Corporate Taxes 2026
Rates applicable to GmbH, AG, and other corporate entities resident in Germany.
- Körperschaftsteuer (corporate income tax): 15%
- Solidarity surcharge (Soli): 5.5% of KSt = +0.825%
- Effective KSt+Soli rate: 15.825%
- Gewerbesteuer (trade tax): varies by municipality (see below)
- Combined effective rate: typically 28–33%
Gewerbesteuer by Major City 2026
Gewerbesteuer rate = 3.5% base × Hebesatz / 100
- Düsseldorf (440): 15.40%
- Hamburg (470): 16.45%
- Frankfurt (460): 16.10%
- Berlin (410): 14.35%
- Munich (490): 17.15%
- Stuttgart (420): 14.70%
Personal Income Tax Rates 2026
German Einkommensteuer is progressive:
- Basic allowance (Grundfreibetrag): €12,084 tax-free
- First progression zone (€12,085–68,429): 14%–42%
- Flat rate (€68,430–277,825): 42%
- Reichensteuer (above €277,826): 45%
- Solidarity surcharge: 5.5% on income tax (above threshold)
VAT & Other Tax Rates 2026
- VAT standard rate (Umsatzsteuer): 19%
- VAT reduced rate: 7% (food, books, medical)
- Capital gains tax (Abgeltungsteuer): 25% + Soli
- Dividend withholding tax (domestic): 25% + Soli
- Inheritance/gift tax: 7–50% (depends on relationship and value)
- Real estate transfer tax (Grunderwerbsteuer): 3.5–6.5% (varies by state)
Common questions.
Have German tax rates changed for 2026?
The basic income tax rates are largely unchanged. The Grundfreibetrag (tax-free basic allowance) was increased to €12,084 for 2026. Corporate rates remain at 15% KSt. Gewerbesteuer Hebesatz are set annually by each municipality.
What is the solidarity surcharge (Solidaritätszuschlag) rate?
The Soli is 5.5% of income tax due. For most employees and individuals, it was abolished in 2021. Only those with income tax liability above approximately €18,130/year (€36,260 for jointly assessed couples) pay the full Soli.
What are the German income tax brackets for 2026?
The 2026 income tax rates: 0% on income up to €12,084 (Grundfreibetrag); progressive rate of 14–42% on income from €12,084–€68,430; 42% on income from €68,430–€277,826; 45% Reichensteuer on income above €277,826. All amounts are for single taxpayers — jointly assessed couples apply the Splittingverfahren.
What is the German VAT rate in 2026?
Standard rate: 19%. Reduced rate: 7% for food, books, newspapers, hotel stays, cultural events, and public transport. Zero rate: 0% for certain international services and intra-EU supplies. The temporary reduced restaurant VAT (7%) was not renewed after 31 December 2023; restaurant food is back at 19% from 2024.
What is the Rentenversicherung contribution rate in 2026?
18.6% of gross wages up to the Beitragsbemessungsgrenze (BBG-GRV: approximately €7,728/month). Split 50/50: 9.3% employer, 9.3% employee. Wages above the BBG are not subject to additional RV contributions. The BBG is adjusted annually.
What is the German health insurance (Krankenversicherung) rate in 2026?
14.6% base rate + Zusatzbeitrag (supplemental premium, averaged approximately 1.7% in 2026) = approximately 16.3% total GKV contribution, split 50/50 employer/employee. Applied on wages up to the BBG-GKV (approximately €5,512.50/month). Above the JAEG threshold (≈€77,400/year), employees can opt for private PKV instead.
What is the Mindestlohn (minimum wage) in Germany in 2026?
€12.82 per hour as of 1 January 2025 (review scheduled for 2026). The Mindestlohn Commission reviews and adjusts the rate every two years. Sector-specific Tarifverträge may require higher minimum rates for certain industries (construction, cleaning services, care). Violations are subject to fines up to €500,000.
What is the Sparerpauschbetrag for German investors in 2026?
€1,000 per individual per year (€2,000 for jointly assessed married couples). This is the tax-free savings allowance for capital income (dividends, interest, capital gains on shares and funds). To use it with German banks, file a Freistellungsauftrag. Unused allowance cannot be carried forward.
What are the Sozialversicherung Beitragsbemessungsgrenzen for 2026?
GRV and ALV (pension and unemployment): approximately €7,728/month (West), €7,728/month (East — unified since 2025). GKV and GPV (health and care insurance): approximately €5,512.50/month. The BBG caps the wage base for social contributions — employees and employers pay no additional contributions on wages above these ceilings.
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