Who needs to pay VAT in Germany?

Gefragt von: Frau Doreen Kunz B.A.
sternezahl: 4.8/5 (41 sternebewertungen)

In Germany, Value Added Tax (VAT, or Mehrwertsteuer/Umsatzsteuer) is fundamentally a consumption tax paid by the final purchaser/consumer of goods and services. However, the vendor or business is responsible for collecting this tax and remitting it to the German tax authorities (Finanzamt).

Who has to pay VAT in Germany?

The German government applies it on the sale of goods and services. VAT isn't paid by businesses — instead, it's charged to consumers in the price of goods, and collected by businesses, making it an indirect tax. Businesses are then responsible for reporting it to the government.

Who is required to pay VAT?

Businesses with annual gross sales exceeding PHP 3 million are required to register for VAT with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Non-compliance with VAT filing deadlines for taxpayers with no tax due can result in penalties of up to PHP 25,000 per taxable year.

Who pays 42% tax in Germany?

The tax percentage varies depending on income and the type of tax being considered. For 2024, the tax brackets for income tax are: income up to €11,604 per annum = 0% (no tax) €11,605 to €66,760 = 14% to 42% (progressive rate)

Do I need to pay VAT as a small business?

Do small businesses pay VAT? Well, some do, and some don't. Whether or not your business pays VAT isn't so much to do with the size of your business as it is to do with your annual turnover. This is referred to as the VAT threshold.

Do I pay VAT from Germany?

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Do I have to pay VAT if I'm self-employed?

Yes. If you're a sole trader who is either already VAT-registered or will exceed the VAT threshold, you'll need to charge VAT on your labour time in addition to the cost of goods. Labour is part of your service and therefore, VAT should be calculated and added to it as part of your invoice.

What businesses are exempt from paying VAT?

The VAT exempt list includes:

  • Education and training from eligible schools, colleges, or universities.
  • Charity donations and events.
  • Health services.
  • Insurance, financial services, and investment.
  • Royal Mail postal services.
  • Sports, leisure, and cultural activities.

Is 70,000 euros a good salary in Germany?

What's considered a good salary in Germany? A good salary in Germany depends on your field, experience, and lifestyle aspirations. Generally, a salary between €64,000 and €70,000 gross annually is considered very good.

How much tax do self-employed pay in Germany?

Income Tax for Freelancers

The good news is that everyone benefits from the basic tax-free allowance, which will be €12,096 in 2025. Income below this threshold is tax-free. Beyond this, income is taxed progressively, starting at around 14% and increasing with higher earnings.

How much tax should I pay as a freelancer?

A freelancer who earns P250,000 annually is not required to pay tax but must file an income tax return (ITR). Meanwhile, a business or a professional freelancer with an annual income of P250,000 to P3,000,000 must pay 8% of gross income.

How to avoid VAT tax?

Shipping your purchases home directly from the retailer is another way to avoid paying VAT, but the added cost may outweigh any savings. You can try to get your VAT refund through the mail but the process takes much longer and can be unreliable. Most people submit their requests at the airport on their way home.

When must you pay VAT?

VAT payments must be made to SARS by the 25th day after the end of the tax period (or the last preceding business day). When using the e-filing and e-payment options, payment must be made by the last business day of the month.

Who actually pays the VAT?

VAT is a tax which is ultimately paid by the consumer, and is not a tax on individual businesses. VAT is typically included on business invoices.

Who is not subject to VAT?

Some examples of VAT-exempt sectors include: Basic and Essential Goods: Sale or importation of agricultural and marine food products in their original state (e.g., fresh fish, vegetables). Educational Services: Services rendered by accredited private educational institutions and government educational institutions.

How often do I need to file VAT returns in Germany?

Frequency of German VAT returns

German VAT returns are filed monthly when the total VAT payable the previous calendar year exceeds €9,000. If payable VAT is below this amount, VAT returns are normally filed on a quarterly basis.

Who is eligible for VAT?

Eligibility. Any person supplying or who expects to supply taxable goods and taxable services with a value of Kshs 5 Million or more in a year is required to register for VAT.

Do I need to charge VAT as a freelancer in Germany?

Value Added Tax (VAT) for Freelancers

If your earnings exceed €22,000 in your first year of freelancing, you are obligated to charge VAT on your services. The standard VAT rate in Germany is 19%, with a reduced rate of 7% for certain goods and services, such as books, food, and medical services.

How much earning is tax-free in Germany?

There is no income tax liability if your taxable income does not exceed the basic tax-free allowance. The basic tax-free allowance for single taxpayers is €10,908 in 2023 (2024: €11,784). For jointly assessed spouses/partners, the basic tax-free allowance doubles to €21,816 (2024: €23,568).

What salary is middle class in Germany?

In Germany, the middle class income varies but generally falls between 75% and 200% of the median income, often translating to roughly €1,850 - €5,800 net/month for singles and higher for families, depending on the definition used by institutions like the IFO Institute or IW (Cologne Institute for Economic Research). A common range cited for a single person is about €30,000 to €54,000 annually (gross), while families of four might see €48,000 to €90,000+ gross, though this is a broad estimate. 

Is it better to rent or buy in Germany?

Renting vs. Buying: The Key Differences. Renting in Germany is common, with long-term rental contracts and tenant-friendly regulations providing stability. However, buying property can be a great investment, offering financial security and potential savings in the long run.

How much tax on 50,000 euros in Germany?

Income tax in Germany is progressive, meaning the rate increases with income. For the 2024 tax year, income up to €11,604 is tax-free. The tax rate starts at 14% for income above this threshold, gradually rising to 42% for income exceeding €66,760, and capping at 45% for income above €277,825.

How to not pay VAT?

When not to charge VAT

  1. financial services, investments and insurance.
  2. garages, parking spaces and houseboat moorings.
  3. property, land and buildings.
  4. education and training (excluding private schools)
  5. healthcare and medical treatment.
  6. funeral plans, burial or cremation services.
  7. charity events.
  8. antiques.

What goods are tax free?

The GST/HST break includes certain qualifying goods, such as:

  • Food.
  • Beverages.
  • Children's clothing and footwear.
  • Children's diapers.
  • Children's car seats.
  • Certain children's toys.
  • Jigsaw puzzles.
  • Video game consoles, controllers, and physical video games.

How do I claim VAT back?

How to get paid a VAT refund. By completing your VAT Return online, HMRC will automatically calculate if you're due a VAT repayment for that accounting period. Once you submit your VAT Return, HMRC usually repays any VAT within 30 days. For more information, see HMRC's VAT Notice 700 guide.