Claimable Business Costs

Maximizing Tax Rebates: Understanding Business Expenses

When completing your German tax return, you have the opportunity to seek tax rebates for business expenses. The Finanzamt typically provides a standard lump sum of EUR 1230 annually for business expenses, which is factored into default tax calculations conducted by employers. However, if your business expenses exceed EUR 1230 per year, you can declare them to receive tax rebates. The maximum amount that can be claimed for tax rebate under business expenses is EUR 4500.

Categories eligible for tax rebates under Business expenses when filing a German Tax Return include:
  • Expenses related to commuting from home to the office
  • Relocation expenses (e.g., relocation from India to Germany or within Germany)
  • Costs associated with professional development, such as professional books and training
  • Expenses for professional equipment, such as laptops and desktops
  • Higher education fees
  • And many more

If the total expenses do not surpass EUR 1230 per year, no additional tax refund is provided, as this is automatically handled by the employer.