Part of the topic: 💶 Taxes & salary
German inheritance & gift tax calculator
Choose the relationship, whether it is an inheritance or a gift, and the value. The calculator applies the allowances (§§ 16, 17 ErbStG), the tax class and the rates of § 19 ErbStG – including the hardship relief just above a bracket limit.
Voluntary support · Thank-you gift: our checklist PDF · Secure checkout via Digistore24 (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, card)
🔒 Runs entirely in your browser – nothing you enter is uploaded or stored.
How to use it
- Choose inheritance or gift and your relationship to the deceased or donor.
- Enter the value of the assets (after debts).
- Read tax class, allowances and the tax – with the effective rate.
Last checked: October 2026 · Based on: §§ 15, 16, 19 Inheritance Tax Act (ErbStG). Found a mistake? Use the form below – we fix confirmed errors and update the date.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I inherit tax-free in Germany?
Spouses €500,000 (plus up to €256,000 pension allowance), children €400,000, grandchildren €200,000, parents and grandparents (inheritance) €100,000, all others €20,000.
Are gifts and inheritances taxed the same way?
Mostly yes – same allowances and rates. Differences: parents fall into tax class II for gifts, and the pension allowance only applies to inheritances. Allowances renew every 10 years.
What is the hardship relief?
Just above a bracket limit the higher rate would apply to the whole amount. § 19 (3) ErbStG limits the extra tax to half (rates up to 30%) or three quarters (above 30%) of the amount above the limit.