Europe's news in English

COPY LINK

JOBS

Low income earners face high tax, social contribution burden

Not much left of your paycheque at the end of the month? Workers in Germany have the second highest tax and social contribution burden of 30 nations, according to a new study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Published: 12 May 2009 17:17 CEST

Low income earners face high tax, social contribution burden

Photo: DPA

The group said that the tax burden was highest for single households with lower incomes. In 2008, a single person earning two thirds of an average annual German wage of €44,000 ended up losing almost half his or her pay packet – some 47.3 percent – in taxes and social security contributions. The OECD average was only 33.5 percent.

But the organisation said the German tax system also put double income couples at a disadvantage.

“On the other hand, if only one partner holds a job, then the social contributions are relatively moderate in an OECD comparison. And that’s irrespective of whether the couple has to take care of children,” the group said in a statement.

People with high incomes profit the most from the country’s tax and welfare regime, according to the OECD thanks to caps on social security contributions past a certain salary limit.

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.

Become a Member to leave a comment.

EXPLAINED: Do I have to declare income from foreign sources on my German tax return?

If you’re filling in a German tax return, you are generally legally required to declare and pay tax on all income you earn – wherever in the world you earn it. This is true even if you keep the money abroad.

In most cases, your worldwide income is subject to what’s called “unlimited tax liability” – which means that there’s no exemptions or discounts on your taxes for money earned abroad – whether its from work or capital gains like the sale of stocks. This is generally even true if Germany doesn’t have a Double Taxation Agreement (DTA) with the other country in question.

If, however, Germany does have a DTA – some of your tax might end up getting limited in Germany. This is generally providing that you’ve paid it in the other country.

For example, the US may apply a withholding tax to payments made to you for freelance services you provide in the US, for example. In this case, the DTA between Germany and the US would allow you to submit documentation proving that you’ve already paid tax on this payment in the US. That’ll prevent you from having to pay tax again in Germany on the amount that actually gets wired to your account.

READER QUESTION: How can I find a German tax advisor?

Who has a double taxation treaty with Germany?

Germany has concluded double taxation agreements with numerous – but not all – countries and territories. You can check out the German government’s dropdown menu here to see which countries are on the list.

German residents earning money in other EU countries should still check this list, as certain tax provisions may be unique to the two countries in question.

READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about paying taxes in Germany

What about rental income?

As a general rule, rental income is taxed in the country where the property is located, meaning you don’t have to declare or pay it in Germany. There are some notable exceptions – for example if the property is located in Spain. In this case, you would report this income in Germany.

What about inheritance?

Some double taxation agreements have clauses that specifically govern what tax rules there are around inheritance that a German resident might get from abroad.

In general, the inheritor will still have to pay inheritance tax in Germany, but could see their tax liability reduced if tax already has to be paid abroad.

There are also other exceptions possible, such as if a child receives a property in their parent’s will and then proceeds to live in it for at least 10 years after they acquire it. In this case, they may not need to pay any tax on it.

In certain complicated cases – or if you have any doubt – it may be a good idea to seek out the services of a professional tax advisor who can make sure you don’t get in trouble with the Finanzamt (tax office).

READ ALSO: Do foreigners owe tax in Germany on money that is inherited from overseas?

Url copied to clipboard!