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Take-Home Pay & Deductions
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Includes Income Tax, Social Insurance, and Solidarity Surcharge
Understanding Taxes & Deductions in Germany
Germany uses a progressive income tax system with rates starting at 14% and going up to 45% for top earners. You get a tax-free allowance (Grundfreibetrag) of €11,604 for 2025, so the first chunk of your income is tax-free.
Beyond income tax, you'll pay several social insurance contributions: health insurance at 7.3%, pension insurance at 9.3%, unemployment insurance at 1.2%, and long-term care insurance at 1.75%. The good news is these contributions are capped once you hit €87,600 in annual income, so high earners don't pay social insurance on everything they make.
There's also a solidarity surcharge of 5.5% on your income tax. This was originally introduced to help fund German reunification costs, and while it's been reduced for many taxpayers, it still applies to some higher earners.
Last Updated: January 1, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What are the income tax rates in Germany?
Germany uses progressive tax rates from 14% to 45%, depending on your income level and tax class.
▶What is the solidarity surcharge?
The solidarity surcharge is an additional 5.5% tax on your income tax, originally introduced to fund German reunification.
▶Are social insurance contributions capped?
Yes, social insurance contributions (health, pension, unemployment, long-term care) are capped at an annual income of €87,600.
Official Sources
Reviewed using official government publications