in 🇩🇪 Germany

Business Taxes

Taxes for Businesses in Germany 2025

A business in Germany is subject to various types of taxes, including corporate tax, trade tax, value added tax, and income tax on wages. These taxes have specific regulations and rates that businesses must adhere to.

Corporate Tax

Corporate tax is a tax on the income of corporations, such as public limited companies (AG) and limited liability companies (GmbH). The corporate tax rate in Germany is 15 percent.

Trade Tax

Trade tax is levied by municipalities on the income of a business operation. The tax rate varies depending on the municipality, but is based on a fixed assessment rate determined by the respective municipality.

Value Added Tax

Value added tax, also known as VAT, is a consumption tax imposed on the sale of goods and services. The standard VAT rate is 19 percent, but there is also a reduced rate of 7 percent for certain goods and services.

Income Tax on Wages

Income tax on wages is a form of prepayment of income tax, which the employer deducts directly from the employee’s wages and pays to the tax office. It varies according to the employee’s income and tax class.

Solidarity Surcharge

Solidarity Surcharge for Companies in Germany: Tax charge on corporate tax to finance state tasks.

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