Creator Tax Calculator (Germany)
Roughly estimate how much you should set aside for tax as a creator in Germany – plus a small-business check and VAT note.
Enter your estimated annual revenue.
How much tax do creators pay in Germany?
You're taxed not on your revenue but on your profit – that is, income minus business expenses. Income tax applies to this profit and rises with it (progressive rate). A proven rule of thumb: set aside around 30% of your profit so the tax bill doesn't catch you off guard.
Small business or VAT-liable?
If your revenue stays below the small-business threshold (§19 VAT Act, currently €25,000 prior-year revenue), you can use the small-business regulation (Kleinunternehmerregelung): no VAT, simpler invoices. Above it you generally charge 19% VAT. More in the guide: the small-business regulation for creators.
Collecting receipts pays off
Every deductible expense lowers your profit – and thus your tax. Gear, software subscriptions, travel and equipment count. What matters is collecting receipts cleanly. An invoicing tool with receipt management and income-statement (EÜR) support takes care of that.
Invoices & receipts under control
Write legally compliant invoices (incl. the §19 note), capture receipts by photo and create the income statement (EÜR) for the tax office – with the Lincora invoicing tool.
View the invoicing toolFrequently asked questions
A common rule of thumb: set aside around 30% of your profit (income minus expenses) for income tax. For low profits it's less, for high ones more. The calculator gives you a rough orientation — the exact amount depends on your personal tax rate.
The small-business regulation (§19 VAT Act) generally applies if your prior-year revenue stays below a certain threshold (currently €25,000). Above it, you generally have to charge and remit VAT. Check the current status or ask your tax advisor.
No. As a small business you don't charge or remit VAT — but you also can't deduct input VAT. Your invoices then carry a note referring to §19 VAT Act.
Typical business expenses for creators: gear (camera, mic, computer), software subscriptions, a home-office share, travel, equipment, training. Important: collect receipts. An invoicing tool with receipt management helps with that.
No. The calculator only gives a rough orientation and is not tax advice. For binding figures and your individual situation, consult a tax advisor (Steuerberater).