Disclaimer: This is not financial advice, all information is provided without warranty!
Introduction
Investments in ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) are highly popular among investors due to their diversification, low costs, and ease of use. There are two main types of ETFs: distributing ETFs, which pay income directly to investors, and accumulating ETFs, which automatically reinvest income. However, the taxation of these earnings can be complex, particularly due to the partial exemption and the pre-tax lump sum. This article explains how partial exemption works and how accumulating ETFs are taxed in Germany.
What is Partial Exemption?
Partial exemption is a tax advantage in Germany that applies to certain capital income in order to reduce double taxation. For equity ETFs that predominantly invest in stocks, 30% of the income is tax-free. This means that only 70% of the income is taxable. This rule applies regardless of whether the income is distributed or reinvested.
Example Calculation for a Distributing Equity ETF
Let’s assume a dividend of 200 euros is received from a distributing equity ETF. Here’s how partial exemption and taxation work:
- Calculation of the taxable portion:
- Dividend: 200 euros
- Partial exemption: 30% (60 euros)
- Taxable portion: 70% of 200 euros = 140 euros
- Tax calculation:
- Without church tax, the total tax liability is:
- 35 euros + 1.93 euros = 36.93 euros
- Net dividend after tax:
- Gross dividend: 200 euros
- Tax deducted: 36.93 euros
- Net dividend: 163.07 euros
The Pre-Tax Lump Sum (Vorabpauschale)
In accumulating ETFs, the income is not distributed but reinvested. Nevertheless, this income is subject to taxation. To ensure that taxes are regularly collected even for accumulating funds, the pre-tax lump sum (Vorabpauschale) was introduced.
How does the Pre-Tax Lump Sum work?
The pre-tax lump sum is a fictional income calculation that ensures the state receives regular tax payments. It is based on the value of the fund share at the beginning of the year and an interest rate set by the Federal Ministry of Finance.
Calculation of the Pre-Tax Lump Sum:
- Base value: Value of the fund share at the beginning of the year (e.g., 10,000 euros)
- Reference interest rate: A fixed interest rate (e.g., 1%)
- Pre-tax lump sum: Base value * reference interest rate (10,000 euros * 1% = 100 euros)
The pre-tax lump sum is limited to the actual increase in the fund’s value. If the value increase is lower, only this amount is taxed.
Taxation of the Pre-Tax Lump Sum:
- Partial exemption: 30% of the pre-tax lump sum is tax-free.
- Taxable portion: 70% of the pre-tax lump sum (70 euros)
- Capital gains tax (Abgeltungsteuer): 25% of 70 euros = 17.50 euros
- Solidarity surcharge (Solidaritätszuschlag): 5.5% of 17.50 euros = 0.96 euros
- Total tax liability: 17.50 euros + 0.96 euros = 18.46 euros
Practical Implications
Although the income from accumulating ETFs is reinvested, investors must pay tax on the reinvested income each year. This can be considered as a pre-payment of taxes on the potential income from the fund. At the end of the year, the investor receives a tax certificate showing the reinvested and taxable income.
Where can you find the Reference Interest Rate?
The reference interest rate is set annually by the Federal Ministry of Finance and published. This information can be found in the relevant official letters (BMF-Schreiben), which are typically available on the website of the Federal Ministry of Finance. Tax advisors and financial institutions also provide information about the current reference interest rate.
Conclusion
Partial exemption and the pre-tax lump sum are important concepts for the taxation of ETFs in Germany. Partial exemption reduces taxable income by 30%, which lowers the tax burden. For accumulating ETFs, the pre-tax lump sum ensures that even non-distributed income is taxed regularly. As an investor, it is important to understand these regulations to accurately assess the tax impact of your investments and optimize the tax advantages.