Americans in Germany often need to file two sets of tax declarations - one in the US and one in Germany. They may also have to declare their foreign bank accounts.
If you’re part of a couple in Germany, one of the first tax questions you’ll face is whether to file jointly or separately. In most cases, joint filing is the better option – but there are important exceptions worth knowing about.
For many foreign residents, learning German is essential for work – but the tax office doesn’t always see it that way. As a result, language lessons often fall into a confusing grey area when it comes to claiming deductions.
The coalition is planning a major tax overhaul next year, with the aim of providing relief to those with low and middle incomes. What does this look like and how will it be paid for? Here's what we know so far.
What do you need to earn to be considered a top earner in Germany? New government data shows where your salary stands compared to the rest of the population.
Germany is preparing a levy on sugary drinks that could change what ends up in your glass. If all goes according to plan, the move could reduce sugar consumption and support the country’s public health system.
The length of time taxpayers are obliged to keep hold of financial documents in Germany can seem extreme. We look at who needs to keep what – and when you're finally safe to have a good clear out.
Leaving Germany doesn’t always mean leaving the country's tax system. Here's what you should know before moving abroad if you have property, business interests or ongoing income here.
The German government wants to allow firms to give their employees a tax-free bonus as part of measures to relieve residents amid rising fuel and living costs. We look at who could be in line to get it.
Tax day is just around the corner for US citizens - and those living in Germany will want to file here first. Here are the most important dates and extensions to keep in mind during American tax season.
State elections have sent shockwaves through the German coalition government. Now parties are scrambling to put through a series of major reforms, with the spotlight on taxes, pensions and health insurance, alongside efforts to expand the workforce.
Filing taxes in Germany can be intimidating, particularly for foreign residents, and paid tax apps have long been a help. With the tax authorities about to launch a new free version, could this finally make tax season easier?
When do you actually need to file a tax return in Germany, and when can you safely skip it? The Local spoke to a tax lawyer to unpack exactly when filing pays off for foreign residents.
Often assumed to be one of the world’s highest‑tax countries for top earners, new figures for 2026 suggest the reality in Germany is more nuanced. We look at how much high earners have to pay – and who really falls into the top bracket.
Germany’s marriage rate has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 1950. Some commentators argue that one cause could be the country’s tax system – which can leave women facing a 20 percent drop in income when they tie the knot.
The tax submission deadlines in Germany vary from year to year and depending on how you file. Here are the file-by dates to mark in your calendar this year.
The Social Democrat Party has a plan to reform inheritance tax law that they say will relieve most residents of tax burden while also increasing state revenue. Here's a look at what the centre-left party hopes to achieve, and whether they’re likely to succeed.
A major property tax reform brought at the beginning of this year raised the amount owed by many landlords in Germany. Now the Federal Fiscal Court has rejected challenges against the rule change, meaning that property owners are still on the hook.
The Bundestag has just approved a sweeping package of tax cuts for commuters, restauranteurs and volunteers. But while these measures promise relief for many, questions remain about German states' ability and willingness to implement them.
In most German states visitors can expect to pay a local tax for overnight stays at hotels. But a recent court ruling in Bavaria confirmed that hotel taxes may not be collected in the southern 'Free State'.
What started as a simple misunderstanding turned into sixteen years of paying a Church tax he barely understood – and then a surprisingly emotional goodbye. The Local's Tom Pugh explains what happened when he left the Catholic Church in Germany.
