The costs for craftsmen can be deducted from the tax.
However, not all invoices are recognized by the tax office.
When the bathroom needs to be renovated or the stove in the kitchen needs to be connected, most people don't do it themselves, but hire tradesmen.
This could get expensive.
Fortunately, craftsmen's invoices can be deducted from taxes.
Up to 1,200 euros are included annually.
However, not all craftsman costs are recognized by the tax office.
Tax return 2022: What are the requirements for craftsman costs?
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Anyone who has carried out renovation work can, under certain conditions, deduct the craftsman's invoice from their taxable income.
© Roman Möbius/Imago
In order for you to be able to deduct your craftsmen’s invoice from tax, a number of conditions must be met.
The
United Income Tax Assistance Association (VLH)
lists the following conditions:
You must occupy the property yourself, either as the owner or as a tenant.
This also includes properties that are left to their own children rent-free.
Construction work is carried out on existing properties, not on new buildings.
No cash payment - you have to transfer the money to the account of the craft business.
The invoice as well as the account statement / the payment receipt is then valid as a receipt for the tax office.
Only the pure labor costs are subsidized by the tax office, not the material costs (in individual cases also machine and travel costs as well as disposal or consumables)
Measure may not be publicly funded.
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Deduct craftsman costs: up to 20 percent is possible
It doesn't matter whether it's a chimney sweep, thermal insulation, drain cleaning or garden design - as soon as a professional carries out the manual work, you can deduct 20 percent of the wages from your taxes.
The upper limit is a maximum of 1,200 euros per year.
Exactly which craftsman services can be deducted is not regulated one hundred percent.
In principle, the craftsman bonus applies to repairs, renovations or replacements as well as when the living space is expanded (e.g. in the form of a conservatory).
Which craftsman costs are tax deductible in 2022?
The following tradesman services are generally recognized for tax purposes (selection):
drain pipe cleaning
Work on the roof, floor coverings, facade, garage, interior and exterior walls, supply and drainage lines
asbestos removal
erection of scaffolding
Outdoor facilities (fences, paths, walls, etc.)
Carport and patio roof
gutter cleaning
Built-ins for burglary protection
Electrical systems (maintenance and repair)
Elevator costs (maintenance and repair)
fire extinguisher maintenance
underfloor heating
Garden design (not garden maintenance)
Heating costs (e.g. heating maintenance and repairs)
piano tuner
TÜV control measures (e.g. for the elevator or stair lift)
legionella test
Modernization (e.g. bathroom or kitchen)
Assembly work (e.g. for new furniture)
fungal control
Repair, maintenance and care of floor coverings, carpeting, parquet, tiles, windows and doors (inside and outside),
Maintenance/repair of household items (e.g. washing machine, dishwasher)
chimney sweeper
Drying or draining of masonry
thermal insulation
Maintenance (elevator, heating, fire extinguishers, CO₂ warning devices, pumps, waste water backflow protection)
water disposal
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Incidentally, craftsmen's services should not be confused with household-related services, which are also tax-privileged.
This includes garden maintenance work such as mowing the lawn, a cleaning help or caretaker services.
List of rubrics: © Roman Möbius/Imago