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There are a number of expenses we can write off in our income tax returns each and every year, including non-business related items like childcare and fixed-assets you may think, weren’t related to business. Of course, there are also a number of business-related expenses that you might not have known you could write off on your annual tax return.

Which expenses are deductible for an employee in the German income tax return?

Business expenses are all expenses an employee has to incur in order to practice a job. In this article, Christian Schmidt (Founder, Tax Advisor, and Lawyer at Rechts- und Steuerberatung Schmidt in Düsseldorf) describes in detail, the different kinds of expenses an employee can deduct in the German tax return to reduce the tax burden at a maximum.

General information

The tax authorities will automatically deduct a lump sum with an amount of 1.000 € as job-related expenses. For this lump sum, no proof is required. This amount is automatically deducted from the taxable income.

Nevertheless, many employees have job-related expenses significantly exceeding this amount. In that case, the employee can deduct all actual incurred costs. However, the tax authorities might request proof of those expenses.

Typical job-related expenses

Commuting expenses from home to workplace

It is possible to deduct 0,30 € per km (one way, the shortest way needs to be considered)
This lump sum applicable is independent of the vehicle used
Instead of the lump sum, the actual incurred costs can be considered e.g. monthly train ticket (a proof might be requested)
Remark: It has to be checked whether it is more favorable to deduct the lump sum of 0,30 € or the actual incurred costs

If this has encouraged you to look into getting a car, Life in Düsseldorf provides a great list of the best places you can buy a used car in Düsseldorf. Of course, however, you need not forget about the expense of car insurance.

Business trips

For business trips in relation to external activity, a lump sum of 0,30 € can be deducted as travel costs for both ways
In case of being away from the regular workplace, you can deduct a lump sum for meal allowances e.g. when being away for more than 8 hours, the lump sum is 12 €, for 24 hours the lump sum is 24 €, etc.
For business trips abroad other figures apply
Remark: In case the employer refunds certain costs of a business trip, this has to be included in the tax return and has to be offset with the above-mentioned lump sums.

Training, further education, studies

Literature
Exam and tuition fees
Interest payments for a loan to finance the education
Work equipment
A lump sum of 0,30 € as travel costs for both ways can be deducted
A lump sum for meal allowances can be claimed when being away from home/work more than 8 hours

There are a number of English-speaking university programs around Düsseldorf you can talk to your company about allowing you to take. Otherwise, you can also consider taking smaller online courses on a membership basis like on Skillshare.

Work equipment

Items that are mainly used for job-related purposes can be fully deducted in the German tax return. If the costs for the items are not exceeding 952,00 € (including 19% VAT), it can be deducted at once in the tax return. If it is exceeding the amount, the costs have to be depreciated over several years depending on their usual period of use (e.g. usual period of use of a laptop is 3 years).

Typical examples of work equipment:

Working clothes (clothes which you can also wear in your leisure time are not deductible. Only working clothes such as uniforms, and protective clothing e.g. lab coat are deductible)
Briefcase
Smartphone
Laptop
Software
Literature
Tools

Relocation expenses

When you move to another city for job purposes you can deduct the costs in your German tax return. It is not possible to deduct costs when the relocation is of private nature.

Travel costs (e.g. hotel costs, flight costs, train costs, etc.)
Agency fees
Transport costs
Double paid rent
Storage of furniture
Remark: Furthermore, it is possible to deduct a lump sum for moving expenses (as of 1st February 2017, the lump sum for married couples is 1.528 €, for singles 746 €, and for children 337€.) This lump sum can additionally be deducted to the actual moving expenses

Double Household related costs

Many expatriates relocate to Germany while their family is staying abroad. In that case, it is possible to deduct double household-related costs.

Allowance for additional meal expenses (maximum of 24 € per day) for the first three months
Rent in Germany (up to a monthly maximum amount of 1.000€)
Flight and other travel costs to visit the family in the home country (it is also possible to deduct the travel costs of the family for traveling to Germany)
Agency fee
Phone and internet costs
Initial furnishing of the flat

Further job-related expenses

Application expenses
Fees for professional associations
Costs for home office

Have any additional questions related to taxes and claiming work expenses? Contact Christian Schmidt and his team at Rechts- und Steuerberatung Schmidt.