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Germany vs France
Tax Rate Comparison

Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.

πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ Germany
vs
πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France
Tax Year:

πŸ’° Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country β€” side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison β†’
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
Top Income Tax Rate
14–45%
Basic allowance ~€12,336; bracket creep relief
No change
0–45%
Surcharges normalized; inflation adjustment
No change
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
7–19%
Standard 19% unchanged
No change
5.5–20%
Standard 20% maintained
No change
Corporate Tax Rate
Corporate Tax Rate
~29%
Coalition discussions on lowering to 25% ongoing
β–Ό -0.5pp vs 2025
25%
Large company surcharge expired; flat 25%
No change
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax
25%
Investment income reform proposals under review
No change
30%
PFU at 30% maintained
No change
Social Security & Payroll
Social Security / Payroll
~41.5%
Health insurance rising; pension base up
β–² +0.5pp vs 2025
~45%
Contribution rates stable; healthcare costs rising
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ Germany β€” Trade Tax (Gewerbesteuer) & Church Tax

Germany's 16 BundeslΓ€nder apply federal income tax rates uniformly β€” no state income tax variation. Municipalities levy Gewerbesteuer (trade tax) on business profits at ~7–17% effective. Church tax (Kirchensteuer) of 8–9% of income tax applies to registered members. The solidarity surcharge (Soli) now only applies to the top ~10% of earners.

πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France β€” Local & Regional Contributions

France's 18 regions and 96 metropolitan departments do not set income tax but levy business taxes (CFE; CVAE abolished 2024). Taxe foncière (property tax) is set by communes and has risen sharply. Taxe d'habitation was abolished for primary residences. Employers pay apprenticeship tax (0.68%) and professional training levies.

⚠️ Disclaimer: Rates shown are standard top/headline rates for informational purposes. Actual tax liability depends on income level, residency, deductions, and tax treaties. 2025–2026 data reflects announced or enacted rates and may be subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

Germany vs France: Key Tax Differences (2026)

πŸ’° Income Tax: Germany and France have similar top income tax rates (14–45% vs 0–45%).

πŸ›’ VAT/Sales Tax: France has a higher consumption tax (7–19% vs 5.5–20%).

🏒 Corporate Tax: πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France offers a lower corporate rate (25% vs 29%), which can influence business location decisions.

πŸ“ˆ Capital Gains: πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ Germany taxes investment gains at a lower rate (25% vs 30%), benefiting investors.

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