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HDE warns: Tax privileges for union contributions endanger the budget!
Here you can find out why the HDE rejects the tax application for union contributions and which tax aspects are important.
HDE warns: Tax privileges for union contributions endanger the budget!
A new proposal is causing a stir in the German political landscape: The German Trade Association (HDE) is firmly opposed to tax incentives for union contributions. According to a [report from thesmittel Zeitung](https://www.lebensmittelzeitung.net/handel/karriere/hde-standpunkt-gegen-privileg-fuer-unions contribution-188137), the government coalition is behind this plan, which stipulates that contributions to unions can be set in addition to the flat rate for advertising costs. Previously, these contributions were included in the total amount of advertising costs, which makes the new regulation appear not only more complicated, but also financially questionable.
The HDE expresses concerns, particularly in view of the strained budget situation. The planned subsidies are viewed as critical without the employers being sufficiently involved in the decision-making process. This omission raises questions about fairness and transparency, which are of great importance in everyday economic life.
Tax deductibility of union dues
Did you know that monthly membership fees to trade unions in Germany are tax deductible? This important information comes from an article from Lohnsteuer Kompakt, which emphasizes that payments to unions can be viewed as advertising costs if they come from non-self-employed work. When filing their tax return, employees can therefore declare the total contributions paid for a year in the relevant section.
There are a number of important trade unions in Germany, including IG Metall, ver.di and IG BCE. These organizations play a central role in negotiating working conditions and wages, and their membership fees are often a worthwhile investment for members.
Deductibility and requirements
However, tax deductibility is not unlimited. In order for membership fees to be deductible, they must be classified as either business expenses or special expenses. An article from Steuerbot explains that contributions for professionally necessary memberships must be in the company's interest, while contributions to non-profit organizations for social or scientific purposes offer other deduction options.
- Mitgliedsbeiträge sind absetzbar, wenn:
- Sie beruflich notwendig sind (Werbungskosten).
- Die Organisation gemeinnützig ist (Sonderausgaben).
It is important that appropriate evidence of contribution payments must be available for deductibility. These documents play a crucial role in successfully submitting the claims when filing your tax return.
Given the current discussion about the tax treatment of union contributions, it is clear that the issue affects not only employees but also employers. In the political arena, it will be exciting to see how the debate develops and what decisions are ultimately made.