When submitting the utility bill, many a tenant’s heart sinks – utility bills are rarely a reason to be happy. They mean high costs for tenants, especially in times of high energy and electricity costs. However, there are also ways to use past utility bills to save taxes.
Expenditure on household-related services
According to the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF), all household-related services that are regulated in Section 35a of the Income Tax Act (EstG) can be deducted from tax. It is important that the expenses are costs that are not consumption-related, such as electricity and heating costs, but rather serve to maintain the substance of the property.
These include, for example, expenses for the gardener, caretaker or building cleaning service. According to the BMF handbook 2024, it is possible to receive tax discounts of up to 4,000 euros per year in the area of household-related services. 20 percent of the total labor costs can be claimed as a deduction up to a maximum of 20,000 euros.
Expenses for craftsman costs and maintenance
Tradesman costs, including expenses for chimney sweeps and the maintenance of elevators and heating systems, also come into consideration. The reading of consumption and the maintenance of electrical, gas or water installations can also be deducted.
Craftsman services can provide an annual tax bonus of up to 1,200 euros. The tax office recognizes 20 percent of the labor costs provided that the invoice total is a maximum of 6,000 euros, as the Federal Ministry of Finance confirms in its current handbook. In order to receive the tax credit, the tenant must submit an application to the tax office. It is important that the work was carried out either directly in your own apartment or in the common areas or on the associated property. p>
Expenses for private cleaners
Tenants can also claim household-related services that are not explicitly listed on the utility bill. These include, for example, costs for a private cleaner. However, the prerequisite is that the cleaner is only employed on a part-time basis.
As the mini-job headquarters reports, the mini-job limit has now risen from the original 450 euros to 556 euros per month. This limit has been dynamically linked to the minimum wage since 2022 and is adjusted automatically. Expenses of up to 2,550 euros per year can receive tax relief, although according to the BMF, 20 percent of these costs are deductible. This means an annual tax bonus of up to 510 euros can be achieved.
D. Maier / editorial team finanzen.net