How to deduct donations and membership fees

In Germany, many donations and membership fees can be claimed on your tax return – if certain conditions are met.

🚀 Your Guide 

• Eligible Recipients: What counts as a charitable organization?

• Donations abroad are also possible

• Monetary, in-kind, and time donations: What you need to know

• Deduction limits for donations

• How to enter donations in the Taxfix app

Eligible Recipients: What counts as a charitable organization?

You can only deduct donations if the organization is officially recognized as charitable by the tax office – and if you receive no compensation in return.

Examples of eligible recipients:

• Charitable associations (e.g. nature, animal, or monument protection)

• Aid organizations

• Churches and religious communities

• Political parties or voter groups

• Charitable foundations

Not deductible:
Donations to individuals (e.g. people experiencing homelessness) or membership fees for recreational clubs (e.g. sports clubs or garden associations).

Donations abroad are also possible

Donations aren't limited to German organizations. Foreign organizations can also qualify – if they meet the same requirements as German charities.

However, you must provide proof that the foreign organization is considered charitable under German tax law. Proper documentation is especially important.

Monetary, In-Kind, and Time Donations: What You Need to Know

💶 Monetary Donations

• For donations up to €200, a bank statement or deposit slip is sufficient.

• For donations over €200, you need a donation receipt.

• Request this receipt when you make the donation.

• You only need to submit receipts if requested by the tax office.

📦 In-Kind Donations

• Only deductible if the items are not resold by the organization (e.g. at a fair).

• You’ll need a donation receipt.

• Proof of value:

  • New items: purchase receipt

  • Used items: comparison prices (e.g. from eBay)

Many organizations don’t issue receipts for used goods due to liability concerns.

⏱️ Volunteer Work (Expense Donations)

You can deduct volunteer work from your taxes if:

• you are entitled to an expense allowance,

• you waive the allowance in writing,

• and the organization could theoretically pay it.

This waiver must be submitted in writing within 3 months.

Deduction Limits for Donations

• You can deduct up to 20 % of your total income as special expenses.

• For donations to political parties:

  • 50 % of the donation up to €1,650 (single) or €3,300 (joint) is deducted directly from your tax bill.

  • Beyond that, you can claim up to €1,650/€3,300 as special expenses.

Tip: If you donate more than 20 % in one year, the excess can be carried forward to future years.

How to Enter Donations in the Taxfix App

To enter your donations in the Taxfix app, go to the "Expenses" section of your tax return and select "Additional Information". Then tap on "Donations / Membership Fees".

There you’ll enter the recipient organization and the amount donated. Make sure the details are accurate – this helps ensure proper handling by the tax office.

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