Overview
- From January 2026, a higher contribution assessment ceiling will increase statutory health insurance deductions for pay above roughly €5,500 gross per month, according to the Bund der Steuerzahler.
- Illustrative examples suggest net losses of up to €41.80 per month (about €502 annually) for very high earners, with a two‑child household on €6,000 gross losing about €16.80 monthly.
- Lower‑ and middle‑income workers are projected to see small gains from increases to the basic tax allowance and child benefit, with cited cases showing roughly €2.30 to €5 more per month.
- The federal cabinet has adopted the 2026 social insurance reference values, including higher contribution ceilings and a new €603 monthly Minijob limit starting in January.
- Bund der Steuerzahler president Reiner Holznagel faults the government for delaying income‑tax reform and calls for compensating measures by 2026.