Comparison test: Tax savings

The list of tax benefits is comparatively long for 2010. Although, taken alone, many of the newly adopted measures seem marginal, a total of a few hundred euros will come together – if you know where to start. Here it is primarily the task of the control programs to take the changes into account and, if necessary, to point out the appropriate innovations to the user. Among the most important amendments adopted for 2010 are


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In another large project, the promised tax relief, however, the federal government is still taking the place. Here the citizens are still waiting. Nevertheless, it has not become more complicated in 2010. Thus, nothing has changed significantly in the forms and calculation procedures. In some areas, even small progress can be seen. In particular, the recently introduced tax identification number is starting to slow down.


Facelifting for the control software


Some providers of Riester annuity contracts now report the required data directly to the tax office so that the AV system for old-age provision is no longer to be completed in all cases. 2011 will definitely be the last curtain for the payroll.


From the point of view of the control software manufacturers, 2010 is a grateful year: New vacancies and limits are not too difficult to implement and the interventions in the computing routines are limited. This is a good opportunity to continue to use the user guide.


The best courage was brought by market leader Buhl Data: The good old "WISO Sparbuch" was renamed to "WISO Steuer-Sparbuch 2011" and was given the occasion a proper Facelifting missed. With the navigation, the software is now ready for Office 2010.


In the tax-savings-declaration of the Academic Working Community, beginners benefit from the new introduction. Here, important functions are explained comprehensively by video. In addition, taxpayers can use their tips for the fiscal year 2011 on their future tax strategy.


Guide: Basic equipment for Windows


However, there is little news to be reported by Lexware: the two tax programs "Taxman 2011" and "QuickSteuer Deluxe 2011" will go unchanged, unlike tax changes.


One of the biggest advantages of the tax savings program is the convenient tax return via the electronic tax declaration (ELSTER). In the meantime, more than eight million taxpayers use the (almost) paperless tax declaration via the Internet.


Before the first start of the control software, all program updates should be imported, because many details on the control changes are often only at the last minute. Anyone who draws up his tax return without a consultant will have to wait until the end of May or a request to extend the period.


The maximum amount for other pension expenses - including liability and unemployment insurance - increases for employees from 1,500 euros to 1,900 euros and for self-employed persons from 2,400 euros to 2,800 euros. In addition, 70 per cent of old-age provision is deductible for tax purposes, the basic amount for single persons increases from 7.834 euros to 8.004 euros, for jointly assessed marriages from 15.669 euros to 16.009 euros Does not provide any other place of work, as is the case, up to an amount of EUR 13,805, which can be paid to dependent spouses or divorced spouses. The upper limit for payments to dependents or employees increases from 7.680 Euros to 8.004 Euros so far. Here as well, benefits for health and long-term care insurance can also be provided