How to Avoid the 25% Tax Trap When Selling Your House

Homeowners in Germany risk losing up to 25% of their property sale proceeds to the tax office if they sell a non-primary residence before a specific legal holding period expires. Under German tax law, the sale of a property used for rental purposes or as a secondary home is subject to speculative tax (Spekulationssteuer) if … Read more

Germany May End Tax-Free Holding Period for Cryptocurrencies

Germany is considering a significant shift in cryptocurrency taxation by replacing the current tax-free holding period with a flat 25% withholding tax (Abgeltungsteuer) starting in 2026. According to reports regarding the Federal Ministry of Finance’s (Bundesfinanzministerium) intentions, the proposal aims to standardize the taxation of digital assets to align more closely with other financial investments. … Read more

New York: Milliardär wehrt sich gegen Mamdanis Luxussteuerpläne – tagesschau.de

New York City is facing a deepening divide between its municipal leadership and its wealthiest residents as Mayor Zohran Mamdani pushes forward with aggressive new luxury tax plans. The conflict reached a boiling point this week following a viral social media campaign targeting the city’s most expensive real estate, sparking a high-profile clash with one … Read more

"Friedrich Merz vs. SPD: Why His Scathing Criticism of CDU Polls & Coalition Tensions Could Spark a Political Earthquake"

Berlin, May 7, 2026 — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has delivered a blunt assessment of his Christian Democratic Union’s (CDU) poll numbers, calling them “completely unacceptable” in a hard-hitting interview with ZDF. The remarks mark a sharp escalation in internal CDU tensions and public criticism of the governing coalition’s performance, just as the party faces … Read more

Tax Rebate on Fuel: Germany’s 17-Cent Relief Plan Sparks Debate Over Fairness and Impact on Drivers

On April 24, 2026, the German Bundestag convened to vote on a proposed fuel tax relief measure that would reduce the price of gasoline and diesel by 17 cents per liter. The vote came amid ongoing public debate over the cost of living and energy prices, with supporters arguing the cut would provide immediate relief … Read more

Germany Grants Billions in Loans to Public Agencies

The German federal government has stepped in to stabilize the nation’s social security systems, deploying a combination of grants and loans to ensure the continued functionality of critical public services. This financial intervention comes as several key pillars of the German social safety net face significant budgetary pressures. At the center of this fiscal support … Read more

German Rental Property Tax Deductions: A Guide for Landlords

Frankfurt. For property owners, navigating the complexities of rental income taxation can experience like learning a new vocabulary – depreciation, acquisition costs, maintenance expenses. However, the effort is worthwhile. Landlords aren’t simply required to declare their rental income; they can also offset a wide range of expenses, significantly reducing their tax burden. Understanding these allowable … Read more

Table.Briefings: News & Insights for Decision-Makers in Germany

The business landscape is constantly shifting, and staying ahead requires access to timely, insightful intelligence. For leaders in Germany – and increasingly, those looking *at* Germany – Table.Briefings has become a crucial resource. This publication, described as Germany’s number one source for exclusive policy, business, and industry intelligence, delivers concise, actionable briefings designed to equip … Read more