Status: 22.09.2023, 07:12 a.m.
By: Lisa Metzger
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After the storms of the past few weeks, many people in Bavaria have suffered a lot of property damage. Now the Free State of Bavaria is accommodating storm-stricken people with the tax. Who gets money back now.
Munich - First heat, then storm: In recent weeks, many people have been hit by strong storms with hail and hurricane gusts. In some parts of Bavaria, this caused extensive property damage, such as in the district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where the municipality of Bad Bayersoien was severely hit by a hailstorm. As a result, many people are now facing high repair costs. For all these, the Bavarian State Ministry of Finance and Community has now promised relief. Important: The cash injection should be made quickly and unbureaucratically. But who can hope for the money?
Tax relief in Bavaria: These requirements must be met
As the wage tax assistance Munich explains in a message, the damage must be recognized by the tax office as an extraordinary burden. This means that the material objects must be existentially necessary goods. These include, for example, residential buildings, furniture, household goods and clothing. Necessary benefits in connection with the storm can also be claimed: such as costs for experts, disposal and loan interest for replacement if the insurance company does not cover the damage. Luxury goods, such as jewelry or paintings, will not be reimbursed. Cars, garages, cellars and terraces, gardens and holiday homes are also considered dispensable and are not included in the tax consideration.
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What to do in the event of damage? What those affected should know
First of all, the person concerned should contact his insurance company, advises the income tax assistance Munich. Natural hazards, homeowners and household contents insurance can already reimburse many costs. These include damage repair, restoration or procurement and also follow-up costs, for example if you had to temporarily move into a hotel as a result of the storm.
Those affected by the storm can apply for tax relief in Bavaria. © Imago
If there is no insurance cover or the insurance company only partially reimburses the damage, storm victims can include part of the costs in their tax return if they meet certain criteria. For example, those affected always have to bear a part themselves in the event of extraordinary stress. This is based on the sum of income, marital status and the number of children in the household. Only what exceeds this amount can be deducted from tax as an extraordinary burden. The following applies: Repairs must begin within a period of three years after the date of damage. If the deadline is exceeded, no tax bonus is possible, according to Lohnsteuerhilfe Bayern.
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Whoever repairs the damage is also looking for craftsmen. Here, however, those affected should pay close attention to who they turn to, advises senior master and guild spokesman Michael Voigt from Friedberg (Augsburg district).
What is meant by tax relief?
The measures with which the tax office can help those affected include the deferral of taxes, the reduction of advance tax payments and the postponement of enforcement measures. Special depreciation is also conceivable. Private households that are threatened with an existential emergency as a result of the storms can also apply for financial help through hardship funds at the responsible district office.
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