The reform of investment taxation that came into force at the turn of the year radically simplifies the taxation of investment funds for investors.

The new year brings higher allowances and GWG limits, lower contribution rates, the company pension and investment tax reforms, and many other changes.

The global exchange of data on bank accounts and investment income, which was agreed in 2014, has now started with 50 countries and is to be expanded to 102 countries next year.

If a workroom is also partially used in the context of income that excludes the deduction of income-related expenses, this does not reduce the annual maximum amount of 1,250 euros for deductible expenses.

The donation of shares to minor children with the intention of an immediately subsequent sale is, unless there is a special reason for the procedure, an abuse of structuring opportunities.

If, at the investor's request, capital gains are not taxed at the flat rate but at the standard rate, the tax office may conduct an external audit of the investor if this income exceeds the relevant threshold.

Although tax arrangements involving cum/cum transactions are now largely ruled out, the tax authorities have issued guidelines on tax handling not only for the current legal situation, but also for old cases.

It is possible to offset losses from investment income taxed at a flat rate with gains from investment income taxed at the normal rate if the taxpayer applies for a favorable tax treatment test.

In addition to comprehensive notification and reporting obligations for business relationships abroad, the Anti-Tax Avoidance Act also brings about a general abolition of fiscal banking secrecy.

In order to be able to implement various changes in tax law in time for the federal elections, these were included in two legislative processes already underway, which have now been completed.