Vorabpauschale 2025: Das musst du VOR dem Jahreswechsel tun!

Summary

This video explains the 'Vorabpauschale' (preliminary flat tax) on ETFs in Germany, which is charged on a fictitious profit regardless of actual gains. The tax is calculated based on a fixed base interest rate and applied to ETF investments at the beginning of each year. Key points include how the tax is calculated, how it differs from regular capital gains tax, and strategies to minimize its impact, such as adjusting your ETF holdings or using tax exemptions. The video also compares the tax treatment of distributing vs. accumulating ETFs and provides practical advice for managing the tax burden.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 'vorabpauschale' (prepayment tax) is a tax levied on ETFs at the beginning of the year, based on a hypothetical gain, regardless of actual profits or distributions.
• 😀 The tax is calculated using the basis interest rate, which in 2024 was 2.29%, and is multiplied by 0.7 to determine the prepayment tax rate.
• 😀 For 2024, the prepayment tax applies to ETF holdings that exceed a 1.6% annual return, with a higher rate if the ETF’s performance exceeds this threshold.
• 😀 The prepayment tax is levied in January of the following year, so for 2024, the tax will be due in January 2025.
• 😀 If the ETF’s performance is below the 1.6% threshold, only the actual performance is taxed, and distributions are deducted from the prepayment tax amount.
• 😀 ETFs that are classified as 'equity ETFs' can benefit from a tax exemption of 30%, reducing the overall prepayment tax.
• 😀 The Sparerpauschbetrag (saver's allowance) of €1,000 (or €2,000 for joint filers) allows you to avoid paying taxes on gains up to that amount, reducing prepayment tax liability.
• 😀 If your ETF performance is above the 1.6% threshold and your holdings exceed €89,312, you’ll likely need to pay the prepayment tax on the full amount above this threshold.
• 😀 There is no prepayment tax if the ETF's performance results in a loss or if the ETF’s distribution exceeds the calculated prepayment threshold.
• 😀 There are two common misconceptions: switching to distributing ETFs to avoid prepayment tax doesn’t save taxes overall, and selling ETFs before the end of the year can result in higher taxes due to capital gains tax on the full profit.

Q & A

What is the Vorabpauschale?

The Vorabpauschale is a preliminary tax levied on a theoretical gain of an ETF. This tax is applied irrespective of whether a real gain is realized, based on a fixed rate of return known as the Basiszins.

When is the Vorabpauschale tax due?

The Vorabpauschale tax is due annually in January of the following year. For example, in January 2025, the tax for 2024 is due.

How is the Vorabpauschale calculated?

The tax is calculated by multiplying the ETF's value at the beginning of the year by 1.6% (Basiszins of 2.29% multiplied by 0.7). The tax is then applied to the calculated theoretical gain, which is considered as the 'basis return' for the year.

What happens if the ETF’s return is less than the 1.6% threshold?

If the ETF’s return is less than 1.6% (the Basiszins multiplied by 0.7), no Vorabpauschale is due. In such cases, the tax only applies to actual gains or dividends if applicable.

How does the Sparer-Pauschbetrag affect the Vorabpauschale?

The Sparer-Pauschbetrag is a tax-free allowance of €1000 for individuals and €2000 for married couples. If the calculated Vorabpauschale is lower than this threshold, it is not taxable. If the tax exceeds this amount, the difference must be paid.

How are dividends treated when calculating the Vorabpauschale?

Dividends reduce the Vorabpauschale tax liability. The tax is only levied on the difference between the theoretical gain (Basiszins x 0.7) and the actual dividends received. If dividends exceed this amount, no additional tax on the Vorabpauschale is due.

Can I avoid paying the Vorabpauschale by switching to a distributing ETF?

No, switching from a distributing ETF to an accumulating (tesaurierend) ETF does not avoid the Vorabpauschale. The tax burden remains similar as both types are taxed based on the Basiszins, with adjustments for any dividends paid out.

What is the advantage of a distributing ETF over an accumulating ETF regarding the Vorabpauschale?

The primary advantage of a distributing ETF is that the dividends reduce the amount of Vorabpauschale that must be paid. However, the overall tax burden is similar for both types, as any dividends paid out will still be taxed.

What strategies can I use to manage the Vorabpauschale tax effectively?

To manage the Vorabpauschale effectively, you should: 1) Check and adjust your Freistellungsaufträge (tax exemption orders) to optimize your tax-free allowances; 2) Estimate the tax due using online calculators; 3) Ensure sufficient cash is available in your settlement account to cover the tax; 4) Review bank documents to verify the exact tax calculation.

Is it possible to avoid the Vorabpauschale by selling an ETF before the end of the year?

Selling an ETF before the end of the year does avoid the Vorabpauschale, but it can lead to higher taxes, as the capital gains tax will be applied to the entire realized gain. This could result in a higher tax burden than the Vorabpauschale itself.