Are there any special regulations for registered civil partnerships regarding tax classes?
January 28, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Friedhelm Peters
Dear tax consultant,
My name is Sandra Schlattmann and I am in a registered civil partnership. I have heard that there are certain special regulations for married couples regarding tax classes. Does this also apply to us as registered civil partners? Currently, we both have tax class 1, but I am wondering if it might be more advantageous to choose a different tax class.
Currently, we both work full-time and earn roughly the same amount. We do not have children and live in a shared apartment. Since we are both working, it is important to us to fairly distribute the tax burden and avoid unnecessary financial strains.
My concern is that we may be potentially losing money by not choosing the optimal tax classes. Therefore, I would like to know if there are specific regulations or recommendations for registered civil partners when it comes to choosing tax classes. Is there perhaps a tax class that is more favorable for us as a couple and that we should consider?
I look forward to your assessment and possible suggestions for solutions so that we can optimize our financial situation.
Best regards,
Sandra Schlattmann
Dear Mrs. Schlattmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding tax classes for registered life partners. As a tax advisor, I am happy to assist you and show you the regulations and recommendations for couples in registered life partnerships.
It is important to know that tax class regulations in Germany for married couples and registered life partners are similar. Registered life partners can also choose the combination of tax classes that is most advantageous for them.
In your case, where you and your life partner both work full-time and earn roughly the same amount, it may be beneficial to change tax classes. By changing tax classes, you may be able to take advantage of tax benefits and optimize your financial situation.
One possible tax class combination recommended for couples with similar incomes is the combination of tax class 3 for the partner with the higher income and tax class 5 for the partner with the lower income. This combination will result in the higher income being taxed more, potentially leading to a lower overall tax burden.
However, it is important to note that changing tax classes may also result in changes to the monthly net salary payout. Therefore, I recommend conducting an individual calculation before changing tax classes or seeking advice from a tax advisor to accurately assess the impact on your financial situation.
In addition to tax classes, there are other tax aspects that may be relevant for registered life partners, such as joint assessment for income tax. It may also be beneficial to seek professional advice to find the optimal solution for you.
I hope that my assessment and possible solutions will help you optimize your financial situation. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Friedhelm Peters
