UwagaWhich tax-class combo pays off is only a guide here. The Finanzamt settles joint assessment finally, and bigger questions belong with a tax advisor. To nie jest wiążąca informacja prawna.

GośćPodatki

Steuerklassen-Rechner

Which tax class gives you the most net as a couple - and what does the factor method really mean? The tax class calculator compares all six classes, plays through the married-couple combinations III/V, IV/IV and IV with factor, and shows which gives you the most net each month and roughly what you will pay back or get refunded at year end, including a monthly breakdown and charts.

Otwórz teraz Wszystkie narzędzia: Podatki

Wypróbuj od razu tutaj

To nie makieta - wypróbuj od razu tutaj.

Co potrafi Steuerklassen-Rechner

Your wage tax class decides how much wage tax your employer withholds each month. It does not change the actual annual tax - that is settled at the end via the income tax return - but it determines how much net you have in your account during the year. Choose the class wisely and you have more liquidity per month instead of a big refund only next year.

There are six tax classes (Section 38b EStG). Class I is for singles and permanently separated people, class II for single parents with the relief amount, classes III, IV and V for married and civil-partnered couples in various combinations, and class VI for the second and any further job. The calculator explains each class, checks eligibility and shows the respective tax burden.

For married couples it gets interesting, because here there is real freedom of choice. The III/V combination pays off when one partner earns significantly more - the higher earner takes III with a low deduction, the other V with a high one. IV/IV suits couples who earn similarly. And IV with factor (Section 39f EStG) distributes the burden so the withheld wage tax matches the actual annual tax as closely as possible - avoiding nasty back payments.

These are exactly the combinations the tool calculates side by side. You enter both partners' gross salaries, and the calculator shows for each variant the combined monthly net, the split between partners and the difference to the next-best option. A chart makes the differences visible instantly, instead of you digging through tables.

Important is the honest note the calculator provides: over the full year you pay the same tax with every combination, because the annual tax is set via joint assessment and the splitting tariff. The tax class only shifts when you get how much - and it influences wage replacement benefits like parental allowance or sick pay, which are based on net pay.

The calculator takes this effect into account. Anyone planning parental allowance can raise the relevant net by switching the caring parent into the more favourable class in good time - which can significantly increase the later parental allowance. The tool points out such planning opportunities without forcing a decision on you.

Everything computes with the current tariff values including the basic allowance. The tax class calculator is an orientation, not tax advice - the actual switch runs via ELSTER or the tax office, and for special cases your tax advisor remains the right address.

Funkcje

All 6 classes compared

From class I for singles to VI for the second job - each class with eligibility and tax burden.

Couple combinations

III/V, IV/IV and IV with factor side by side - including the split between both partners.

Factor method (§ 39f)

The factor method models how wage tax matches the annual tax as closely as possible.

Clear recommendation

The tool names the combination with the highest monthly net and the gap to the next.

Charts and monthly view

Visual bars instead of number deserts, plus a monthly view of what lands net in your account.

Parental allowance note

Points out how a timely switch affects the relevant net and thus wage replacement benefits.

Jak to działa

1
Single or as a couple
Choose whether you are checking your own class or looking for the best combination as a couple.
2
Enter gross salaries
Enter your gross salary, for couples both partners'. Optionally church tax and federal state.
3
Compare combinations
The calculator shows III/V, IV/IV and IV with factor with their combined monthly net side by side.
4
Act on the recommendation
Read the recommended combination and, if needed, apply for the switch via ELSTER or the tax office.

Dla kogo

→Newly married couples setting their tax class combination.

→Couples with unequal salaries weighing III/V against IV with factor.

→Expectant parents optimizing the relevant net before parental leave.

→Single parents checking the class II relief amount.

→Anyone with a second job wanting to understand the class VI effect.

Częste pytania

Which tax class combination is best for married couples?

It depends on the income ratio. III/V pays off when one partner earns significantly more, IV/IV for similar incomes, and IV with factor gives a fair deduction with little back payment. The calculator compares all three with your real salaries, shows the variant with the highest monthly net and tells you roughly how much you will have to pay back at year end.

Do I really save tax with the right tax class?

Over the full year, no. For married couples the actual tax is set via joint assessment and the splitting tariff and is the same for every combination. The tax class only shifts when you get how much - more monthly net now or a refund later. It also matters for wage replacement benefits.

What is the factor method?

In the factor method under Section 39f EStG both partners choose class IV but receive an individual factor below 1 that lowers the wage tax so it matches the actual annual tax as closely as possible. The advantage: a fair split without the high burden of class V and without a large back payment.

How does the tax class affect parental allowance?

Parental allowance, sick pay and unemployment benefit are based on net pay. Anyone who switches into a class with less deduction in good time before parental leave raises their relevant net and thus the later benefit. Deadlines and switching rules apply - the calculator points out this effect.

Why does the second job get tax class VI?

Tax class VI applies to the second and any further employer, because the basic allowance and allowances are already accounted for in the first class. The deduction in class VI is therefore the highest. You reclaim overpaid wage tax via the income tax return.

How do I change my tax class?

You apply for the switch at the tax office, most easily via ELSTER. Married couples can generally change the combination several times a year. The calculator does not replace tax advice - it just shows which class mathematically yields the highest monthly net, so you can make an informed decision.

Steuerklassen-Optimierer Ehepaar - optymalizacja klas podatkowych

Finde die beste Steuerklassen-Kombination für euch als Ehepaar. III/V, IV/IV oder IV mit Faktor?

Was verdiene ich wirklich?

Finde heraus, was von deinem Brutto wirklich bleibt. Mit Pendlerpauschale, Arbeitgeberanteil…

Einkommensteuer-Rechner

Berechne deine Einkommensteuer nach § 32a EStG. Grund- und Splittingtarif, Soli und Kirchenst…

Elterngeld-Rechner

Berechne dein Elterngeld nach BEEG: Basiselterngeld, ElterngeldPlus und Partnerschaftsbonus.…

Chcesz zacząć z Steuerklassen-Rechner?

Bez instalacji. Żeby zacząć, nie potrzeba konta. Otwórz prosto w przeglądarce.

Otwórz teraz