(2024) What is the allowance for voluntary service?

The voluntary work allowance allows you to receive income from a part-time role in the charitable, benevolent, or religious sector tax-free up to an amount of 840 Euro per year (§ 3 No. 26a EStG). This tax relief is aimed at individuals who volunteer in charitable associations, organisations, or public institutions.

Conditions for the voluntary work allowance

The following conditions must be met to claim the voluntary work allowance:

• Part-time role: The voluntary work must not exceed one-third of the working hours of a comparable full-time job.
• Charitable, benevolent, or religious purposes: The work must promote these purposes.
• No double funding: No other tax exemption, such as under § 3 No. 12 EStG (expense allowances), may have been claimed for the income.

Distinction from the trainer allowance

The voluntary work allowance only applies if the trainer allowance (§ 3 No. 26 EStG) is not used. The trainer allowance is up to 3.000 Euro per year and applies to activities in the educational or care sector, such as trainers or educators. The voluntary work allowance, on the other hand, applies to organisational activities, such as in administration or logistics.

Work-related expenses in connection with the voluntary work allowance

Work-related expenses incurred in connection with voluntary work can only be deducted for tax purposes if they exceed the voluntary work allowance of 840 Euro. This means that only the exceeding amount can be claimed as work-related expenses.

Voluntary work allowance at vaccination and test centres

From 2020 to 2023, voluntary helpers at vaccination and test centres could benefit from tax relief. For those involved in the administration and organisation of these centres, the voluntary work allowance of 840 Euro per year applies. Individuals directly involved in carrying out vaccinations or tests (e.g. through information or testing) can claim the trainer allowance of up to 3.000 Euro per year.

Tax applicability of the voluntary work allowance

The tax exemption through the voluntary work allowance is only possible for activities in charitable institutions or with public employers such as states or municipalities. It does not apply to activities in private organisations such as medical practices or private test centres.

Legal ruling: Charitable status and legal entities under public law

According to a ruling by the Federal Fiscal Court on 8 May 2024 (BFH, VIII R 9/21), the activity for the voluntary work allowance must only serve charitable, benevolent, or religious purposes if it is carried out in a tax-privileged organisation or a charitable association. If the activity is carried out at a legal entity under public law (e.g. city administration), this is sufficient to claim the voluntary work allowance.