LOTHAR SEEL
INTAX-ALLTAX
Germany
Last Updated 11/11/2024
AT A GLANCE
Looking to avoid unexpected tax obligations in Germany? Want to stay fully compliant with local tax laws but are confused about your residency status?
Connect with an expert from the Tax Natives network for all the answers on Germany’s tax system. Whether you need personal or business tax advice, you’re in the right place.
A SUMMARY OF KEY GERMAN TAXES
Germany is an especially business-friendly environment thanks to its low corporate tax rates, progressive income structure, and social contributions system.
Here are some key taxes to consider in Germany:
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Income Tax – 0% – 45% (+5.5% solidarity surcharge for higher earners)
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Corporation Tax – 15% standard rate
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Value-Added Tax – 19% standard rate, 7% reduced rate for essential goods and services.
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Capital Gains Tax – 25% on gains from investments
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Local Property Tax – Ranges from 0.26% to 1% annually, based on property value.
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Stamp Duty – 3.5% to 6.5% on property transactions
GERMAN TAX RATES AT A GLANCE
Stay informed about the essential tax rates in Germany with our up-to-date summary.
| Tax Type | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 0% – 45% | Standard rate for active trading income |
| Personal Income Tax | 0% – 45% | Rates vary based on income level |
| Value-Added Tax (VAT) | 19% / 7% | Standard rate / reduced rate for essential goods and services. |
| Capital Gains Tax (CGT) | 25% | On gains from property and asset sales |
| Local Property Tax | 0.26% – 1% | Based on property value |
| Stamp Duty | 3.5% – 6.5% | Rates depend on property type and value |
CONNECT WITH GERMANY’S LEADING TAX ADVISORS
Germany offers excellent opportunities for UK expats and businesses thanks to its tax incentives and strong economy.
But the complex tax system can put you at risk of double taxation or violating VAT and payroll tax laws.
That’s where the experts at Tax Natives can help. Get in touch now, and we’ll connect you with an English-speaking tax advisor who can help you get to grips with it all.
From cross-border tax challenges to optimising your tax strategy, our experts will help reduce liabilities and keep you fully in line with German tax regulations.
Ready to save on your tax?
FIND YOUR GERMANY TAX LAW ADVISOR
Connect with trusted German tax experts now to invest and save with confidence. Getting started is quick and simple.
1. GET IN TOUCH
What tax challenges are you or your business facing? Fill out our quick contact form.
2. GET MATCHED
We’ll match you with the perfect tax advisor specialising in German tax law.
3. GET GUIDANCE
Receive a customised tax strategy designed to reduce your liabilities and keep you compliant.
INDIVIDUAL / BUSINESS TAX SOLUTIONS IN GERMANY
Whether you’re an expat or a business owner, our expert tax advisors will help you lower your tax burden and stay compliant. Contact us now and secure your personalised tax advice!
PERSONAL TAX SERVICES
Paying too much tax due to double taxation? Confused by German inheritance tax? Let’s see how our tax experts can help with your personal tax problems.
GERMAN RESIDENTS
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Income tax (Einkommensteuer) – We’ll help you claim every possible deduction to reduce your tax burden, keeping your filing accurate, compliant, and optimised for savings.
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Capital gains tax (Kapitalertragsteuer) – Maximise all available deductions and exemptions on your stocks, real estate, and bonds, so you can keep more of the profits.
EXPATS LIVING IN GERMANY
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Income tax (Einkommensteuer) – Manage your foreign income and dual-taxation agreements to stay fully compliant with German tax laws.
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Tax residency (Steurliche Ansässigkeit) – Confused about your tax residency status? Avoid expensive mistakes and fines with personalised advice that keeps you optimised and compliant.
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Non-resident taxation (Besteuerung von Nicht-Residenten) – If you’re earning income from German sources, you may be subject to non-resident taxation. Reach out for advice on available reliefs.
INVESTORS FOR GERMANY
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Capital gains tax (Kapitalertragsteuer) – Minimise your liabilities to reduce your taxable income and protect your profits, no matter if you’re investing in stocks, bonds, or property.
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Income tax (Einkommensteur) – If you’re generating income from dividends, interest, or other investments, we’ll make sure it’s all reported correctly so you don’t risk non-compliance.
PROPERTY OWNERS IN GERMANY
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Capital gains tax (Kapitalertragsteuer) – Selling property? Make sure you don’t lose out on profits by paying too much in capital gains tax. Reduce your tax bill and increase your net gains.
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Non-resident taxation (Besteuerung von Nicht-Residenten) – If you own property in Germany but live abroad, our advisors will guide you through your obligations to stay tax-efficient.
HIGH-NET-WORTH INDIVIDUALS
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Inheritance and gift tax (Erbschaftsteuer und Schenkungsteuer) – Protect your wealth, minimise your tax burden, and ensure a smooth transfer of assets.
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Income tax (Einkommensteur) – Make sure you can leverage every available deduction and credit to reduce your liabilities and maximise your wealth.
CORPRORATE TAX SERVICES
Keep your investors happy and your bottom line healthy by managing your corporate tax burden effectively.
SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES
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Corporate income tax (Körperschaftsteuer) – Don’t let corporate taxes get in the way of business. Optimise your income tax fillings and take advantage of all deductions and credits.
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Payroll taxes and social security – Manage your payroll taxes and social security contributions to avoid penalties and improve efficiency.
STARTUPS AND SCALE-UPS
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Corporate income tax (Körperschaftsteuer) – Every euro counts for startups – let us help you optimise your corporate tax filings so you can reinvest more into your business.
