https://feeds.thelocal.com/ Read the latest news and views from Germany in English en-us news@thelocal.com (TheLocal) webmaster@thelocal.com (TheLocal) TheLocal RSS Feed Many Americans in Germany have received letters from their US banks warning them that they may have to close their accounts due to a new EU banking requirements. We asked specialists in financial planning and tax to explain the implications. https://www.thelocal.de/20260907/your-questions-answered-on-how-new-eu-banking-law-affects-americans-in-germany Mon, 07 Sep 2026 16:13:02 +0200 your-questions-answered-on-how-new-eu-banking-law-affects-americans-in-germany A higher basic allowance and more benefits for parents: Germany is pushing forward with its major income tax reforms, aimed at relieving low and middle income households. So how much can you really expect to save? https://www.thelocal.de/20260902/what-does-germanys-e10-billion-income-tax-reform-mean-for-you Wed, 02 Sep 2026 15:53:15 +0200 what-does-germanys-e10-billion-income-tax-reform-mean-for-you 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. https://www.thelocal.de/20260512/compare-how-does-your-salary-stack-up-against-germanys-top-earners Tue, 12 May 2026 16:11:30 +0200 compare-how-does-your-salary-stack-up-against-germanys-top-earners The deadline for many self-filers passed at the end of July. Here’s what taxpayers can expect now, from automated checks to possible requests for more information. https://www.thelocal.de/20260817/how-closely-will-germanys-finanzamt-look-at-your-tax-return Mon, 17 Aug 2026 15:56:26 +0200 how-closely-will-germanys-finanzamt-look-at-your-tax-return If you're a remote worker or split time between your home country and Germany, you may be wondering which tax office you should be paying. https://www.thelocal.de/20241101/how-does-germany-decide-if-im-a-tax-resident-in-the-country Fri, 01 Nov 2024 10:19:03 +0100 how-does-germany-decide-if-im-a-tax-resident-in-the-country 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. https://www.thelocal.de/20260610/when-should-couples-file-separate-tax-returns-in-germany Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:22:10 +0200 when-should-couples-file-separate-tax-returns-in-germany People in Germany have until July 31st to complete their tax return. We look at the steps you should take if you notice a mistake after you submit. https://www.thelocal.de/20260519/what-happens-if-you-make-a-mistake-on-your-german-tax-return Tue, 19 May 2026 16:09:58 +0200 what-happens-if-you-make-a-mistake-on-your-german-tax-return 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. https://www.thelocal.de/20260310/an-experts-best-advice-on-when-and-why-to-file-a-tax-return-in-germany Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:23:59 +0100 an-experts-best-advice-on-when-and-why-to-file-a-tax-return-in-germany A long-discussed tax reform plan for Germany is finally on the table, with coalition government leaders saying the aim is relief for people with low and middle incomes. https://www.thelocal.de/20260702/how-will-germanys-income-tax-reforms-affect-you Thu, 02 Jul 2026 13:02:36 +0200 how-will-germanys-income-tax-reforms-affect-you Filing taxes in Germany can be intimidating, particularly for foreign residents, and paid tax apps have long been a help. Now tax authorities have launched a new free app-based service, could this finally make tax season easier? https://www.thelocal.de/20260319/should-i-use-germanys-new-one-click-tax-return-service-from-elster Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:02:13 +0100 should-i-use-germanys-new-one-click-tax-return-service-from-elster 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. https://www.thelocal.de/20260611/fbar-what-americans-in-germany-need-to-know-about-declaring-bank-accounts Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:27:07 +0200 fbar-what-americans-in-germany-need-to-know-about-declaring-bank-accounts 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. https://www.thelocal.de/20260604/when-are-german-language-courses-tax-deductible-for-residents Thu, 04 Jun 2026 16:03:32 +0200 when-are-german-language-courses-tax-deductible-for-residents 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. https://www.thelocal.de/20260520/relief-for-low-earners-what-we-know-so-far-about-germanys-tax-shake-up Wed, 20 May 2026 12:08:05 +0200 relief-for-low-earners-what-we-know-so-far-about-germanys-tax-shake-up 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. https://www.thelocal.de/20260507/what-is-germanys-proposed-sugar-tax-and-how-would-it-work Thu, 07 May 2026 10:42:13 +0200 what-is-germanys-proposed-sugar-tax-and-how-would-it-work New figures from a nationwide survey suggest that concerns about wealth inequality are now firmly rooted in mainstream opinion in Germany. https://www.thelocal.de/20260427/four-out-of-five-germans-believe-wealth-is-unfairly-distributed Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:26:42 +0200 four-out-of-five-germans-believe-wealth-is-unfairly-distributed 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. https://www.thelocal.de/20250623/how-long-do-you-need-to-keep-receipts-and-invoices-for-in-germany Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:17:45 +0200 how-long-do-you-need-to-keep-receipts-and-invoices-for-in-germany 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. https://www.thelocal.de/20260416/why-leaving-germany-doesnt-always-mean-youre-done-with-german-taxes Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:53:39 +0200 why-leaving-germany-doesnt-always-mean-youre-done-with-german-taxes 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. https://www.thelocal.de/20260414/qa-who-will-get-germanys-tax-free-bonus Tue, 14 Apr 2026 17:01:50 +0200 qa-who-will-get-germanys-tax-free-bonus 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. https://www.thelocal.de/20260401/the-2026-tax-deadlines-that-americans-in-germany-need-to-know Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:53:04 +0200 the-2026-tax-deadlines-that-americans-in-germany-need-to-know 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. https://www.thelocal.de/20260325/taxes-to-health-insurance-what-reforms-is-germany-eyeing-this-spring Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:43:36 +0100 taxes-to-health-insurance-what-reforms-is-germany-eyeing-this-spring