Peter Scheller
Berater für Wirtschaftsprüfer, Rechtsanwälte, Steuer- und Unternehmensberater

„Wenn es knifflig wird.“

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Germany’s social security system

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

The artists’ social security insurance is a special part of the Germany’s social security system. The system applies for self-employed artists and publicists. Publicists in this sense are for example journalists. The system is financed one half through contributions of artists or publicists and by the other half through subsidies from the Federal Government and by companies, institutions, associations, or public organisations who utilize any artistic or written works created by self-employed persons.

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Germany’s social security system

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Under certain circumstances it is beneficial for foreign people to become voluntary members in one or more of the schemes. This is mainly the case for shareholders of foreign companies or partners of foreign partnerships who are not employed in Germany and therefore not obligatory members of Germany’s social security system.

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Germany’s social security system

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

The German social security system in general covers only employments. This means that it is important to determine when a manager of a corporation or a member of a partnership is deemed to be an employee and becomes liable to German social security contributions if this person continues to work for the company.

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Germany’s social security system

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

The German social security system is incredibly complex and varies fundamentally from systems of other countries. The parts of the system are very fragmented, and the legal structure is complicated. In addition, there are a lot of different players and organizations involved which makes it even harder to keep track with constant changes in legislation and court decisions. Even many Germans find it impossible to understand the system and its details, and for foreigners who relocate to Germany the system can easily become a devious monster. Therefore, we will publish a serious of articles with the aim to bring some light into this darkness.

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Germany’s social security system

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Germany’s social security system is complex and varies from the systems of other countries. This complexity makes it very difficult for affected persons and enterprises to follow their legal obligations and determine beneficial solutions. Therefore, there will be a series of articles published on this website explaining the German social security system and special issues that apply for expatriates relocating to Germany.

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Comparison of the Tax Systems of Brazil and Germany

von Administrator (Kommentare: 0)

The IBDF Instituto Brasileiro de Direito Tributário, the HSB Hochschule Bremen – City University of Applied Sciences - and the International Tax Institute, University of Hamburg, in Cooperation with IFA Section North, Hamburg, are happy to invite you to a Conference with the subject "Comparison of the Tax Systems of Brazil and Germany“.

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Tax benefits for energy-efficient building refurbishment

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

From 2020, owners of residential buildings that are more than 10 years old can apply for a special tax benefit. The application can be made in a special form that is part of the German income tax return. This benefit can only be used if the owner uses the property for their own residential purposes.

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Tax news Germany - October 2021

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

The development of German tax legislation is characterised by constant, and sometimes fast-moving, changes. This is also the case with the taxation rules for trans-border transactions. International taxation is not only of importance for Germans with economic interests abroad. Foreigners with economic interests in Germany, or for those foreigners who live and work in Germany, are also affected by changes in the German tax law. This article is to inform you about recent changes in legislation, rulings of the fiscal courts and decrees of the tax authorities.

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401(k)-Plans and German taxation

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 31)

US pension plans are an important cornerstone of retirement planning both for US citizens and US residents. As long as citizens and residents remain in the USA the tax consequences are straight forward. However, if a US citizen or a citizen of another state relocates to Germany and withdraws money from such a plan, the tax situation changes and becomes more complex. This is particularly so because many questions regarding the German taxation of withdrawals form 401(k)-plans or IRAs are still unresolved. However, a recent ruling of the German Federal Fiscal Court clarified one outstanding point.

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German social security: The need for an Authorized Representative

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 3)

From 1 January 2021 foreign employers are obliged to appoint an Authorised Representative when they employ staff who will be liable to German social security contributions. This obligation is applicable for employers who do not have a registered office in Germany.

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Self-directed Individual Retirement Account

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 3)

There are various situations where an expatriate who relocates to Germany would benefit from a “tax cover” to avoid undesirable tax consequences. One way to avoid unwanted tax implications is the transfer of property which generates respective income to a German or a foreign company. However, this transfer often results in tax consequences at a later stage which may be considered not to be beneficial and so it must only be done after proper research. Another tax planning tool might be the transfer of respective property into a pension plan.

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Expatriates: Reporting Obligations in Germany

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 1)

There are several important reporting obligations in Germany. Most of them have to be observed by both German citizens and expatriates who relocate to Germany. The obligations apply especially to persons who are shareholders of companies, or members of partnerships who have set up a business activity in Germany. Persons in this respect are considered as both individuals as well as corporations.

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VAT-refunds in Germany for non-EU business entities

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 2)

Foreign business entities sometimes have to pay German Value Added Tax (VAT) even though they are not tax resident in Germany. This may be VAT on deliveries and services received in Germany which are shown on invoices of German suppliers or service providers or import-VAT. Because the regular VAT-rate of 19% is quite severe it is of importance to know how a foreign business entity can reclaim German VAT that has been paid.

