Calculate the German Progression Clause 2026

How tax-free wage replacements (ALG, parental allowance, sick pay) raise the tax rate on your remaining income — §32b EStG.

Unemployment benefit (ALG I) + parental allowance (Elterngeld) + sick pay + short-time work allowance + insolvency benefit + similar tax-free benefits

Tax Assessment
Extra Tax Burden
€1,230
Effective Tax Rate
21.81 %
Fictitious Rate (used for progression)
21.81 %
Average Rate without Progression
18.74 %

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Calculation under §32b EStG

PositionAmount
Taxable Income€40,000
Wage Replacement (tax-free)€10,000
Sum (fictitious tax base)€50,000
Fictitious Tax on Sum€10,907
Fictitious Tax Rate21.81 %
Tax without Progression Clause€7,495
Tax with Progression Clause€8,725
Extra Tax Burden€1,230
Effective Rate on Taxable Income21.81 %
Note: Calculation under §32b EStG (2026 tariff, basic allowance €12,096). Wage replacements are themselves tax-free (§3 No. 2 EStG) but raise the tax rate on remaining income. Actual amounts may vary depending on individual assessment.

Background

Progression Clause Germany 2026: How §32b EStG, ALG and Parental Allowance Affect Your Tax

11 Min.