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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.

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.

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.

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 …

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 …

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. …

Germany’s economy needs well educated specialist in all economic areas. Since there is a substantial shortage of German specialist more and more Germany companies are employing foreign staff. Expatriates who want to work in Germany have good chance to find 

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …