Germany Tax and Pay Guides 2026
Plain-English guides to German salary, payslips and taxes, with accurate figures for 2026.
German Payslip Deductions Explained in English
Every deduction on a German payslip explained for internationals: wage tax, solidarity surcharge, church tax and the four social insurances, with 2026 rates.
German Tax Classes Explained in English
Steuerklasse I to VI explained for internationals: which class you get, what it changes on your payslip, and why new arrivals often start in class VI.
German Parental Allowance (Elterngeld) Explained
How Elterngeld is calculated, how long it is paid, and the three legal levers that raise it: the tax-class switch, ElterngeldPlus and a clean assessment period.
German Tax Class After Marriage 2026
After marrying in Germany you get tax classes IV/IV automatically. When switching to III/V or the factor method pays off, how to apply, and when it takes effect.
Werkstudent: Working Student Pay 2026
How working students are taxed in Germany 2026: only pension insurance comes off, reduced between 603 and 2,000 euros, the 20-hour rule and when wage tax starts.
Second Job Tax in Germany 2026
Tax class VI explained: no personal allowance, high withholding, the minijob limit, and how to get a refund via your tax return.
Solidarity Surcharge Germany 2026 (Solidaritätszuschlag)
Who still pays the German Soli in 2026, how it is calculated and what salary triggers it. Table of Lohnsteuer and surcharge by gross income.
Home Office Tax Deduction Germany 2026
6 EUR per home-office day, up to 210 days and 1,260 EUR per year. No dedicated room needed. Annual tax saving by gross salary for Steuerklasse 1.