| Taxable income bracket (EUR) | Tax Rate % |
| 0 - 8,354 |
0% |
| 8,355 - 52,881 |
14% |
| 52,882 - 250,730 |
42% |
| Over 250,731 |
45% |
| The rates are before solidarity tax, all individuals, and business tax-for business income. Members of the church pay 8%-9% church tax. |
|
Taxation of an individual's income is progressive. In other words, the higher the income, the higher the rate of tax payable.
In 2015 the Germany tax rates for an individual are 14% - 45%.
Singles pay on income above EUR 250,731 (couples, on income
above EUR 501,462) income tax of 45% before 5.5% solidarity
tax and 8%-9% church tax which are imposed on the income
tax.
In addition to regular tax, there is a trade tax that is
imposed on business income.
The standard rate of Germany corporate tax in 2015 is 15%.
There is a reduced rate for part of a corporation's income.
An additional tax has been imposed to help the merger of the two Germanys.
This is "solidarity tax" which is 5.5% of the normal rate payable.
The tax is levied on corporations and individuals, subject to the conditions specified in the law.
There is also a municipal "trade tax" of 14%-17%.
In 2015 the effective corporate tax rate, including trade tax and solidarity tax is about 30%-33%.
An individual is liable for tax on his income as an employee and on income as a self-employed person. An individual who meets the test of a "permanent resident" of Germany will have the tax calculated on his income in Germany and from overseas.
A foreign resident who is employed in Germany pays tax only on income earned in Germany.
To be considered a German citizen, a test must be met of either a life centered in Germany or a continuous stay of 6 months in Germany.
The income from the partnership is divided between the partners who will then each pay their tax as an individual on their share according to their share in the partnership.
An employer is obligated to deduct the tax payable, income tax and social security immediately on a monthly basis from income earned as a wage.
A self-employed person must prepay income tax that will be offset on filing an annual return.
The advance payment is determined on the basis of the return made for the previous year. In the event of a new business, the advance will be calculated on the basis of estimates made by the owner of the business.
The advance payment is made once every three months.
Certain payments, as specified below, are deducted from taxable income.
Lowest Individual Tax Rate is 14% and Highest Rate is 45%
| Taxable income bracket (EUR) |
Tax Rate % |
| 0 - 8,354 |
0% |
| 8,355 - 52,881 |
14% |
| 52,882 - 250,730 |
42% |
| Over 250,731 |
45% |
| The rates are before solidarity tax, all individuals, and business tax-for business income. Members of the church pay 8%-9% church tax. |
|
This tax rate is before solidarity tax. Members of church pay 8% to 9% Church Tax.
The basic 2013 corporate federal rate of tax in Germany is 15%.
A "business tax", 14%-17% in average, payable to the municipality, is added to the tax.
A company that operates in a number of cities pays business tax according to the location of its employees in the various cities.
Taxable income for the purposes of "business tax" may be adjusted for purposes of calculating the basis on which "business tax" is payable.
"Business tax" is an allowable expense for purposes of calculating the income on which corporation tax is payable.
Profits from the sale of private real estate that has been held for more than 10 years, or from the sale of other assets that have been held for more than 12 months is exempt from tax. For shorter holding periods the general tax rates apply.
Sale of a shares when the percentage of the investment is less than 1% is subject to a flat 25% tax. On the other hand, when the percentage of the holding is in excess of 1%, tax is payable on 60% of the profit at normal rates.
The standard rate of tax for a company is 15%.
95% of a capital gain from the sale of shares in a foreign
subsidiary or German company is exempt from tax when
received by a company taxable in Germany.
Tax Deductions at Source in Germany
Taxation of Employees
The employer is obligated to deduct tax at source from an
employee and to make additional contributions to social
security.
Social Security
An employed person - The employer and employee each make an
equal payment.
The social insurance covers pensions, unemployment and
nursing insurance.
There is an upper limit of the salary on which national
insurance is payable.
Income in excess of the limit is exempt from national
insurance.
Other deductions in Germany
Deductions must be made from the following payments to
nonresidents as follows:
Dividend - 26.375% (including solidarity tax).
Royalties - 15.825% (including solidarity tax).
Interest - 0%/25%.
Note - Deduction at source for overseas residents is subject
to the Double Taxation Prevention Treaty.
A foreign resident who is employed in Germany pays tax only
on income earned in Germany.
The tax year in Germany ends on December 31.
Advance payments for income tax are paid according to the
following:
An individual
- An individual whose income is from a salary only does not
have to file an annual return. The employer, who deducts tax
from the employee, transfers the tax immediately to the tax
authorities every month.
- An individual who is self employed is obligated to make 4
quarterly advance payments.
- An individual who is self employed is obligated to file a
return by the end of the month of May.
A limited company
- It is compulsory to submit the financial statements by the
31st May following the tax year.
- During the year, the company must make 4 quarterly advance payments on the 10th of the months of March, June, September and December. The balance of the tax payable must be paid within 30 days of receipt of an income tax assessment.
- A fine of 1% per month is payable on arrears in payment of the tax balance.