Working from home and costs

Home office: what you save and what it costs (Germany):

What you SAVE:

• Commuting costs: 30 km one way, 220 days: approx. €3,000/year (car) or €1,200/year (public transport)
• Lunch: canteen/restaurant vs. cooking yourself: €100–200/month
• Work clothes: less wear and tear
• Time: 1–2 hours of commuting per day = 220–440 hours/year

What it COSTS:

• Electricity: +€20–30/month (computer, light, screen)
• Heating: +€10–30/month (the room has to be heated during the day)
• Internet: possibly a faster plan needed (+€10/month)
• Furnishings: desk, chair, screen (one-off €500–1,500)

Tax:

• Home office allowance: €6/day, max. 210 days = max. €1,260/year deductible
• Home study: if you use a separate room exclusively for work: proportional rent, electricity and heating are deductible (up to €1,260/year, or in full if it's the centre of your work)