A Never-Ending Source of Revenue

Introduction

The dog ownership tax in Germany is considered one of the stable and reliable sources of income for cities and municipalities. Revenues from this tax have been rising steadily year after year. According to the Federal Statistical Office, income generated from this tax has increased significantly in recent years, strengthening its role as an important source of funding for local public services.

Dog tax revenues reach new highs

According to data published by the Federal Statistical Office, dog tax revenues in Germany amounted to around 331 million euros in the first nine months of 2020. This represents an increase of 2.5% compared to the same period in the previous year. This continuous rise shows that the dog tax, which is levied on dog owners, is playing an increasingly important role in the budgets of cities and municipalities.

In 2019, revenues from the dog tax reached 370 million euros, up by 3% compared with the previous year. This reflects an upward trend that has continued over the past years. In fact, revenues from this tax have risen by about 50% compared with more than ten years ago, underlining the growing importance of this type of tax for the local economy.

How the tax is calculated

The amount of dog tax varies from one municipality to another in Germany. Each local authority sets its own tax rate, based on several factors, such as the number of dogs owned by a person and, in some cases, the breed. In the German capital Berlin, for example, the annual dog tax is 120 euros per dog. This tax is levied on every dog owned, regardless of its size or breed.

Why are revenues increasing?

The increase in dog tax revenues does not necessarily mean that the number of dogs has grown at the same rate. It is also due to adjustments made by municipalities to the tax rates themselves, especially in light of the growing popularity of dog ownership during the coronavirus pandemic. The rising number of people who chose to keep pets during this exceptional period has likewise contributed to a noticeable increase in tax income.

Conclusion

Dog tax revenues in Germany continue to rise steadily, making the tax an important and reliable part of local budgets. With dog ownership remaining popular, it is likely that these revenues will continue to grow in the coming years.

*The editorial team and authors of our website strive to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may be incomplete or not fully verified. Therefore, the information contained in this article should be regarded as an initial point of reference. For binding and up-to-date information, always contact the competent authorities and professional services.