Overview

• Berlin’s Finanzverwaltung disclosed €886 million in tax arrears as of June, with liabilities ranging from VAT and income tax to inheritance and dog levies.
• More than €511 million of the outstanding debts are under active enforcement, but administrative delays raise concerns over timely revenue collection.
• Citywide vacancies in Berlin’s tax offices total 484 positions, including 97 unfilled roles at the Berlin International unit handling foreign-based businesses.
• SPD finance expert Sebastian Schlüsselburg secured the arrears figures through a parliamentary inquiry and is demanding immediate staffing boosts in high-pressure specialist units.
• Lawmakers are urging Finance Senator Stefan Evers to present a cohesive cross-office strategy and accelerate digitalisation to bolster tax administration efficiency.