January 2024: What Will Change in Germany and Berlin
Hey IWBies! As we start a new year, Germany and Berlin are ready for a few changes that will impact some aspects of our lives, from personal finances to daily conveniences. Here's a roundup of what to expect come this January 2024 - share this list with friends and family!
1. BVG and S-Bahn Ticket Fare Changes:
Prepare for fare adjustments in public transportation: The single ticket AB for Berlin will now cost €3.50, marking a 30-cent increase. Short distance fares in Berlin will rise from €2.20 to €2.40. Meanwhile, the single ticket for the Berlin ABC area will increase to €4.40. Additionally, the 4-journey card Berlin AB will now cost €10.80, averaging €2.70 per trip.
2. E-prescriptions:
Visiting the doctor? Germany introduces e-prescriptions, enhancing healthcare efficiency. You'll receive a digital prescription, accessible via a dedicated app displaying a QR code, a paper printout with the same code, or directly through your health insurance card at pharmacies. This shift aims to streamline medication dispensing, reduce paperwork, and improve prescription accuracy and patient safety.
3. VAT in Gastronomy:
Eating out in Germany is set to become more expensive as the VAT rate in the gastronomy sector returns to 19% from the temporary 7%. This increase, reversing a measure initially implemented to ease pandemic and energy crisis burdens, means your restaurant bills will likely see a noticeable rise. The adjustment reflects a shift back to pre-crisis taxation levels, impacting everything from your morning coffee to your favorite dinner spot.
4. Railway Strikes:
On January 8th, Germany may face railway disruptions due to potential strikes by the train drivers' union GDL. Commuters should prepare for possible delays and altered schedules. Keep an eye on updates to navigate any potential interruptions.
5. Minimum Wage Hike:
Workers will see a bump in the minimum wage from €12 to €12.41 per hour. This adjustment also means the monthly salary limit for mini-jobbers will increase, turning a €520 job into a €538 job.
6. Work Equipment Tax Deductions:
If you're buying equipment for work, things just got easier. You can now fully deduct items worth up to €1,000 net (or €1,190 with VAT) in one go, up from the previous €800 limit.
7. Heater Regulations:
In a push for greener living, new buildings in new construction areas must install heaters based on 65% renewable energies starting in January.
8. Basic Allowance:
In a move that will benefit everyone, the basic tax-free allowance is set to increase from €10,908 to €11,604 annually. This means the tax office will only consider the portion of your income that exceeds this new threshold, potentially reducing your tax burden.
9. Citizen's Allowance:
Big changes are coming to social welfare with the standard requirement for adult singles increasing from €502 to €563. Couples will see their support rise to €506 each, and children will also benefit from increases depending on their age group.
10. Parental Allowance:
The income limit determining eligibility for parental allowance is dropping significantly. For couples, the new cap is €175,000 per year, and for single parents, it's €150,000. This change aims to target support more effectively to those in need.
11. Children's Sick Days Entitlement:
Parents will now have 15 working days per year (30 for single parents) to care for a sick child under 12, with a doctor's note required only from the fourth day of absence.
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