Freelancing on weekends? Selling on eBay? Renting out a room? Find out exactly how much German tax you owe on extra income.
Updated 13 August 2026
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If side income from §22 sources (occasional) stays under €256/year, it is fully exempt. But above €256, the FULL amount is taxable — not just the excess. This is different from most other allowances.
IT consultants, engineers, doctors, lawyers, architects = Freiberufler (§18) — no Gewerbesteuer. Traders, dropshippers, most business types = Gewerbe (§15) — Gewerbesteuer applies above €24,500 profit.
If you are tax-resident in Germany, your worldwide income — including Indian rental income — must be declared in your Steuererklärung under Anlage AUS. DTAA applies, so Indian tax paid is credited.
If your total side business turnover is under €22,000/year, you can elect to not charge VAT (Kleinunternehmer). This simplifies accounting significantly for new freelancers.
