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Child benefit for unmarried couple

June 28, 2019 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Steuerberater Knut Christiansen

Child benefit for unmarried couple

Hello, I have the following situation: I live together with my partner and we have a common child. However, we are not married. My partner is on maternity leave but does not receive any income. I pay her maintenance of EUR 750 per month, which I claim as an exceptional burden. I live off foreign rental income, which is already taxed abroad. Additionally, I also have German rental income. Due to the 2% depreciation allowance and other deduction possibilities, my taxable income in Germany is relatively low (around EUR 10,000 per year). So far, we have not applied for child benefit, but we would like to do so now. Does it make a difference whether my partner or I receive the child benefit? If my partner receives the child benefit, can I still claim a child allowance? Or does the rule "either child benefit or child allowance" also apply to unmarried parents? Another point: I already have two children from a previous marriage. They live with their mother, who also receives child benefit. If I were to apply for child benefit for the youngest child, the older children would at least count as additional children. Therefore, the child benefit would be slightly higher than if my partner were to apply for it. Or would there still be advantages if the child benefit is under my partner's name?
Thank you & best regards

Your price: 40 €

Steuerberater Knut Christiansen

Hello,

You always receive half of the child benefit, or if more favorable, half of the child allowance. Even if you are not married.

The child benefit may be slightly higher if you apply for the child benefit for your third child. There is no advantage if your partner applies for the child benefit.

I hope this answers your question, otherwise feel free to ask for further clarification at no cost.

Best regards,

Knut Christiansen
Tax advisor