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VAT (Umsatzsteuer) – VAT can get tricky for startups. Let us help you identify opportunities to reclaim input VAT, so you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.
LARGE CORPORATIONS / MULTINATIONALS
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Corporate income tax (Körperschaftsteuer) – Optimise your global income tax position across borders, minimise your liabilities and stay compliant with our specialised multinational tax services.
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Withholding tax (Quellensteuer) – Whether you’re paying dividends, interest, or royalties to non-residents, we can make sure your payments are taxed correctly and you benefit from applicable tax treaties.
GERMAN PROPERTY DEVELOPERS/CONSTRUCTION FIRMS
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VAT (Umsatzsteuer) – VAT is critical in construction, but it shouldn’t be a burden. With our expert help, you can reduce your overall costs and stay compliant with VAT regulations.
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Corporate income tax (Körperschaftsteuer) – Property development has major tax implications. By structuring your projects efficiently, you can maximise profitability and minimise corporate income tax.
BUSINESSES FACING GERMAN TAX INQUIRIES
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Corporate income tax (Körperschaftsteuer) – Facing a tax audit or investigation? Get expert representation to resolve disputes, stay fully compliant, and protect your business.
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Withholding tax (Quellensteuer) – If your business has been flagged for withholding tax issues, we’ll help you correct and optimise your payments and find opportunities for reduction.
YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER FOR GERMAND AND INTERNATIONAL TAX
Don’t let your tax issues in Germany cause unneeded issues – take action now. From personal taxes to global business transactions, our expert advisors can help you sidestep expensive mistakes and confusion in your German tax strategy.
WHY CHOOSE TAX NATIVES?
Do you want to ease your tax burdens or simply avoid legal bother from German tax authorities? The Tax Natives network has got you covered.
1. EXPERT NETWORK
Enjoy unmatched access to a network of chartered tax advisors with proven expertise in German tax law.
2. PERSONALISED MATCHING
Finding the right advisor involves zero guesswork thanks to our intelligent system that matches you with the best expert for the job.
3. DEDICATED SUPPORT
Get ongoing support from day one. Our advisors are here to help you manage your tax matters easily and within the boundaries of German law.
READY TO SIMPLIFY YOUR GERMAN TAXES
Stress-free tax is just a few clicks away with Tax Natives. Connect with a dedicated expert now to save money and stay on the right side of the law.
Whether you need help with personal taxes or cross-border business matters, we’ll help you take control today.
Stop pouring money down the drain – get in touch to optimise your tax strategy now.
EXPAND YOUR REACH AND TAX EXPERTISE
Looking to connect with more clients in Germany who need your tax expertise? Join the Tax Natives network for exclusive access to a steady stream of clients actively looking for tax advisors in Germany.
If any of the following sound like you, you’re a perfect fit for the network:
- Tax advisors and accountants in Germany
- Lawyers and solicitors in Germany
- Financial advisors and wealth managers
- International tax professionals with German clients
- Tax consultants and specialists
- Accounting firms and tax practices
- Boutique tax advisory firms
- Professionals seeking expertise in German tax
- Those looking to expand their network in Germany
- Individuals interested in cross-border tax collaboration
Grow your practice, connect with businesses and people seeking expert guidance, and expand your international reach to a targeted audience.
FIND TAX ADVISORS NEAR YOU IN GERMANY
Need a tax advisor in a specific region of Germany? Quickly find yours with our location-based matching service.
Tax experts in the region
How Tax Natives works.
Tax Natives is an international tax network that connects Explorers (taxpayer clients) with Natives (qualified and regulated tax advisers) from one jurisdiction to another.
Ask a question to get startedSTEP ONE
Select the 'Ask a question button located on the top of each page and follow through the process to compose your question
STEP TWO
Once your question is confirmed and your account is set up, navigate to your user dashboard to view the message exchange between you and your Tax Native.
STEP THREE
Each Tax Native has to accept a question from an Explorer before a conversation can begin. Once the Tax Native has accepted your question, a quote will be submitted for approval through the messaging portal.
Your German tax questions answered
Got questions about your German taxes? We’ve got you covered. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about finding and working with a tax advisor in Germany.
How much does tax advice cost in Germany?
Costs for tax advice depend on the scope of your current situation and your advisor’s expertise. Get in touch today for clear, transparent pricing.
How do I find a tax advisor specialising in my specific needs (e.g., property tax, inheritance tax)?
Just tell us about your specific tax concerns when you get in touch, and we’ll match you with the best advisor for your situation.
What qualifications should I look for in a German tax advisor?
Look for advisors certified in Germany, such as Steuerberater or members of professional bodies like Chartered Accountants Germany (CAI) or the German Tax Institute (ITI).
Can a tax advisor help me with German tax authorities' inquiries or investigations?
Absolutely! A qualified German tax advisor can represent you before tax authorities, help with audits and investigations, and manage inquiries on your behalf.
How can I get the most out of my tax advisor?
For the best value, be clear about your financial goals and keep open communication. Ask specific questions so you understand how the advice impacts your situation.
Ready to get started? Let’s discuss your needs today!
PERSONALISED TAX ADVICE IN GERMANY TODAY
Don’t let Germany’s tax system waste your time and energy. Whether you’ve got a personal tax issue or a complicated business matter, our expert advisors make the process simple and stress-free.
If you need to know how to reduce your tax liabilities and stay compliant in Germany, connect with our German tax specialists today and keep your finances on track.
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