Work-related expenses (Werbungskosten)

Werbungskosten (income-related expenses) are expenses caused by your job that you can deduct from your taxes in Germany (§9 EStG, Income Tax Act).

Employee lump sum:

• €1,230/year is deducted automatically – without proof
• Anyone with MORE than €1,230 in income-related expenses gets every euro above that refunded on top
• That's why a tax return is almost always worthwhile!

The most common income-related expenses:

• Commuter allowance: €0.30/km (from the 21st km: €0.38). With a 30 km commute: €1,980/year
• Home office allowance: €6/day, max. €1,260/year
• Work equipment: laptop, desk, specialist literature, software
• Further training: course fees, specialist literature, conferences
• Application costs: travel to job interviews, application folders
• Work clothing: only TYPICAL work clothing (lab coat, uniform), NOT suits

Tax savings: €1,000 of additional income-related expenses brings a €350 refund at a 35% marginal tax rate. Collecting receipts pays off!