This will change in July

*Pensions are rising again significantly - more money is available for Bundestag deputies, the cable television co-payment privilege is abolished, and tax declarations may still have to wait a little longer. This and other things await you in the new month.

Black box for new registered cars

As of July 7, 2024, a so-called Event Data Recorder (EDR) must be installed in all corresponding cars, trailers, and buses. The device records permanent important travel data, such as location, speed, and time. Only data taken shortly before and after an accident are permanently stored, as they could provide clues to the cause of the accident.

Gas storage level is rising

The gas storage level, which makes up a small part of the natural gas price, is rising to €2.50 per Megawatt-hour as of July 1. For a household with four people and an annual consumption of around 20,000 Kilowatt-hours, this results in additional costs of approximately €20 per year. Introduced to meet the Bund's gas crisis storage capacity requirements, this was filled through special tenders, which resulted in additional costs.

Fixed lids for plastic bottles are mandatory

As of July 3, single-use packaging, which is made entirely or partially of plastic - such as juice or milk cartons or disposable PET bottles with a volume of up to three liters, must be fitted with a fixed lid ("tethered caps"). This makes it easier to collect and recycle all parts of the bottle. By doing so, it is intended to prevent loose lids from ending up in rivers, forests, or on beaches and polluting the environment and endangering animals.

Higher exemption limits

As of July 1, new exemption limits apply to net income. These ensure that indebted individuals with employment income receive a minimum existence. The federal government has increased the amounts in the so-called exemption table. Accordingly, a single person's monthly income up to €1,491.75 is exempt. Previously, the limit was €1,402.28.

Federal flag with eagle may still be hoisted

During the Football European Championship (until July 14), it is still permitted for private individuals to hoist the German flag with eagle. This is an expression of national affiliation. Normally, this may only be hoisted by federal institutions. Penalties of up to €1,000 apply for infringements outside the Football European Championship.

Summer holidays in all federal states

For millions of students, the school year is nearing its end. Students in Saxony and Thuringia are already on summer holidays. In Berlin, summer holidays begin on July 18. Bavaria starts summer holidays on July 29. All students in Germany will then be on holiday until August 2.

Here's an overview of the summer holidays 2024*

Baden-Württemberg: 25. July - 7. September* Bavaria: 29. July - 9. September* Berlin: 18. July - 30. August* Brandenburg: 18. July - 31. August* Bremen: 24. June - 2. August* Hamburg: 18. July - 28. August* Hesse: 15. July - 23. August* Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: 22. July - 31. August* Lower Saxony: 24. June - 2. August* North Rhine-Westphalia: 8. July - 20. August* Rhineland-Palatinate: 15. July - 18. August* Saarland: 15. July - 18. August* Saxony: 20. June - 2. August* Saxony-Anhalt: 24. June - 3. August* Schleswig-Holstein: 22. July - 31. August* Thuringia: 20. June - 31. July

Toll collection duty for smaller transporters

As of 1st July, toll collection duty also applies to smaller transporters with more than 3.5 tonnes of weight. Consequently, Lkw with corresponding weight in freight transport will be subject to a CO2 surcharge of 200 Euro per tonne of CO2 emission at the toll fee. Previously, the limit was 7.5 tonnes. Handicraft vehicles and also caravans are excluded from this regulation.

Abolition of the cost privilege for cable television

Some tenants may have already stumbled upon the fact that the landlord can invoice them a cable TV connection - even if unused - in full.

But the end is near for this, as the so-called cost privilege for cable television will finally expire on 1st July. Consequently, landlords may no longer charge the cable television fees as ancillary costs to their tenants. However, tenants can still watch TV via cable.

The corresponding law has actually been in effect since the end of 2021 for new rental agreements. However, for existing agreements, there is still a transitional period until 1st July 2024. From then on, all tenants will be free to choose their TV reception. If, for example, a tenant wants to watch TV in the future neither via cable TV nor via the internet, satellite or antenna, then the landlord will bear the costs for the cable connection in the future.

Pension increases significantly again

The approximately 21 million pensioners in the country will receive a significant pension increase for the third year in a row. The pension benefits increase by 4.57 percent as of 1st July - the first time that pension increases in East and West are equal. Therefore, the current pension value in East and West Germany is uniformly 39.32 Euro. The pension value is significant for pension calculation. Consequently, more pensioners will be obliged to submit a tax declaration.

Parliamentary allowances also increase

There is good news for the parliamentarians in the Bundestag. For the 734 deputies, allowances increase significantly in the new month to then 11,227.20 Euro per month. The so-called monthly allowance is adjusted annually on 1st July.

Tax declaration will still not be waived

As in previous years, the tax declaration must be submitted exceptionally later to the tax office. Namely, until 31st August 2024. However, since this is a Saturday, the declaration must therefore be submitted to the tax office no earlier than 2nd September.

Normally, tax payers should submit their tax declaration latest by July 31, 2024. Due to the aftermath of the Corona-Pandemic and presumably also due to accumulated property tax declarations or objections against the corresponding notices, the deadline is being postponed by a month.

A longer period applies if a tax advisor or a tax relief association helps. In this case, the cut-off date is May 31, 2025. Since this is also a Saturday, the declaration must be in the box by June 2, 2025.

From the new month, the regulations for growing Cannabis in growing associations, the so-called Social-Clubs, come into force. Adults are then allowed to join specifically founded clubs and cultivate Cannabis collectively for their own needs. However, the harvested Cannabis can only be given to members in limited quantities and not sold. Social-Clubs are limited to a maximum of 500 members and require official authorization. Consumption of Cannabis is also prohibited within the club premises and within a radius of 100 meters.

Environmental protection advocates press for stricter regulations in the car industry, calling for a decrease in emissions and an increase in fuel efficiency.
Consumers express concern about the impact of inflated car prices on their budgets, prompting employers to consider offering compensation.
Lawmakers in the German Bundestag debate the implementation of more stringent consumer protection laws, particularly in relation to car sales.
Real estate investors explore new opportunities in the European market, driven by favorable economic conditions and attractive return on investment.
An advisor suggests that German businesses invest in sustainable energy solutions, citing potential savings on electricity costs and increased consumer appeal.
Germany contributes to EU-wide environmental initiatives, focusing on reducing plastic waste and promoting renewable energy sources.
Tenants demand better consumer protection when it comes to utility costs, such as heating and electricity, within their apartment rentals.
The EU considers introducing new taxes on cannabis sales to fund addiction prevention programs and public health initiatives.
Politicians debate the impact of their diets on the environment, exploring options for reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based protein sources.
Schools teach children about environmental conservation and advocate for responsible waste management practices, such as recycling and composting.
The German Pension Insurance approves pension increases for eligible retirees, providing more financial cushion for pensioners.
Employees demand improvements in pension plans, advocating for more generous employer contributions and better investment options.
Pensioners plan their vacations during the European Football Championship 2024, booking accommodations and coordinating their journeys to avoid high gas prices.
The tax office warns against tax evasion related to private debts, promising to scrutinize individual tax returns and enforce penalties as needed.
Car manufacturers face criticism for their role in contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and agree to pay a gas levy to fund mitigation efforts.
Landlords must comply with new laws regarding gas storage in their apartment buildings, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and avoiding fines.
European Championships organizers plan public viewing events across the continent, aiming to minimize plastic waste and promote sustainability.
The EU considers enacting policies to support energy-efficient appliances, reducing households' reliance on natural gas and supporting renewable energy sources.