The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs in Berlin has urgently called on companies and self-employed individuals to submit their final accounting for state aid payments granted during the coronavirus pandemic in a timely manner. The submission deadline is September 30.

According to the ministry, currently around 300,000 final settlements are still missing, while about 570,000 have already been submitted. Those who do not submit their settlement must repay the received funds along with interest.

Between June 2020 and June 2022, over 63 billion euros were paid out to companies and self-employed individuals as part of the Corona economic aid (bridging aids, November and December aids) who had suffered significant pandemic-related revenue declines. To expedite the disbursement of funds, the applications were initially approved on a provisional basis.

The final accounts are prepared by third-party auditors, such as tax advisors or auditors. They calculate potential refunds or additional payments based on the accounts.

For the approval of coronavirus aid and the final settlement, the federal states are responsible. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, over 197,000 final decisions have been issued so far. In 36 percent of the cases, the aid was confirmed, in 41 percent an additional payment was granted, and in 24 percent a repayment was demanded.

The submission deadline has already been extended twice. Sven Giegold, State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, urged on Friday to use this "last opportunity" and emphasized the importance of the reports: "This is taxpayers' money.