KPMG Germany Webpage
Click on the above link to visit the KPMG Germany webpage on the Mondaq website
For disclaimer and copyright see end of this article.
The 1996 Tax Act imposed a time limit on tax recognition of expenses for a second household (see article no. 23, sec. 4.2.2). Such deductions were limited to a period of two years for each location (revised sec. 9 par. 1 sent. 3 no. 5 EStG), instead of the previous unlimited duration. Persons who had already claimed expenses for a second household for two complete years prior to 1996 were unable to claim further deductions in the future (new sec. 52 par. 11a EStG). This article reports on two recent related court decisions.
1. Federal Tax Court decision
The Federal Tax Court has upheld the new provision against constitutional challenges (DB 1998, 606 - 5 Dec. 1997). With regard to the lack of a transition provision for second households already in existence as of 1 January 1996, the court stated that a transition provision was not constitutionally mandated.
2. Cologne Tax Court decision
The Cologne Tax Court has held that a 99 sq. metre apartment is excessively large as the second household of a single person and limited the deduction to expenses for 60 sq. metres (1998, 2097 - 14 May 1998). An appeal is pending before the Federal Tax Court (docket no. VI R 128/97).
Even if the appeal is unsuccessful, the holding may be of limited significance in light of the 1996 change in the law. The case related to a second apartment for which the costs were allowed in full from 1986 to 1991. The taxpayer's argument that he was unable to find an adequate smaller apartment was regarded as valid in principle. However, in view of the long time period involved, the court stated that the taxpayer could doubtless have found a smaller apartment in the interim if he had so wished.
From 1996 on only the initial two years are relevant for tax purposes in the first place. In light of the generally tight German housing market, the argument that a smaller apartment was not available should prove adequate for a period of two years.
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.
