Das Finanzamt

July 9, 2008 By Leave a Comment

The Finanzamt is the German tax office.

Normally, you only contact with the Finanzamt will be your annual tax return – the Einkommenssteuererklärung.

However, if you are self-employed then you will come into close contact with it as you are involved in Umsatzsteuer (VAT) for your business and taxes such as Lohnsteuer for your employees.

The Finanzamt also collects Church Tax on behalf of the churches and if you buy a flat or a house in Germany then they will also send you a bill for Grunderwerbssteuer (land purchase tax).

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)

Download a transcript

Download the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast

Filed Under: German Words Explained, Podcasts, Tax Tagged With: , , ,

Der Gemeindeschlüssel

January 30, 2008 By 2 Comments

The Gemeindeschlüssel is an 8-digit number that identifies the local authority in Germany. When you first register your address, the form requires you to give this number, although it is often pre-printed.

If not, ask at the town hall where you are registering. Most people will not know their Gemeindeschlüssel and you are highly unlikely to need it at any other time!

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)

Download the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast

Filed Under: German Words Explained, Podcasts, Tax Tagged With: , ,

Die Kirchensteuer

January 23, 2008 By 1 Comment

Kirchensteuer, or church tax, is a a tax on income in Germany that benefits a church that the payer belongs to. The level of tax depends on the state or Bundesland that you live in.

Payment is made from your wages by your employer to the Finanzamt, therefore the church who benefits is noted on the Lohnsteuerkarte.

For the main churches, the Kirchensteuer is an important form income. They do, however, use this to provide services to the community which in other countries may be charged for separately.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)

Download the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast

Disclaimer: this podcast is a simple explanation for non-native speakers. For tax advice, please contact a Steuerberater.

Filed Under: German Words Explained, Podcasts, Tax Tagged With: ,

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