salary changes, new loans, or adjustments to interest rates. Anyone who has changed jobs, moved, or had another shift in income should log in to correct their data right away. Denmark’s complex income tax system makes small errors potentially expensive.
Key updates in the 2026 tax year
Several new rules make this year’s preliminary report especially important. Denmark’s 2026 plan introduces new tax brackets, senior benefits, and deductions that could change how much individuals owe.
New employment deduction for seniors
Workers with two years or fewer until the state pension age now qualify for an additional employment deduction equal to 1.4 percent of their income, capped at 6,100 kroner. Lawmakers expect to expand this option to those within five years of retirement and raise the limit later in 2026.
No labor contribution for teens under 18
Young people who have not turned 18 will no longer pay the AM-bidrag, Denmark’s labor market contribution. The exemption lasts through December 31 of the year they turn 17, which slightly boosts earnings for many students with part‑time jobs.
Three new income tax tiers
The long‑standing *topskat* will disappear, replaced by three new levels: a middle tax at 7.5 percent, a new high tax, and a top‑top tax on the highest incomes. This change means some taxpayers who previously paid the top rate will now pay less, although those earning over 235,000 kroner per month will pay more under the new top‑top bracket.
Expanded travel deduction
The travel deduction now includes students who live in remote municipalities or on small islands and travel more than 12 kilometers to their place of study. They can claim the deduction regardless of transportation method, whether by bus, bicycle, or on foot.
Young Danes often overpay tax
One group stands out for not keeping their information current. A recent review found that only one in three Danes aged 15 to 25 updated their preliminary tax data last year. That oversight caused about 560,000 young people to overpay a total of 2.7 billion kroner. On average, each received nearly 4,900 kroner back as a refund.
The Tax Agency has launched a new campaign aimed at helping young earners understand how to manage their tax information confidently. Many are uncertain about how to make changes and fear doing something wrong. Because of that hesitation, they end up lending money to the state interest‑free until the annual adjustment arrives.
For comparison, keeping accurate estimates could give them roughly 400 kroner more per month — money they could save, spend, or invest during the year instead of waiting for reimbursement. For foreigners and newcomers, consulting a local expert such as those found through tax advisors in Denmark can help navigate these updates safely.
Adjustments easy to make before deadline
It takes only minutes to update most details through the online Skat portal, but once the January 20 deadline passes, changes can no longer affect the 2026 withholding rates. For anyone uncertain, taking a few moments to check salary, loan interest, and deductions now could prevent unwanted surprises later in the year.
Accurate input ensures the correct amount of tax is withheld each month, so Danes can keep their personal finances balanced and avoid either unexpected bills or unnecessary refunds. With new rules arriving soon, the Danish Tax Agency stresses one point clearly: fix it now, before it is too late.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Income Tax in Denmark vs USA – What’s Left in Your Pocket
The Danish Dream: Tax & Financial Advisors in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Det skal du huske på din forskudsopgørelse – om lidt er det for sent
