All you need to know about studying, working, and living in Germany
Two years ago, after our big move from Germany to the U.S., I sat down with my new American tax adviser and asked a seemingly simple question:
“Can I deduct the money I send to support my parents back in Hong Kong on my U.S. tax return?”
He looked at me, paused for a moment, and then said:
“No. Actually… depending on how much you send, you might even trigger a gift tax.”
Wait. What?! Gift tax?
The different tax classes can sound complicated to expats in Germany. What are the different tax classes? What do they mean? Which tax class is the best for your individual situation? Can you really save tax by changing your tax class in Germany? In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about tax classes in Germany.
Are you a freelancer or business owner in Germany? Understanding VAT in Germany (Value Added Tax) is crucial for managing your finances. In this article, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know about VAT in Germany, from the basics to the specifics. So, you can navigate the system with confidence.
Do you want to file a tax return in Germany but you don’t know the German language? No problem! In this article, you will find the 10 best tax return software in Germany for expats. Many of them are in English! You can choose the tax return software that best fits your needs in Germany. Besides, I will also share other useful information about filing a tax return in Germany, including the deadline, the process, different ways to submit a tax return, etc.
What is church tax in Germany? Do you know if you are paying for it now? And more importantly, how to stop paying it? In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about church tax in Germany. This includes the amount and calculation, the different types of church tax in Germany, how to stop paying it, and what are the consequences.
Moving to Germany but still supporting your parents back home financially? You are not alone. Do you know that you may deduct these maintenance payments (Unterhaltszahlungen) in your German tax return? It is not easy but it is worth it, especially if you are sending a lot of money and if you are in a high tax bracket.
In this article, I will share my personal experience of deducting maintenance payments in my German tax return. I will also explain how you can do the same and some tips to increase your chance of deducting your maintenance payments successfully.
As a US expat, do you understand your tax impact when living abroad? The United States taxes its citizens based on citizenship and not residency. It means that you will have to take care of both German tax and US tax if you live abroad in Germany. In this article, you will find information about your tax obligations in both Germany and the US.
Continue reading “Filing US Tax When Living Abroad In Germany – An Overview For US Expats”
Are you stressed about filing your tax return in Germany? How does it work and what if you do not know German? In this post, you will find an overview of the tax return in Germany including different ways to submit your tax return and how you can get help if you do not speak German.
Continue reading “Tax Return in Germany – 2026 English Guide”