Tax relief: deducting energy costs made easy

Tax relief: deducting energy costs made easy

Rising energy costs are a financial burden for many citizens, but there are ways to deduct some of these expenses from taxes. One option is to use the home office allowance to reduce electricity and gas costs. Even if the requirements for a separate work room are not met, employees can claim six euros per day for a maximum of 210 days per year, which makes a total of 1,260 euros per year. If you reach this amount, you have already exceeded the employee flat rate, from which the tax burden decreases. However, it is advisable to provide evidence that the specified days were actually spent in the home office.

Alternatively, if the conditions for a study are met, you can deduct the entire additional costs of the room from your taxes. The deductibility is proportional to the entire living space, which means that, for example, 15 percent of the rent, electricity and heating costs can be deducted from taxes if the study makes up 15 percent of the entire living space. In any case, it is advisable to ensure compliance with tax regulations and, if necessary, to have employer certificates ready as proof of the time spent in the home office.