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Commuter traffic in the morning hours near Hanover (archive): Abolition of the commuter allowance would bring 5.5 billion euros
Photo: DPA / Julian Stratenschulte
Petrol prices will continue to rise, primarily because of the CO₂ pricing to protect the climate, consumer advocates are expecting two euros per liter next year.
In order to cushion the consequences of this increase in the population, various approaches have been discussed for weeks - from capping the price to a mobility allowance.
One adjustment screw popular with Union politicians and FDP member Frank Schäffler is, in turn, the increase in the commuter allowance for employees.
A response from the Federal Ministry of Finance to a request from the liberal politician, from which the "Rheinische Post" quotes, shows that this step would be associated with very high costs for the tax authorities.
Environmentalists criticize the lump sum itself
An increase of one cent would bring a loss of income of around 230 million euros annually, the newspaper writes, citing the answer.
Accordingly, the abolition of the lump sum would bring the state 5.5 billion euros in additional income.
The commuter flat rate has been 30 cents per kilometer for years.
Employees can claim them for tax on the way to work.
It is the same for everyone - regardless of whether they are traveling by car, train, bicycle or simply walking.
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An increase in the flat rate by five cents would cost the state 1.16 billion euros annually, according to the newspaper.
If the lump sum were even increased by 15 cents, there would be a loss of income of 4.76 billion euros, according to the paper from the Ministry of Finance.
Environmental associations criticize the commuter allowance itself, because it would help people move to the suburbs in the first place and take long journeys to work every day.
FDP politician Schäffler tweeted, on the other hand: “After the crisis, what is needed above all is relief for the citizens.
An increase in the commuter allowance is an important first step. "
apr / AFP
