Tax classes at a glance: When each one is worth it for you

In Germany there are six different tax classes. Here you can find out which one is most worthwhile for you.

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In Germany there are six different tax classes, all of which are subject to different conditions. Depending on your tax class, the deductions from your income also differ.

But which tax class is actually the most worthwhile and which is the least? And can I just change the tax class like that? We got to the bottom of the most important questions and summarized all six tax classes in an understandable way for you.

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Tax class 1: Is it worth it?

Tax class one applies to people who are single, separated, divorced or widowed. According to the definition, people without children are also assigned to this tax bracket. But that's not entirely true. A person can certainly have children and be assigned to tax class one, provided the children do not live in their own household. Tax class one includes, among other things, a basic allowance of 10,347 euros and a child allowance of 2,730 euros.

Tax class 2: Is it worth it?

Tax class two is for single parents and divorced employees. The prerequisite for this tax class is that the children also live in the household. In addition, no other person who has a parenting role is allowed to live in the household.

The advantage here: You are entitled to tax relief and pay less taxes. So if the points mentioned apply to you, tax class two is worth it.

The reason for the lower tax burden compared to tax class one is the single parent relief amount. For the first child this is 4008 euros and for each additional child an additional 240 euros.

However, the relief amount is not the child allowance, which, like in tax class one, amounts to 2,730 euros. There is also an additional 1,464 euros as an allowance for the children's care or training needs.

In the video: Tax classes 3 and 5: No more splitting for spouses?

Tax classes 3 and 5: No more splitting for spouses?

Tax classes 3 and 5: are they worth it?

Tax classes three and five are only possible in combination. Married people and people living in a registered civil partnership can choose this model.

The higher-earning party is assigned to tax class three, while tax class five is for the spouse with a lower income. In tax class five, no basic allowance or child allowance can be claimed.

Danger! It is a misconception that people in tax brackets four or three and five pay less taxes. The tax classes simply decide when the taxes are due.

In tax classes three and five, married couples have a higher monthly net household income and do not have to wait for the tax refund through the income tax return, as is the case in tax class four. However, additional payments are often due in three and five periods. A wage tax return is mandatory here.

In order for tax classes three and five to be worthwhile, the difference in the salary of both spouses should be at least ten percent. There is often talk of a 40 percent salary difference. If the difference is below this limit, you should choose tax class four.

Tax class 4: Is it worth it?

After marriage, married couples are automatically assigned to tax class four. A change is possible once a year. Here one factor decides the monthly taxes. The tax office determines this factor based on the expected income.

The monthly taxes in this tax bracket are distributed more fairly. The person who would actually belong to tax class five has to pay less taxes in tax class four. Overall, however, married couples pay more taxes each month, but get more back at the end of the year.

Married couples in tax class four and four including factor are obliged to submit a tax return.

You can find out more about the topic here:

Tax class 6: Is it worth it?

Tax class six is ​​for people who have two taxable jobs. This tax class is only interesting for everyone who takes on a part-time job in addition to their full-time job or for everyone who works two part-time jobs instead of one full-time job.

However, not both jobs are assigned to tax class six. The first job, usually the full-time job, belongs to the tax class in which you were previously classified, such as tax class one.

However, the second part-time job is assigned to tax class six, provided you earn more than 520 euros per month and therefore exceed the mini-job limit.

The deductions in tax class six are very high, but depend on salary. Two part-time jobs in tax classes one and six are therefore less worthwhile than a full-time job in tax class one. However, there is a small consolation: when you file your tax return, you can get the overpaid taxes back.

Conclusion: Tax class 6 is the worst option

Which tax class is worthwhile depends on the individual. First of all, not every tax class is possible for everyone. Married people can choose between the “three and five combination” and tax class four. Which tax class is more worthwhile depends on the annual gross salary of both spouses.

Those living alone and without children only have tax class one. For single people with children living in the household or widows, tax class two is worthwhile. Tax class six, in turn, is only for people with two taxable jobs.

Since tax class six has the highest deductions due to the lack of tax allowances, it is basically the worst tax class. Here you should ask yourself whether a second job is even worth it.

A final tip: oneIt's almost always worth it!

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