Capital formation benefits (VL) are monthly contributions from your employer to help you save. These payments go directly into your savings plan and may even qualify for government support.
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Capital formation benefits (VL) are voluntary employer contributions to your savings plan.
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They are considered part of your taxable income.
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Under certain conditions, you can receive a tax-free government savings bonus (Arbeitnehmersparzulage).
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In the app, you enter VL under the "Job" category.
🚀 Your Guide
What are capital formation benefits?
Capital formation benefits are monthly contributions from your employer to a savings plan of your choice. The goal is to support you in building savings – especially if you have a lower income. Participation is voluntary.
You can choose from various contract types, for example:
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Home savings contract (Bausparvertrag)
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Investment fund savings plan
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Bank savings plan
How do you receive VL and how much is typical?
Whether you receive VL is stated in your employment or collective agreement. Employers contribute between €6.65 and €40 per month. If your employer pays less than the full amount, you can top it up yourself.
If you change jobs, you can continue the savings contract with your new employer or make it contribution-free.
Tax treatment of VL
VL are subject to tax and social security contributions. They are added to your gross salary. For example, if you earn €2,000 gross and receive €40 in VL, €2,040 is taxed.
What is the government savings bonus?
The government savings bonus (Arbeitnehmersparzulage) is a tax-free state subsidy. If your income is within certain limits and your contract runs for 6–7 years, you may qualify:
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20% subsidy for investment savings → up to €80 / year
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9% subsidy for home savings → up to €43 / year
For jointly assessed couples, the maximums double.
How to apply for the bonus
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You must file a tax return.
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In the app, confirm that you received VL.
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Your savings plan provider must electronically transmit the data to the tax office – this requires your consent.
The tax office will then automatically check your eligibility.
Where to enter VL in the app
Go to the "Job" category in the Taxfix app, right where you enter your wage data. You’ll be asked whether you received capital formation benefits. Just select "Yes."
🔗 You don’t need to enter anything else – neither the amount nor the contract type. This information is already transmitted electronically to the tax office.
If eligible, the savings bonus is automatically included in your tax calculation.
❗ Important: If you don’t enter that you received VL, your eligibility won’t be reviewed.
📭 No bonus shown in your tax assessment? Then your provider likely didn’t send the data. Please contact them directly – not Taxfix.
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Still have questions?
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