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The German 1997 Annual Tax Act

The German 1997 Annual Tax Act (Jahressteuergesetz 1997) was enacted into law in December of 1996 and has since entered into force. Most, but not all, of its provisions take effect on 1 January 1997. Please note that this article is one of a 14-part set of articles describing the 1997 Annual Tax Act.

XIII. SELECTED CHANGES IN SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES OUTSIDE OF THE 1997 ANNUAL TAX ACT

13.1 STUDENTS

Students whose monthly earnings exceed DM 590/month in the Old German States and DM 500/month in the New German States will be subject to social security tax starting with the month of October 1996. The same applies to persons working as trainees while enrolled at institutions of higher learning (specialist schools, technical universities, universities).

Such employment relationships in existence prior to October 1996 remain exempt from social security tax. The exemption may be waived, however.

Students employed on a small scale must be registered and de-registered with the proper health insurance authority using a special form.

13.2 CEILING AMOUNTS

The ceiling amounts subject to social security tax have been increased to DM 8,200/month in the Old German States and to DM 7,100 in the New German States. The tax rate amounts to 20.3 % (divided equally between the employer and the employee).

13.3 REFUNDS OF CONTRIBUTIONS

The waiting period before processing of refund applications from employees who were subject to German social security tax for less than 5 years has been lengthened from 6 months to 2 years.

This article is one of a 14-part set of articles entitled "The German 1997 Annual Tax Act" in which we have endeavoured to provide a useful overview of what we consider to be the major changes made in the German laws by the 1997 Annual Tax Act and, more selectively, by other recent legislation. To access the other articles in the set please enter 'The German 1997 Annual Tax Act', 'KPMG Tax Advisers' and 'Business Monitor'. We are of course at your disposal to discuss in depth the ramifications of new provisions which are of particular interest to you.

Disclaimer and Copyright
This article treats the subjects covered in condensed form. It is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter and should not be relied on as a basis for business decisions. Specialist advice must be sought with respect to your individual circumstances. We in particular insist that the tax law and other sources on which the article is based be consulted in the original, whether or not such sources are named in the article. Please note as well that later versions of this article or other articles on related topics may have since appeared on this database or elsewhere and should also be searched for and consulted. While our articles are carefully reviewed, we can accept no responsibility in the event of any inaccuracy or omission. Please note the date of each article and that subsequent related developments are not necessarily reported on in later articles. Any claims nevertheless raised on the basis of this article are subject to German substantive law and, to the extent permissible thereunder, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. This article is the intellectual property of KPMG Deutsche Treuhand-Gesellschaft AG (KPMG Germany). Distribution to third persons is prohibited without our express written consent in advance.