Also important this week: fixed deposits, Corona time-out, taxes - and voting!

Our call: Go to the polls!

Many people are still undecided ahead of this federal election. This is also due to the fact that no chancellor is running for office this time. The parties' plans are playing a bigger role than usual. Consumer issues have rarely been as important as they are now, whether it's the question of whether taxes will be increased for some people, how old-age provision will develop or what we will have to pay for a rented apartment in the future. And then there's climate protection and the question of what it will cost. In four special newsletters, we have investigated for you what the parties are doing about Living, Pension and Taxes plan - and how you can work with Climate protection even save money. Also our podcasts for the election help with the decision. Good luck!

Fixed deposit interest rate: Above 1 percent again

It's not all downhill with interest rates: The Swedish payment service provider Klarna* offers on new Time deposit accounts currently 1.04 percent per year if you invest the money there for two years. However, a minimum of 5,000 euros is required. You can find all interest rates and terms in our tables at the end of the newsletter.

Federal government sponsors Corona time-out for families in need

Families with a small income or a relative with a disability can take a few days off starting in October with a fat government subsidy. You'll need to pay for up to seven nights of room and board at a nonprofit Family Holiday Center only have to bear around 10 percent of the costs themselves. The rest is covered by the federal government as part of the "Corona Time Out for Families" program. The stays can be booked now and per eligible family - once each for this year and next year. To be fast is worthwhile itself, the number of the places is limited. One of the prerequisites is that the offspring must be eligible for Child benefit exists. The details are described in the Ministry of Family Affairs.

Tax interest: Tax offices set interest at 0 for the time being

The tax authorities have decided how to implement the Federal Constitutional Court's ruling on the tax interest rate: The judges had set the interest rate at 6 percent per year rated as too high. If you are expecting a tax refund, you do not have to do anything. For the time being, the tax offices will suspend interest on refunds and back payments in new notices. Only when the Bundestag has set a new interest rate - which it must do by the middle of next year at the latest - will the tax office change the notices retroactively. The same procedure applies if you have to pay back taxes. More in the guidebook.

Tax benefits for Corona helpers

Volunteers at immunization centers may be eligible for either the exercise instructor or the Volunteer allowance claim. The tax- and social security-free Exercise leader allowance up to 3,000 euros in 2021 is available for helpers who were directly involved in the vaccination - in educational talks or during the vaccination itself.

On the other hand, you are entitled to the honorary allowance of up to 840 euros if you work in the administration or in an organization during the pandemic. helped. The regulation also applies to 2020, although the maximum amounts were lower then (2,400/720 euros). You can claim the lump sums in your Tax return.