How is the sacrifice limit calculated?

The sacrifice limit determines how much of your financial support to needy individuals (e.g. parents) is recognised for tax purposes. It ensures that you are not excessively burdened by the support. The sacrifice limit caps the amount you can deduct to a portion of your net income.

Net income includes all taxable and tax-free income (e.g. wages, child benefit, unemployment benefit), minus taxes (income tax, church tax), social contributions, solidarity surcharge, and the employee allowance or actual work-related expenses.

Calculation of the sacrifice limit:

• 1% for every full 500 Euro of net income.
• A maximum of 50% of net income is recognised as the sacrifice limit.
• The percentage is reduced by 5 percentage points per child for whom you receive child benefit, and by 5 percentage points for your spouse. Overall, the sacrifice limit can be reduced by a maximum of 25%.

Example calculation:

• Annual net income: 24.000 Euro
• 1% for every full 500 Euro: 48%
• Deductions: Spouse (-5%), 2 children (-10%)
• Remaining: 33%
• Sacrifice limit: 33% of 24.000 Euro = 7.920 Euro

Of the 9.000 Euro you use to support your parents, only 7.920 Euro are recognised for tax purposes. The maximum amount for maintenance payments in 2025 is 12.096 Euro, plus any contributions to health and nursing care insurance for the recipient that you may have covered.