[Germany] 6 changes affecting expats this month

Tax deadlines, clock changes and car insurance switches; November has begun and there are a few key changes that expatriates in Germany should familiarise themselves with. I Am Expat reports six important changes and reminders.

1. New and tougher penalties for driving offences

From November 10, 2021, a new bill comes into effect in the country, intended to crack down on bad driving by imposing tougher penalties on a range of offences, including speeding and illegal parking. The increased fines include:

* Up to 55 euros for parking in no-parking zones

* 70 euros for exceeding the speed limit by 16-20 kilometres per hour in built-up areas

* 55 euros for parking illegally in a disabled space

* 100 euros for parking in spots that obstruct emergency services

* 55 euros for parking in electric car or sharing vehicle spaces

* 200-320 euros and a one-month driving ban for failing to form an emergency lane or using the lane

* 100 euros for illegally driving on pavements, cycle paths or hard shoulder areas

* 70 euros for trucks who fail to drive at a walking pace when turning right in built-up areas 

2. No wage compensation for unvaccinated people 

This regulation has been gradually introduced across Germany, but from November 1 it came into force nationwide: unvaccinated people will not be entitled to compensation if they lose salary after being ordered into self-isolation. They will, however, continue to receive compensation if they become ill and are unable to work. 

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated people will not qualify for wage compensation if they make an “avoidable trip” to a coronavirus risk area - a country with a high infection rate - and have to quarantine upon their return.  

3. Final deadline for tax returns

Technically, the deadline for submitting an annual tax return in Germany falls on October 31 in 2021 (following a three-month extension granted by the government to allow people to get their affairs in order during the coronavirus pandemic). But since October 31 fell on a Sunday, the deadline to get everything to the tax office was the end of the day on Monday, November 1. 

For those living in a federal state where November 1 is a public holiday - Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland) - have until the end of today (November 2) to submit. 

The deadline for for the 2020 return of people employing a tax advisor is not until May 31, 2022. 

4. Deadline for switching car insurance

Policies for car insurance usually last for one year and - unlike other types of insurance in Germany - can be cancelled with just a month’s notice, rather than the typical three. November 30 is therefore the deadline for cancelling an existing policy in order to switch to a new provider from January 1, 2022. For anyone failing to give notice by this date, their contract will be extended for another year. 

5. Expiry of Government’s emergency pandemic powers

The German Government is moving to let its emergency pandemic powers lapse at the end of November. The special powers allowed ministers to impose sweeping restrictions without having to seek the approval of parliament, they are due to expire on November 25. The coalition parties in talks to form the next government (the SPD, Greens and FDP) want to let the powers end but are reportedly likely to keep other coronavirus measures in place until March 2022. 

6. Winter sports season begins

Skiing season is almost here! After the majority of venues were forced to remain closed during last season’s shutdown, the people of Germany will be psyched to hit the slopes. The Zugspitze - Germany’s highest peak - will be the first to welcome winter sports enthusiasts when it reopens on November 19. 

Most venues will probably operate under Germany’s 3G COVID pass rules, currently in place nationwide. Under these rules only people who can show proof that they are either vaccinated, recovered, or tested will be permitted to use indoor facilities like cable cars. Children under the age of six and pupils at primary and secondary schools will be exempt. 

Rules are subject to change from state to state, so it is essential to check local requirements before embarking on a trip. 

Tax deadlines, clock changes and car insurance switches; November has begun and there are a few key changes that expatriates in Germany should familiarise themselves with. I Am Expat reports six important changes and reminders.

1. New and tougher penalties for driving offences

From November 10, 2021, a new bill comes into effect in the country, intended to crack down on bad driving by imposing tougher penalties on a range of offences, including speeding and illegal parking. The increased fines include:

* Up to 55 euros for parking in no-parking zones

* 70 euros for exceeding the speed limit by 16-20 kilometres per hour in built-up areas

* 55 euros for parking illegally in a disabled space

* 100 euros for parking in spots that obstruct emergency services

* 55 euros for parking in electric car or sharing vehicle spaces

* 200-320 euros and a one-month driving ban for failing to form an emergency lane or using the lane

* 100 euros for illegally driving on pavements, cycle paths or hard shoulder areas

* 70 euros for trucks who fail to drive at a walking pace when turning right in built-up areas 

2. No wage compensation for unvaccinated people 

This regulation has been gradually introduced across Germany, but from November 1 it came into force nationwide: unvaccinated people will not be entitled to compensation if they lose salary after being ordered into self-isolation. They will, however, continue to receive compensation if they become ill and are unable to work. 

Both vaccinated and unvaccinated people will not qualify for wage compensation if they make an “avoidable trip” to a coronavirus risk area - a country with a high infection rate - and have to quarantine upon their return.  

3. Final deadline for tax returns

Technically, the deadline for submitting an annual tax return in Germany falls on October 31 in 2021 (following a three-month extension granted by the government to allow people to get their affairs in order during the coronavirus pandemic). But since October 31 fell on a Sunday, the deadline to get everything to the tax office was the end of the day on Monday, November 1. 

For those living in a federal state where November 1 is a public holiday - Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland) - have until the end of today (November 2) to submit. 

The deadline for for the 2020 return of people employing a tax advisor is not until May 31, 2022. 

4. Deadline for switching car insurance

Policies for car insurance usually last for one year and - unlike other types of insurance in Germany - can be cancelled with just a month’s notice, rather than the typical three. November 30 is therefore the deadline for cancelling an existing policy in order to switch to a new provider from January 1, 2022. For anyone failing to give notice by this date, their contract will be extended for another year. 

5. Expiry of Government’s emergency pandemic powers

The German Government is moving to let its emergency pandemic powers lapse at the end of November. The special powers allowed ministers to impose sweeping restrictions without having to seek the approval of parliament, they are due to expire on November 25. The coalition parties in talks to form the next government (the SPD, Greens and FDP) want to let the powers end but are reportedly likely to keep other coronavirus measures in place until March 2022. 

6. Winter sports season begins

Skiing season is almost here! After the majority of venues were forced to remain closed during last season’s shutdown, the people of Germany will be psyched to hit the slopes. The Zugspitze - Germany’s highest peak - will be the first to welcome winter sports enthusiasts when it reopens on November 19. 

Most venues will probably operate under Germany’s 3G COVID pass rules, currently in place nationwide. Under these rules only people who can show proof that they are either vaccinated, recovered, or tested will be permitted to use indoor facilities like cable cars. Children under the age of six and pupils at primary and secondary schools will be exempt. 

Rules are subject to change from state to state, so it is essential to check local requirements before embarking on a trip.