Inheritance and gift taxes

How we can help:

German inheritance tax rate ranges from 7% to 50%, depending on the: (1) degree of kinship between the heir and decedent, and (2) size of the inheritance share. In principle, the area of inheritance and gift tax is complex, but offers a great deal of scope for optimized structuring, especially if planning is made during the lifetime of the deceased. The tax office should be notified as soon as possible after receiving an inheritance or gift of high value (money, apartment, house, etc.

Who gets how much under German Intestacy Rules?

1. Married couple with child/children: The general rule is that in most cases, half of the deceased’s estate goes to the surviving spouse, the other half goes to the child of the deceased .

2. Married couple and no children: Here, in most cases, the surviving spouse receives 3/4 of the deceased’s estate, the rest goes to the parents or (if they have predeceased) the sibling(s)

3. Not married: Everything goes to the child (or children). If there are no children, then everything goes to the parents of the deceased. If they have already passed away: the siblings of the deceased.