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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Filing taxes in Germany can be intimidating, particularly for foreign residents, and paid tax apps have long been a help. With the tax authorities about to launch a new free version, 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 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 Often assumed to be one of the world’s highest‑tax countries for top earners, new figures for 2026 suggest the reality in Germany is more nuanced. We look at how much high earners have to pay – and who really falls into the top bracket. https://www.thelocal.de/20260216/how-does-germanys-highest-income-tax-rate-compare-to-other-countries Mon, 16 Feb 2026 14:35:59 +0100 how-does-germanys-highest-income-tax-rate-compare-to-other-countries Germany’s marriage rate has fallen to its lowest level since records began in 1950. Some commentators argue that one cause could be the country’s tax system – which can leave women facing a 20 percent drop in income when they tie the knot. https://www.thelocal.de/20260209/why-germanys-tax-system-could-be-putting-women-off-getting-married Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:24:51 +0100 why-germanys-tax-system-could-be-putting-women-off-getting-married The tax submission deadlines in Germany vary from year to year and depending on how you file. Here are the file-by dates to mark in your calendar this year. https://www.thelocal.de/20260107/the-german-tax-deadlines-to-know-in-2026 Wed, 07 Jan 2026 12:54:51 +0100 the-german-tax-deadlines-to-know-in-2026 The Social Democrat Party has a plan to reform inheritance tax law that they say will relieve most residents of tax burden while also increasing state revenue. Here's a look at what the centre-left party hopes to achieve, and whether they’re likely to succeed. https://www.thelocal.de/20260116/will-germanys-inheritance-tax-law-see-a-serious-shake-up-this-year Fri, 16 Jan 2026 11:00:13 +0100 will-germanys-inheritance-tax-law-see-a-serious-shake-up-this-year Germany does have inheritance tax, but how much you have to pay depends on your relationship to the person who passed – and how much they left you. https://www.thelocal.de/20230106/explained-the-rules-around-inheritance-tax-in-germany Fri, 06 Jan 2023 11:49:49 +0100 explained-the-rules-around-inheritance-tax-in-germany