Pension and church tax: you need to know that

As a rule, pensioners do not have to pay church tax. However, there are exceptions. We have summarized what you need to know about it.

Pension and church tax

Church taxes promote the individual's religious community depending on the economic performance of the individual. The church tax is therefore calculated based on the amount of income. Pensioners, on the other hand, are basically not paid.

• Retirees who are retired therefore generally do not pay church taxes.
• This does not apply to pensioners who pay income tax. Because these pensioners earn income in addition to your pension. So you have a salary that is taxable.
• This includes not only salaries that pensioners receive from employment, but also income that comes from interest or rentals.
• In this case, based on the income tax, a church tax is due.

What else you need to know

The amount of the pension depends on the respective legal requirements of the federal states and the respective diocese or parish. In addition to church tax, there is also the term church allowance.

• Church money is a way for congregations to receive money from those who do not pay church tax. For example, by pensioners.
• The amount is decided annually by the respective church council. The amount is based on the financial situation. It supports special projects of the Church.
• The church money is not collected by the state.

In our next practical tip you will read all information about leaving the church.

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