Lindner open to significantly higher commuter allowances

Created: 07/19/2022, 11:24 am

Christian Lindner: "The increase should take effect from the first kilometer." © Kay Nietfeld/dpa

High energy costs are also hitting commuters hard.

The finance minister wants to increase the lump sum next year.

Berlin - Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) has shown himself open to a significant increase in the commuter allowance from next year in view of rising energy prices.

Lindner told the German Press Agency: "Many people have to commute to work every day.

They are particularly affected by high energy costs.

We should also relieve this working center of society in the future.

I am open to significantly increasing the commuter allowance from next year.

The increase should take effect from the first kilometer and should not only apply to long-distance commuters.”

The flat rate applies regardless of the chosen means of transport, it sets incentives for cost- and energy-saving behavior.

"In this respect, there is no reason why an increase and expansion of the commuter allowance should be rejected," said Lindner.

Up to the 20th kilometer the flat rate is currently 30 cents per kilometer.

In the spring, as part of a relief package, the coalition decided on a higher flat rate for long-distance commuters - these are citizens who have to drive 21 or more kilometers to work.

Retroactive to January 1, they can count 38 cents per kilometer, three cents more than before.

This applies until 2026.

The commuter allowance is part of the income-related expenses in the tax return.

At the same time, the coalition had agreed to reorganize the lump sum in this legislative period and to take better account of ecological and social concerns.

dpa