 

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US-Citizens living and working in Germany (2)

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 5)

Living and working in another country requires careful tax planning as there are always many tax issues to be considered. In addition, social security and other legal issues such as immigration law must be observed. This applies for all US citizens who relocate to Germany and it is important to note that there are special issues to be observed. Different tax and social security systems in Germany and the USA may cause problems in addition to those contained in special provisions in the Double Taxation Convention between Germany and the USA (DTC USA).

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US-Citizens living and working in Germany (1)

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 5)

Living and working in another country requires careful tax planning as there are always many tax issues to be considered. In addition, social security and other legal issues such as immigration law must be observed. This applies for all US citizens who relocate to Germany and it is important to note that there are special issues to be observed. Different tax and social security systems in Germany and the USA may cause problems in addition to those contained in special provisions in the Double Taxation Convention between Germany and the USA (DTC USA).

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The Expat-Team

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Finding the best way to relocate to Germany is important and seeking early advice will save time, cost and avoid difficulties later.

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Germany searches for skilled workers

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

From 1st March 2020 skilled workers and professional specialists are able to move to Germany in order to work in Germany. This is due to the Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz (Specialist Immigration Code), which allows skilled personal from non-EU or non-EEA-countries to live and work in Germany. The previous restrictions in controlling the number of  specialists and skilled workers into Germany have been reduced  significantly.

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Job related expenses

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 1)

German income tax regulations are relatively generous if it comes to deductibility of job related expenses.

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Abgabefrist Einkommensteuererklärung / Deadline for Income Tax Returns

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Die Abgabefrist für jährlich abzugebende Steuererklärungen wurde vom 31. Mai des Folgejahres auf den 31. Juli des Folgejahres verlängert.

The deadline for tax declarations which have to be submitted on a yearly basis has been extended from 31 May to 31 July of the following year.

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Tax deduction of a home office

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 12)

Self-employed people as well as employees may work some of the time or permanently from home. This raises the question of whether and when expenses for a home office are tax deductible in Germany and if so, what kind of expenses are valid.

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Income from capital investment

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 69)

Traditionally Germany has had a so called synthetic tax system. That means that the total income from each and every source is amalgamated and the sum multiplied by the individual tax rate of the taxpayer. This method also means that losses from certain sources (such as trade and business or renting out real estate and property) can be credited against other positive income. Germany abolished this system with regard to income from capital investments and now this kind of income is not part of this amalgamation but is taxed at a special tax rate.

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10 tax issues to be considered if doing business in Germany

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Germany is one of the biggest consumer markets in the world. Therefore it is of interest for foreign companies who want to sell products or services on the German market. Besides this German business entities are often a target of foreign business investors. In any case foreign companies and investors have to observe German tax regulations in order to avoid unnecessary risks.

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Registration of a new business in Germany

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 5)

Starting a business in Germany requires various registration procedures. The same applies for fundamental changes in the entity’s legal structure or the liquidation of the entity or the termination of business activities.

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German legal framework for businesses

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Germany has a few legal specifics which needs be taken into consideration by foreign investors and businesses who want to invest or start business activities in Germany. This article lines out only very basic principles which can be surprising for foreign investors and businesses.

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Why is DDP not suitable for imports to Germany?

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 10)

Germany is one of the biggest importing economies in the world. Producers and sellers from states such China, the USA and others often agree with their German customers the Incoterm DDP. This seems beneficial for German importers because they receive goods “on their doorstep”. All costs of transport, insurance and customs declarations have to be paid by the supplier. However, there are situations where this obvious benefit turns into a sour pill for German importers when they receive an unexpected tax bill from their local German tax office.

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Germany’s tax avoidance regulations

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Germany’s tax avoidance regulations

Germany’s tax avoidance regulations are far reaching and cover a lot of different situations. There are certain measures which are treated as a tax avoidance scheme although involved companies or individuals do not realise that their business activities may be …

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Double household in Germany

von Administrator (Kommentare: 1)

Double household in Germany

Our article Deductible expenses for work-related second household requires a partcial amentment. From 2014 on the 60 square meter criterion is not applicable any more for a work-related double household in Germany. On the other hand deductible expenses are limited …

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The unwanted permanent establishment in Germany

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 7)

The unwanted permanent establishment in Germany

Expatriates living and working in Germany are aware of the fact that relocation to Germany has consequences in regard to their tax situation. Most expatriates who live and work in Germany are employees who work for a German or foreign …

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Freelancer and the „false“ self-employed phenomenon

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Freelancer and the „false“ self-employed phenomenon

Some service industries employ freelancers rather than employees in order to carry out certain jobs. To work as a freelancer can be beneficial both for the freelancer and his/her customer. However, if the freelancer’s position is similar to the one of …

