Category: Taxes

  • Tax deduction and Semester fee in Germany

    Tax deduction and semester fee in Germany

    Studying in Germany introduces students to semester fees, covering necessities like administrative costs and student services. Despite contributing to university life, these fees generally aren’t tax-deductible as they aren’t tied to taxable income, albeit with variations based on state regulations. Consulting a tax advisor is suggested due to these variations and resultant complexity. Other education-related…

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  • Books and study Materials

    Books and study materials

    As a student in Germany, it’s crucial to understand tax deductions related to educational expenses to ease the financial burden. Books, study materials, and digital resources, directly related to academic programs, often qualify for these tax deductions. For eligibility, maintain detailed receipts as proof. However, some expenditures may have deductible limits or not be eligible…

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  • Tax decutible study-related costs in Germany

    tax deductibl estudy related costs

    Students in Germany can reduce their education-related expenses during tax season by understanding which costs are tax-deductible. These include tuition fees, especially for private institutions and specialized programs; the purchase of educational materials such as textbooks and software, directly related to the course; transportation costs to and from the institution; computer and software costs, necessary…

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  • Tax deductible tuition-fee

    Tax deductible tuition fee

    Embarking on a master’s degree in Germany offers potential tax benefits. The country’s education system is affordable, with many public universities charging no or low tuition fees. These fees, as well as expenses for books, study materials, and educational travel, can be tax-deductible. Students can leverage these deductions through their annual income tax returns, thus…

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  • Werbekostenpauschale

    Werbekostenpauschale

    In the German tax system, “Werbekosten” represents work-related expenses that employees can deduct from their taxable income. Deductible expenses under Werbekosten include professional development costs, membership fees for professional bodies, work equipment, home office costs, travel expenses, work clothes, job search costs, and job-related literature. Workers can claim deductions through individual verification with receipts or…

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  • Extraordinary burdens – Außergewöhnlische Belastungen

    Extraordinary burdens - Außergewöhnlische Belastungen

    “Außergewöhnliche Belastungen” is a German tax law term, translating to “extraordinary burdens” or “exceptional expenses,” crucial for allowing taxpayers to deduct some costs from their income. Various types of exceptional expenses, such as medical and disability costs, funeral expenses, and damages from natural disasters, can be categorized under this law each with specific qualifying criteria.…

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  • Tax deductible Special expenses in germany – Sonderausgaben

    Tax deductible Special expenses in germany - Sonderausgaben

    In German taxation, special expenses, or “Sonderausgaben,” significantly influence financial outcomes by enabling reductions in taxable income. These expenses cover a myriad of categories, including health insurance premiums, pension contributions, charitable donations, alimony payments, professional union fees, and educational expenses. Each category has specific criteria to qualify as Sonderausgaben and a distinct impact on tax…

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  • Basic tax free allowance in Germany

    Basic tax free allowance in Germany

    Germany’s tax system, specifically the Grundfreibetrag, a tax-free threshold, ensures fairness and lightens the burden for lower-income individuals. The Grundfreibetrag is a dynamic amount, dependent on economic conditions and legislation, subtracted from each taxpayer’s income. It is essential to stay informed, as tax laws are subject to changes. This allowance underscores the equity embedded in…

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  • What is a Tax notice – Steuerbescheid

    What is a Tax notice - Steuerbescheid

    The German tax system, although complex, is integral for residents and taxpayers, with the ‘Steuerbescheid’ tax notice a pivotal document to understand. This notice comprises personal details, taxable income, deductions and allowances, tax rates and calculations, and tax liability or refund. The German tax filing deadline has been adjusted due to Covid, and tax notice…

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  • Backdated (Rückwirkend) Tax Returns in Germany

    Backdated (Rückwirkend) Tax Returns in Germany

    The article discusses the complexities of backdated tax returns in Germany, focusing especially on Master’s students. It explains the obligation and voluntary submission of tax returns and introduces the Loss Carryforward provision – a financial advantage exclusive to students allowing them to submit tax returns for up to seven years, offsetting losses against future income.…

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