As a sweetener to the ever-increasing levies, we have some novelties designed to simplify and improve our lives.
But let’s start with the bad this time.
Finance and bureaucracy
What’s new in Germany 2025. Finance
The traditional column: how much more we will pay in the coming year. The main changes occurred in the previous reporting period, so in 2025, we will primarily be dealing with letting the dust settle.
Let’s start with the good news. We will still get something, but the amounts are small and completely eaten up by the price increase.
Is interest income taxable in Germany? Bank bonuses and interest income in declaration
After a fairly long period of interest rate drought, the banking situation has returned to more normal. Interest income began to flow into savings accounts again, and banks began to lure clients with bonuses. What does Finanzamt think about this? In this topic, we will consider when and how to document interest income and bonuses in the German tax declaration.
Vocational training in Germany – looking for Ausbildung
Have you considered pursuing vocational training in Germany because you can’t find a job in your field and don’t know where to start?
This information will also be useful if your child is approaching 10th grade, and it’s time to decide what path to take. Remember, Abitur, the university admission qualification, can be obtained not only at the gymnasium. Let’s explore what official sources offer us. By the way, a lot.
What is Aufhebungsvertrag
In this topic, we will find out what is Aufhebungsvertrag (termination of an employment contract by agreement of the parties), what pros and cons it has. In addition, we will explore what is Abfindung and Sperrzeit.
Deductible expenses for second home for work in German tax return
Are you renting (buying) a second home to spend the night closer to work? This will be called Doppelte Haushaltsführung. There are a number of deductible expenses for second home in Gerrman tax return. Let’s take a closer look at how this is done using the example of an employee. An individual Self-employed can also rent a second home (and write them off as Betriebsausgaben). The principles of deduction will be the same.
It also makes sense to review the rules and restrictions for those who are just thinking about whether or not to take such a job that you will have to rent a second home.
Changes in Germany 2024. Finance, tax, insurance
We continue to study the changes in Germany 2024. The previous post was rather sad – there they take our money and demand new demands. Let’s see if there will be any compensation in the financial, insurance, taxes and benefits.
What’s new in Germany in 2024. Mobility, energy, ecology, consumption
Traditional review “What the coming year has in store for us.” Obviously, nothing good, but maybe a couple of positive moments will sweeten the pill. This part is mainly about energy, ecology and consumer news: railways, cars, shopping.
What is Riester pension
Riester pension (Riester-Rente) exists since 2002 and is named after the Minister of Labor Walter Riester. This is a voluntary additional pension insurance, which is supported by the state with bonuses. It is believed that Riester pension is beneficial for families with children, low-income earners and high-earning singles. However, due to the high cost of maintenance and low interest rates, this type of savings is not so popular, as the government would like.
Used items in Germany: where to sell or buy, how they cheat
It’s a pity to throw away good used things, slightly scratched toys, once played puzzles, etc. At the same time, there are people who would like to save money. At least in theory they exist. Lately, I have begun to strongly doubt this, because even giving something away for free is extremely difficult. But this topic is not about the strange behavior of buyers who are so tired of inflation that they don’t take things for free, but about where you can sell/buy, how to find markets and how to avoid cheating schemes.