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IAPA meeting 2017 in Warsaw

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

IAPA meeting 2017 in Warsaw

This year’s general meeting of the IAPA International Association of Professional Advisers took place on the 29 and 30 September 2017 in Warsaw. Main topics of this year’s conference were the new EU-regulation on data protection, taxation of expatriates living …

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German tax residence

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 13)

German tax residence

Residence is one of the most common criteria for the taxation on income. Most states tax the worldwide income of a person who is a resident within their territory. Unfortunately every state is free to define the term residence differently. …

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Investment in German real estate

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Investment in German real estate

For foreign investors Germany’s real estate property is still attractive although property prices are still rising. Foreign investors have to consider legal and tax issues in Germany. This article covers 10 main tax issues. (1) German real estate and taxes …

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Taxation of Stock Option Plans in Germany

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Taxation of Stock Option Plans in Germany

As an US expat, it’s important to understand the differences of how stock options are taxed in different countries. Knowing the ins and out will help you properly file your taxes in both the US and your host country – … 

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German Taxation: Tax incentives to build new apartments

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

German Taxation: Tax incentives to build new apartments

On 4 February 2016 Germany’s Federal Cabinet approved a draft bill on tax incentives for new apartments. The apartments must be rented out for residential purposes for at least 10 years. The residential buildings must be constructed between 1 Januar 2016 and 31 December …

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Keeping and storing accounting documents abroad

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Keeping and storing accounting documents abroad
In 2009 Germany introduced the legal framework which allows German business entities to install its electronic bookkeeping abroad. This allows German companies and German subsidiaries of foreign business entities to outsource IT infrastructure, accounting and payroll processes abroad. Foreign service …

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Will overturned by Royal Court of Justice

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Will overturned by Royal Court of Justice

It does not happen very often that a Court decision over inheritance law gets high profile publicity. However, the recent verdict of Her Majesty’s Court of Appeal regarding Heather Ilott’s share of inheritance attracted public attention on a large scale. You may …

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German Trade and Business Tax

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

German Business Tax

Germany imposes certain taxes on profits of domestic and foreign corporations with a tax representation in Germany. There are federal taxes such as corporation income tax (tax rate: 15%) and solidarity surplus charge (tax rate: 5,5% on corporation income tax …

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The Ins and Out of US Taxation for German Citizens

(Kommentare: 2)

The Ins and Out of US Taxation for German Citizens

American tax rules are complex for US taxpayers, but they can also be confusing for others who spend time working in the US or have US investments. Let’s take a closer look at some of the more common tax situations …

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Assignment and social security

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Assignment and social security

Employed individuals who work in Germany are subject to Germany’s social security systems. Self-employed persons are in general not liable to German social security contributions. There are certain exceptions from this general rule. The most important exception is the assignment of an employee. The …

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German social security for expatriates

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

German social security for expatriates

In general expatriates moving to Germany are interested in their tax situation. For people with high income this is understandable. However, foreign employees and their employers should not ignore social security obligations in Germany. There are certain issues to be …

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USA: Interest rates on tax over- or underpayments

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

USA: Interest rates on tax over- or underpayments

In the USA interests will be charged by the tax authorities for underpayments. Underpayments  can be the result of tax assessments or late payments. On the other hand interests will be refunded für overpayments (tax refunds). The Internernal Revenue Service (IRS) …

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Deductible expenses for work-related second household

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Deductible expenses for work-related second household

Expatriates who start working in Germany may keep the main household in their home country. This is especially the case if the family stays back home. This situation results in two households and leads to the question: Are the expenses …

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Child benefits in Germany

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 5)

Child benefits in Germany

In Germany there is a wide range of tax incentives for parents and other persons who provide a home for children. However, the complex network of regulations makes it hard for Germans and especially expatriates to keep a sufficient overview. The following … 

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Taxation of Stock Option Plans in Germany

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 29)

Taxation of Stock Option Plans in Germany

Expatriates especially from the USA and the Anglo-Saxon world who have been sent to Germany by their employers are often beneficiaries of stock option plans. Regularly these employees exercise options while staying in Germany. This raises the question of how benefits will be …

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Income tax assessment in Germany

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Income tax assessment in Germany

A lot of countries such as the USA and the UK adopted a self-assessment regime in order to collect income tax. This means that an individual has to declare tax relevant items such as taxable income and deductible expenses. Every taxpayer has …

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Property Service Fees

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Property Service Fees

Individuals can claim tax deductions for expenses connected to private homes. These rules promote family homes but also secondary residences or holiday homes. In Germany these fees are called Haushaltsnahe Dienstleistungen. Services must be linked to the household. These favourable regulations cover employments …

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Profit distribution and German Church Tax

von Peter Scheller (Kommentare: 0)

Profit distribution and German Church Tax

In Germany religious communities can request the tax authorities to collect a church tax from their members. In the past the Roman-Catholic Church and most of Protestant communities gave the authority of tax collection to the tax authorities. The church tax will …

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