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It doesn’t matter honestly, 65k versus 80k after 42% tax on the extra 15k is about 800 euros a month. Not qualitatively different.


€65k is $77k is £56k. Takehome is 61% Germany, 76% UK, 77% US

€80k is $94k is £69k. Takehome is 60% Germany, 73% UK, 75% US

If Germany taxed at US rates at €65k it would be an extra €867 a month, "Not qualitatively different"

When US IT jobs are on twice the salary ($150-200k or €130-160k) that's a hell of a lot bigger impact than the tax.

US https://smartasset.com/taxes/california-tax-calculator

UK https://listentotaxman.com/

Germany https://www.how-to-germany.com/income-tax-calculator/


Reality is ~36-38% if you learn to spend money strategically so you can fill a proper tax return.

I never paid 42% my entire engineer life.


OK that's an extra €20 a week, doesn't really change the point


What are you doing, for the non-Germans? I'm wondering how onerous your tax optimization strategy is.


There are many tools available in Germany that support you doing your tax filings. They have endless questionnaires in (tax law free) easy language that guide you through all the taxing niches. They not only respect all rules regarding the laws but also the latest jurisprudence.

Like: If you have a lockable, separate office and work (almost) exclusively from home, you can basically deduct the entire room for tax purposes (rent + electricity + heating + insurance + etc).

That can make a huge chunk.


....but wait until Finanzamt comes along and measures the size and checks with a controller if this room is really ONLY for work - if there is the slightest sign that this room maybe used for other things, your plan is gone.

Even an additional single sofa/couch can crush this plan.

And: If you say the room is worth 500€, you dont get back this 500€ with yearly tax declaration - you only get this amount deducted from total income, rising your after-tax income a little bit. In fact, with this solution you loose a room PLUS some money - rather rent out the room 1 week per AirBnB and pocket this in cash and you are fine.

Source: I was once hit by them with these rules.


> 800 euros a month. Not qualitatively different.

Put 800 euro a month into an investment account and you’re a millionaire by age 50.


Compound interest is a think but we wont be millionaires by age 50, especially in modern times where people study long and start working in their 30s.




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