Property tax: definition & explanation

The property tax is not to be confused with the land transfer tax. While the real estate transfer tax is only due once when a property or land is purchased, the property tax is levied four times a year. There is a distinction between property tax “A” and property tax “B”. While property tax “A” is levied on real estate and land for agricultural and forestry use, property tax “B” applies to other developed land and buildings. Thus, yield real estate and investment real estate fall into group “B”.

• Land tax “A” for land for agricultural and forestry use
• Real estate tax “B” for other developed and developable land plots

Calculation of property tax: important factors

There are several factors that influence the amount of property tax. These include the assessed value of the property, the individual levy rate, the state, as well as the type of property.

Here at a glance:

• Collection according to real estate value (assessed value), taxed property
• Municipality (individual assessment rate)
• State (old or new states)
• Type of real estate (house, duplex, apartment, other)

Let’s now take a closer look at this.

Unit value: value of the real estate

The standard value is the value of the real estate or the value of the property. Here is a short example calculation:

• Determined unit value: 100,000
• X Property tax rate: 0.35%
• X Municipal assessment rate (B): 470%.
• = Real estate tax rate

So, you need to know 1) the value of your property (assessed value), 2) the property tax rate for your property type, and 3) the municipal assessment rate (B).

Levy rate & property tax code: location and property type

The levy rate is an individually determined figure set by the city or municipality. It is multiplied by the assessed value of your property. The same applies to the property tax code. This depends on the federal state and the type of property.

You can find the exact property tax figures by state here: Property tax for real estate

For example, the property tax figure in Hamburg differs from the property tax figure in Berlin.

Example: Apartment for 100,000 euros

Let’s look at a quick example to finish:

• Determined unit value: 100,000
• Property tax rate: 0,35% = 350 Euro
• Municipal assessment rate (B): 470% = 1,645 euros
• = 1,645 Euro or in the quarter 411.25 Euro (basic tax rate)

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Firewood storage at a glance: Security for your property

• Correct, fire-protected place for the storage of firewood
• Correct storage is regularly checked by a chimney sweep

Storage tips

If you have found a suitable storage place for your firewood, then you should still consider a few things. The firewood should always have a sufficient air supply and be protected from moisture. Make sure that the firewood has had a reasonable drying time when it is burned. Depending on the moisture content of the wood, this drying time can vary. As a general rule, hardwood requires a longer drying time than soft wood.

• Firewood needs sufficient air supply
• Should be protected from moisture
• Adequate drying time before combustion
• Hardwood needs longer drying time than soft wood

Heating with fireplace & stove fireplace?

A fireplace provides relaxation, a sense of well-being and warmth. That’s why it’s not surprising that fireplaces and other stoves are at the top of the wish list of homeowners. Especially on cold days, there is nothing better than snuggling up in front of a crackling fireplace bursting with warmth and enjoying the time. There are many different types of fireplaces. From open and closed to tiled or pellet stoves that all have advantages and disadvantages.

• Fireplace & stove fireplace

Firewood storage do it yourself & cheap

Firewood from the forest?! Tips

Crushing, stacking and storage

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Chimney sweep overview

• Controlled fire protection
• Controls heating and combustion systems
• Regulation recorded by the Chimney Sweep Act
• Merger into guild
• Chimney maintenance obligation: 4 times for all-year-round heating & 3 times for usual heating
• Since 2013 free choice of chimney sweep

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